Save your blushes

Thinking of downsizing your make up for summer? I could live without most of the contents of my make-up drawer, but if I really had to live with just three products, the choice is simple: concealer, mascara, and our subject for today, blusher.

Here’s a product that can take years off, add vitality and give a natural “just ran around the block” flush of rude good health. The right shade can intensify eye colour and add contour and shape to the face. Complexions lose colour as the years roll by, and blush gives you back the flush of younger skin.

There’s nothing new about blusher, it’s been around since the Ancient Egyptians (men and women) wore red ochre on their cheeks and lips to balance their heavy kohl rimmed eyes; and many a Victorian lady pinched her cheeks before making her entrance (this is still a good way to find your ideal natural shade.)

Blush comes in many forms – forget the powdery rouge of your maiden aunt, modern powders are very finely milled and give an “up close” natural result. A good brush is essential; ditch the brush that comes with the blusher, they’re invariably too small and badly shaped. Most blusher brushes are large and very soft, but I find a smaller head gives more control.

Place the colour on cheekbone and blend, blend, blend, angling upwards and outwards towards temples. Cream blush is applied with fingers - simply tap onto cheekbones until blended (this gives a better finish than the natural tendency to rub in). Easiest of all are the stick versions, which are a doddle to apply. Off you go now.

Forget any thoughts of a powdery buildup with

Clinque's Cheek Pop

, €20; the silky formula gives a vibrant shot of colour that makes cheeks... pop.

NYC cream stick blush

is a bargain at 3.49; the                                        lively shade Never Sleeping Pink would look terrific                                     with a tan.

YSL's Baby Doll Kiss & Blush, €30, a hybrid of foundation and lipstick which gives cheek-bones a soft wash of colour and lips a more intense shade.

MakeUp Forever HD cream blush,

€20, is a blend of was and powdre that gives a great natural finish. 16 shades are divided into cool or wardm skintones. Long lasting. Mufe.ie