Blusher is big this spring, and you can use it on your lips, too, writes Melanie Morris
This spring, we will be wearing blusher on our cheeks - and in the case of some clever, newer products - on our lips too. Rose is the colour of the season, but peach is a safer bet for Irish complexions.
SHAPE AND CONTOUR
According to make-up artist Caroline Barnes: "Apply powder blush with a generous brush, such as Clinique's new natural hair blusher brush. Using the side of the brush, apply blusher to the apples of your cheeks, sweeping outwards. Be sure to tap the brush or dance it over your hand before applying it to your skin to remove the excess product. Avoid prodding the brush at a 90-degree angle to your face. Stroke the skin, using the brush at an angle. Dust the brush over your eyelids for a subtle, natural finish."
THE CREAM OF THE CROP
Powder blushers may be the most common, but in recent times there has been a revival of interest in cream-formulated rouge. Origins Pinch Your Cheeks is a lovely, sheer-but-colour-rich gel that's easily applied and adds a healthy glow. Lancôme's Color Dose paint tubes come in a variety of pink-to-tawny cream tones that work well when applied after foundation, but before powder. Both come in handy, handbag sizes. Nars The Multiple should be a staple in every make-up kit. Whether you are choosing a colour to shade or one to highlight, simply stroke on and blend for the desired effect. This is the easiest to use and most flattering cream blush.
FRESH FACES
For those who like something a little more sheer - the no make-up look - Stila's Color Push Ups (three shades) or DuWop's Blush Therapy (six shades) dispense a slick of translucent colour. These are particularly good when worn over tinted moisturiser such as BeneFit's You Rebel or Stila's Pivotal Skin foundation.
GAME SET MATCH
Because blush is such a strong story for summer 2005, take it as the lead when thinking about lip colour. Celebrity make-up artist Daniel Sandler suggests you mix a little of your blusher with lip balm for a matching tint. Bobbi Brown goes one better with the launch of Pot Rouge, a dual-purpose cream (eight shades) that works on lips and cheeks.
I WANT IT ALL
Becca's Pressed Shimmer Powders look everything from nondescript to scary in the compact, but when stroked across cheekbones, they transform the face with colour and shimmering accents - Gypsy (pink with gold), Angel (soft pink with pale gold) are especially good. They cost £24 and can be ordered online from www.beccacosmetics.com.