So Long Matte Face: Rules for Radiant Cheeks

You’re probably tired of me talking about adding radiance to the skin, but it’s so key in getting a healthy look that I can’t stress the point enough. Even if you’re oily matte is not your friend, the look adds years and it’s so 90’s. Getting your daily dose of radiance is as easy as sweeping on a little blush with a hint of glow that will have all eyes on your beautifully lit cheeks.

First though, I want to illustrate exactly what I’m talking about when I say radiance.

Matte vs. Radiance.

Jennifer Aniston was the poster girl for the 90’s matte makeup trend. When the skin’s natural finish is overshadowed by matte makeup, it looks flat and dull.

And here’s Jen now sporting the modern look of luminous skin. The difference is made with the weight and finish of the makeup, she’s still getting great coverage but with something that highlights her skin instead of covering it up. She’s 9 years older in the second pic, but looks younger and fresher.

Makes sense now seeing it that way right? Good, now let’s see some radiant cheek colors.

The Supernatural You Make Me Blush from Philosophy is a bronzy blushy combo that dances along the cheekbones to softly highlight them using a light-yet-well-pigmented mineral formula. In the light, you can see the soft gold tone in the shades that give the skin some serious dimension.

Laura Mercier’s Mineral Cheek Powder also uses minerals to jazz up the complexion. It’s the nature of minerals to add depth to the skin, and to never look chalky or harsh. It’s a formula that serves up a light dose of initial color that can be built up as much as you’d like. This shade (Coral) looks really orangey in the pot, but it took several layers to look this dark against my fair skin. Translation: it’s hard to over-do it.

Makeup Artist Christopher Drummond uses finely milled mica in his Sateen Blush collection for the most radiant look out of the bunch. I got 2 compliments the first time I wore it, which never happens with blush. Build the color on slowly and apply it in natural light, you’ll probably use a lot less blush than you normally do because of how great your skin will look using the slightest amount.

Stumble It!