My personal makeup kit has five items in it. Aside from the brushes, I have an eyeshadow palette and a highlighter that I love to use when I go out at night. However, if I could have only three items? My concealer, mascara and blush would be my choice. My concealer is more versatile than a foundation as the right moisturizer will adjust the coverage. My mascara, well, that's for obvious reasons although I have had my lashes tinted and if you have a salon you trust, I highly recommend it. Probably my most versatile item is my blush. I have two kinds of blush, cream and powder. For most uses, cream blush lasts longer than a powder that can brush off or transfer. The powder can have a little shimmer and can be placed in various places much like a bronzer. Here's a couple tips on how to apply both.
1. If you are using cream blush, keep in mind that you can add more but it's difficult back off if you went too heavy.
2. Use your fingers to lightly tap the surface of the blush.
3. Smile to find the apples of your cheeks and lightly apply the blush in layers by tapping your finger against the skin. Tip: contrary to what the 80's told us, blush is not a contouring tool. It does not belong in the hollow of your cheek. If you are like me, and blush easily, use that as a guide for application. Blush belongs where the flush shows up on your face.
4. A couple taps of a powder blush on the high planes of the face (cheekbones, above eyebrows, bridge of your nose and upper chin) gives you a nice flush and a little color. Tip: before application, tap off the excess powder.
5. Stop when you see color. A little flush goes a long way. You are going for healthy glow, not heavy color.
As a bonus, try your cream blush as lip color. Stila Convertible Color in Rose and Poppy are my personal favorites. For a powder, I adore Benefit Face powders are Dandelion, Sugar Bomb and Coralista.