Fashion

The Blush Hacks Every Lazy Girl Should Know

by Courtney Leiva

If you are the kind of girl who likes sleeping until the last minute every morning, you’re probably always on the hunt for some time saving beauty tips that will allow you to hit the snooze button, and doze off for a little longer. As a lazy girl myself, I have to recommend these blush hacks for their effortless time saving powers.

Seriously, if you don’t have time (or the energy!) to whip out the foundation, falsies, and lip gloss, know that a little blush can definitely give you that wide-awake look we all strive for.

Much like eye shadow and lipstick, blush is one of those multitasking products that can work wonders in any makeup routine. And since it instantly brightens your face, It Cosmetics Founder Jamie Kern Lima says it’s a must have product for lazy girls everywhere.

“No matter how lazy you're feeling, applying blush is a must because it brightens and brings life to your whole complexion,” explains Jamie Kern Lima through email. “And if you're feeling lazy, a great blush can also double as your lip color too.”

I've asked a slew of experts to school us on some time-saving blush hacks any lazy girl should know. Get ready for the easiest morning routine ever.

1. The Right Brush Saves Time & Energy

Everyone thinks that proper application of blush starts with the product formula itself, but beauty experts like It Cosmetics’ Jamie Kern Lima find that selecting the right brush is really what’s key. A great blush brush not only evenly applies your product onto your face, but it also helps avoid over-application fails most everyone dreads.

“The right blush brush will save your life because it literally does the work for you,” she says. “The It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe French Boutique Blush Brush is custom cut, so no matter how lazy you're feeling, you literally can't mess up your blush.”

It Cosmetics Luxe French Boutique Blush Brush, $27.95, Amazon

2. Try To Find Multitasking Products

Once you’ve selected your perfect brush, it’s time to start thinking about your formula. And while there are several types of blush (cream, powder, liquid) to choose from, Kerry Cole, BECCA Cosmetics Style Director, recommends finding multitasking formulas to help make your mornings easier.

“If you’re feeling a little lazy, try using a blush that does double duty,” Cole explains in an email. “Beach Tints from BECCA cosmetics can be used on the checks and the lips for a subtle wash of all-day color.”

Becca Beach Tints, $25, Amazon

But if really you want something quick and painless, cream blushes make the best choice, as they glide easily onto the skin, and don’t require a brush to apply. In addition, cream formulas are often build-able, so they can be easily reapplied throughout the day for an on-point finish.

“If you’re in a time crunch, use a cream blush,” says Sonya Beltz, No7 Beauty Expert over email.“It’s perfect when you’re on the go, because it’s incredibly easy to use and doesn’t require a brush to apply. Simply dab it onto the apples of the cheeks, and blend with your fingers in upward strokes towards the hairline, then down to soften the edges.”

Try: HAN Natural Cheek and Lip Tint, $14, Amazon

3. Use Your Blush As A Lip Stain

Like eye shadow, blush can be used in a variety of ways. And yes it may seem a little awkward try your own DIY beauty recipes at first, but doing so saves loads of time and not to mention hard earned cash.

“Try using blush as lip stain,” says Natalie of Natalie’s Outlet from Michelle Phan’s ICON Network through email. “Mix it up with a bit of petroleum jelly, and you have a beautiful glossy lip.”

Try: butter London Cheeky Cream Blush, $20, Amazon

4. And To Help Cover Dark Circles

Dark circles can be a real pain in the neck, as they can leave you looking drained and tired. Blush can also step in and help reduce the appearance of under eye shadows, giving you wide-awake looking peepers in the process.

To use your blush as a pseudo concealer, “take some blush and mix it into a bit of petroleum jelly," says Natalie of Natalie’s Outlet. “If you're tan apply a reddish undertone blush, but if you're of fairer skin tone, apply a peachy/coral based blush. Blend it well into under eyes and apply your concealer as you normally would.”

5. Blend Blush Faster With Dry Oil

Applying dry oil on your face will allow blush to glide easily onto your face, making it a total cinch to apply.

“Try adding a dry oil like the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules, so that the skin is left soft and hydrated so the blush will last,” explains Elizabeth Arden Global Makeup Artist Rebecca Restrepo through email. “I apply either a cream or powder blush with a rounded sponge in quick flicking like dab. It helps blend and apply quickly. The trick is to just lightly touch the sponge to the blush and not pack the color on.”

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules, $27.69, Amazon

6. Or With Setting Powders

Mixing together some setting powder with your powder blush is another way to save dreaded blending time in the morning.

“Mix together a setting powder into your powder blush with a brush,” says Jose Rivera, Benefit Master Makeup Artist. “The added powder will ensure the blush doesn’t get blotchy when applying if your skin is hydrated or slightly oily."

Try: Maybelline Master Fix Setting Powder, $7.99, Amazon

7. Most Importantly, Find The Best Color Match For Your Skin

No matter which blush product you use, it will make application go more smoothly if you find a color that suits your natural skintone. Unlike eye liners or lipsticks (which are meant to be bold) most of us are looking for a natural flush when it comes to blush products. If that's the case for you, look for a shade that highlights the natural coloring on your cheeks, explains No7 expert Sonya Beltz.

“If you have fair skin, opt for softer shades of pink and peach to give a subtle flush, says Beltz. “For medium to tan skin, rose and berry hues are always complimentary, and for deeper skin tones, go for cranberry or cherry red hues.”

How easy was that?

Images: Brooke Cagle, Tachina Lee, Roksolana Zasiadko/Unsplash; Pixabay; milanmarkovic78/Fotolia; olllinka2/Fotolia