Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Get Cheeky With Spring's New Blush Trends

Spring has always served up pops of vibrantly hued makeup, and this year is no exception. Lids are getting crazy colorful, lips are going bubble-gum bright, and after seasons of piling on the bronzer, the simple flushed cheek is finally back. But finding your perfect fresh-faced look can be daunting—overdo it and you look clownish, contour too much and you've single-handedly brought back the '80s supermodel. Not to mention, high-octane brights can be intimidating to the color-shy. But according to makeup artist Raychel Wade, intense shades of blush are actually just the pick-me-up your face needs. "Trust me," she says, "bright blush is a surefire way to make your face look radiant, and in turn, younger." To help you get the job done, we've rounded up three runway-inspired blush options—all equally flattering—that can be turned into gorgeous, wearable spring looks.

Sweet Cheeks

Channelling the caught-in-the-sunshine-without-sunscreen look, a pop of blush on the apple of the cheeks is all you need to fake a natural flush (and still get your SPF). Celebrity makeup artist Joanna Schlip shares how: "Using a blush brush, smile and apply your blush in swirl motions to the apple of the cheeks. Remember, it's just a pop of color, so if you do pick a bright hue, you can always blend it out."

Above, from left: Michael Kors spring '11 images courtesy of Shiseido; Sonia Kashuk Beautifying Blush in Sunset, $8.99, available March 1 at Target; Sonia Kashuk Bamboo Chic Powder and Blusher Brush, $11.99, available March 1 at Target.

Above, from left: Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush, $11.99, available at Ulta; Maybelline Fit Me Blush, $4.99, available at Target; Marc Jacobs spring '11 images courtesy of NARS.