BEAUTY

Best in Blush: Celebrity Makeup Artist Glenn Marziali Shares How To Get The Perfect Flush

ByKim West

Jul 12, 2013 12:23 AM EDT

Cheek to cheek, blush is essential to so many makeup looks. But what's the real purpose behind this sexy little flush of color? We tapped one of our resident makeup gurus, Glenn Marziali, to find out all the blush basics and learn a few secrets to pulling off a cool, not clownish look. Read below to learn a few of Glenn's tips, his favorite celebs who do blush best, and click through the slideshow for a few of his product recommendations.

So Glenn, is there is another important use for blush other than showing off cheeks?

You want to wear blush to add color to your look. It doesn't have to be a ton of color, either. Simple definitely says it, and less is always more. You want to use blush to make your face look vibrant and healthy. You're really just accenting the natural flush skin has, making your overall look that more appealing.

Can anyone wear blush? How do you pick a shade that's right for you?

I get this question all the time and the answer is yes. Anyone can wear blush, in any natural shade. I believe shades should be chosen for a soft flush color in the shades of brown red and pink undertones. A tan face would be well complimented with an apricot or peach blush. Compliment your skin subtly. A little goes a long and beautiful way.

What's the best way to apply blush? How can we avoid the dreaded clown face makeup?

The best way to apply blush is to use two fingers. Use your index and middle fingers and place them next to the nose. Then start your blush application from the apples of cheeks and sweep upward. You can also dab a bit onto your temples.

What are some of your favorite blushes and why?

For me, I love to use the Chanel and Benefit Cosmetics blushes. I dab a bit of Hoola Bronzer by Benefit to brown the blush and make it look more natural. It always gives a great minimal makeup look and achieves just the right kind of flush I love on skin.

Which celebs do blush best? What makes these celebs such blush standouts?

Kiiera Nightly and Kate Blanchette always have dewy, beautiful blush. Most likely, they are using a crème-based blush. If this is the look you are going for, try Lancôme's line of crème blushes. They will deliver this celebrity look well.

What other face makeup accents blush just right?

Try using a little shimmer on the apple of the cheek. It always enhances blush and creates a youthful glow.

Any shades to avoid? Any application techniques that just never work?

The choice of blush should have undertones of your skin color. Fair skin should go for more pinky tones. Olive tones can go for bronzier colors. Keep your blush natural and glowy. Orange or purple blushes tend to read more artificial. As for application, if you put too much on, you can correct it by using a round firm brush and translucent powder to tone it down. Stand back and if you look as red as a fire engine truck, tone it down. Glowy and flush is why I love blush!

LOL, we got it. Thanks Glenn!

For more of Glenn's work, visit his portfolio at https://www.factorydowntown.com/glenn-marziali.html