How To Choose Your Best Blush & Highlighter Shade

Finding the perfect blush and highlighter shade is like discovering the ideal cup of coffee—it takes a little experimenting but feels just right when you find it. Whether you’re a makeup newbie or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you navigate the sea of options with ease.

Understanding Your Skin Tone and Undertone

Before picking shades, it’s crucial to know your skin tone and undertone. Think of this as building a solid foundation for your choices.

Identifying Skin Tone

Skin tone is straightforward—it’s the visible color of your skin. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Fair Skin: Pale with a hint of pink or yellow.
• Medium Skin: Warmer tones, often with an olive base.
• Deep Skin: Rich and dark hues.

Finding Your Undertone

Undertones are the subtle hues beneath your skin’s surface:

• Cool Undertones: Pink, red, or bluish hues. If silver jewelry flatters you, you likely have cool undertones.
• Warm Undertones: Yellow, peachy, or golden hues. Gold jewelry might be your best friend.
• Neutral Undertones: A mix of both, meaning you can swing either way.

Hold up a piece of white paper next to your face in natural light. If your skin looks rosy, you’re cool-toned. If it’s more golden, you’re warm-toned. Neither? You’re neutral.

Choosing the Right Blush Shade

Blush should mimic the natural flush of your cheeks after a brisk walk. Let’s break it down by skin tone:

For Fair Skin: Go for soft pinks, peaches, and light coral shades. Anything too dark might look overpowering.

For Medium/Olive Skin: Warm peaches, apricots, and rosy tones are ideal. They bring out the natural warmth in your complexion.

For Dark Skin: Deep berries, rich reds, and bold tangerines are stunning. These shades provide a vibrant contrast.

For Deep Skin: Plums, deep roses, and fiery oranges pop beautifully against deeper tones.

Pro Tip

Less is more with blush. Use a fluffy brush and apply in light, sweeping motions. You can always build the intensity.

Selecting the Perfect Highlighter

Highlighter is the fairy dust of makeup—it gives you that ethereal glow. The right shade depends on your skin tone:

For Fair Skin: Opt for icy pearls or soft champagne tones. They blend seamlessly without looking too stark.

For Medium/Olive Skin: Golden and peachy highlighters complement the natural warmth of your skin.

For Dark Skin: Bronze and copper shades create a radiant glow without ashy undertones.

For Deep Skin: Rich golds and true bronzes shine best. They enhance the natural depth of your complexion.

Pro Tip

Stick to areas where light naturally hits: cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, brow bones, and the cupid’s bow.

Considering Skin Type and Finish

Your skin type can dictate the best formulas to use. Here’s a quick guide:

Skin Type	Blush	Highlighter
Oily Skin	Powder formulas	Powder-based, less shimmer
Dry Skin	Cream or liquid formulas	Liquid for a dewy finish
Combination Skin	Mix of powder and cream	Choose based on zones

Matte vs. Shimmer

• Matte finishes are ideal for a subtle look or if you have textured skin.
• Shimmer finishes add glow but can accentuate pores or fine lines.

Seasonal and Occasion-Based Choices

Your makeup wardrobe might change with the seasons or the event:

Summer Picks

Bright, lively blushes like corals and oranges paired with warm gold highlighters scream sunshine.

Winter Options

Muted mauves and soft pinks for blush; icy or champagne tones for highlighter give a frosty vibe.

Day vs. Night

For daytime, keep it subtle—think peach blush and a hint of highlighter. For evening glam, go bold with a berry blush and a dazzling golden glow.

Testing and Swatching Tips

Trying before buying is key. Here’s how to do it right:

• Swatch on Your Cheeks: Wrists don’t match your face tone.
• Check in Natural Light: Store lighting can be misleading.
• Patch Test: Avoid surprises if you have sensitive skin.

Top Product Recommendations

Let’s get down to some trusted picks across skin tones:

Product Type	Recommended Shades
Blush (Fair Skin)	NARS Orgasm, Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk
Blush (Medium Skin)	MAC Melba, Rare Beauty in Joy
Blush (Dark Skin)	Fenty Beauty in Drama Class, Pat McGrath Divine Rose
Highlighter (Fair)	Becca Moonstone, Dior Backstage Glow in 001 Universal
Highlighter (Medium)	Charlotte Tilbury Goldgasm, Anastasia Amrezy
Highlighter (Dark)	Fenty Trophy Wife, Black Radiance True Complexion Glow

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overdoing It: A heavy hand can turn “glow” into “disco ball.” Start light.
2. Ignoring Undertones: A mismatch can clash with your skin.
3. Mismatched Textures: Powder blush and liquid highlighter can be tricky to blend.

Conclusion

Selecting the perfect blush and highlighter shades isn’t rocket science, but it does take a little know-how. Focus on your skin tone, undertone, and preferences. Experiment until you find what makes you feel confident and radiant.

Remember, makeup is personal. What matters most is that it makes you smile when you look in the mirror.