It is officially winter, and the holiday season is a great time to experiment with fun new colors in blushes to bring more life to your pretty face. Personally, I prefer powder blushes for the fall and winter and go for a more dewy finish with cream blushes towards summer. I’ve picked out the top four blushes that I reach for most during the wintertime. All these blushes are cool toned and range from $30 to as low as $3. 

Try avoiding harsh dark blushes on the apples of your cheeks, this will only weigh your face down and make you look older. You want to try to go with a natural flush and use a light shades like Cargo’s Blu-Ray Blush/Highlighter in “Pink” to brighten up the face. Don’t be fooled by the color in the pan, it actually comes out a bit darker on skin. This blush has a bit of shimmer but is not overpowering and reflects softly, giving the appearance of naturally glowing and youthful skin. I applied this blush with my Elf completion brush to the apples of my cheeks, taking it up to my cheekbones for a nice wash of color and subtle highlight.

Another light pink shade is from a mineral brand online called Sweet Face Minerals called “Sweet Cheeks”. This is basically the slightly warmer, loose powder version of the Cargo blush in “Pink”. You can get this in its original 20 gram jar from their online store, but the one I have is the 5 gram jar from their starter kit, which by the way would make an awesome holiday gift. Like the Cargo blush, I like to apply this to the apples of my cheeks and blend it up to my cheekbones and a little touch to the nose. This neutral light pink blush goes on flawlessly and gives it that perfect wintertime flush. Light blushes go great with a dark winter lip shades like reds and plums. Don’t go overboard and avoid going heavy on both cheeks and lips.

E.L.F. Fuchsia Fusion is a raspberry toned pink with sparkle, not shimmer, but chunky sparkle. Not to fear though, the sparkle won’t show up on your face which is great. I like to apply this near my cheek bones and in the hollows of my cheeks like a bronzer since it’s a darker shade. For a 3 dollar blush, the color payoff is great, similar to that of “Angelika” blush by Nars. With great pigmentation, price, and Nars-like packaging, this is hands down the best buy of the season.

M.A.C. sheertone blush in Breath of Plum has been my go-to blush this fall and will carry into this winter. The formula is so smooth and finely mild. Although it looks darker in the pan, it goes on much lighter and has buildable color. I go lighter on the apples of my cheeks and blend out to my cheekbones where I build up the color. This plum shade is not too light or too dark and gives the perfect soft and sophisticated plum winter look.

Look forward to every day to try out something new this winter and don’t be shy to experiment with new shades and looks. With Christmas and New Year parties on the way, don’t forget to blush it up this holiday season!

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The purpose of bronzer is to warm the face, as well as create shadows which can make the face appear slimmer (especially for round face shapes like mine). It can also be referred to as contouring when you are specially using the bronzer to give the face dimension and slim it.

Bronzer belongs right below the cheekbone, in the hollows of the cheeks. To find this, make a fish face and where you feel the indent below the cheekbone take a fluffy brush and place bronzer on each side of the face. Also use it around the temples, and across the bridge of the nose and chin. This will give the face a slightly tanned look. I used Smashbox Hydrating Halo Bronzer.

With blush, depending on your face shape, there are two places you can put it. For a round or oval face shape, you should place the blush right above the bronzer contour brushing it back towards the ears. Most face shapes can also pull off blush on the apples of the cheeks, which gives the face a more youthful look and can make it appear rounder if that is your desire. I put mine a little further behind the apples, and I used MAC blush in Springsheen.

To make sure the placement is not streaky or too muddy looking take a clean kabuki, or with a little translucent powder blend the blush and bronzer so they appear softer and more natural. Take my tips to make the most of your makeup arsenal, when you ask yourself bronzer or blush today, the answer is both!

The post When & How To Use Bronzer vs. Blush appeared first on Kouturekiss - Your One Stop Everything Beauty Spot - kouturekiss.com.

The purpose of bronzer is to warm the face, as well as create shadows which can make the face appear slimmer (especially for round face shapes like mine). It can also be referred to as contouring when you are specially using the bronzer to give the face dimension and slim it.

Bronzer belongs right below the cheekbone, in the hollows of the cheeks. To find this, make a fish face and where you feel the indent below the cheekbone take a fluffy brush and place bronzer on each side of the face. Also use it around the temples, and across the bridge of the nose and chin. This will give the face a slightly tanned look. I used Smashbox Hydrating Halo Bronzer.

With blush, depending on your face shape, there are two places you can put it. For a round or oval face shape, you should place the blush right above the bronzer contour brushing it back towards the ears. Most face shapes can also pull off blush on the apples of the cheeks, which gives the face a more youthful look and can make it appear rounder if that is your desire. I put mine a little further behind the apples, and I used MAC blush in Springsheen.

To make sure the placement is not streaky or too muddy looking take a clean kabuki, or with a little translucent powder blend the blush and bronzer so they appear softer and more natural. Take my tips to make the most of your makeup arsenal, when you ask yourself bronzer or blush today, the answer is both!

The post When & How To Use Bronzer vs. Blush appeared first on Kouturekiss - Your One Stop Everything Beauty Spot - kouturekiss.com.

Photo credit: {a href="http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/cheeks/bronzing-powder/laguna"}1{/a}, {a href="http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/cheeks/blush/blush/orgasm"}2{/a}, {a href="http://www.sephora.com/terracotta-bronzing-powder-P284710?skuId=1326230"}3{/a}, {a href="http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/cheeks/blush/blush/angelika"}4{/a}.

Bronzer can be a bit intimidating for someone with fair skin. I use it sparingly, because, let’s face it, no one is ever going to believe my face is naturally that shade! (I’ve embraced my paleness and look up to Nicole Kidman for inspiration) However, when a spice of color in the warmer seasons can look 100% natural, when applied properly.

When applying bronzer, focus on placement. Bronzer should be applied where the sun naturally hits your face. Lightly sweep bronzer on the forehead, over the bridge of your nose, the middle of your chin and then the apples of your cheeks. Need help finding your apples? Just smile!

Blush is safe, and can brighten/add a little but of “life” to fair skin during any season. When choosing a color, opt for pink and peach-based hues. Stay away from orange tones – they’ll look too harsh and obvious. Lightly dust blush the apples of your cheeks for the most natural look.

Don’t know where to start? Try these products:

• NARS blush in “Orgasm” – it really works for all skin shades
• NARS bronzer in “Laguna” – pairs beautifully with NARS blush in”Orgasm” for a dynamic duo that works double time
• Guerlain in “Terracotta, Fair” - (will work nicely for blondes also)
• NARS in “Angelika” – for pinker days

Whether you favor blush or bronzer, don’t neglect your neck! Take one sweep of the brush down your jaw line and onto your neck for a natural-looking glow.

The post Just For The Fair Skinned Girl… Bronzer Or Blush? appeared first on Kouturekiss - Your One Stop Everything Beauty Spot - kouturekiss.com.