The one minute genius blusher trick for naturally glowing skin

Sonia Haria
Updated
It glides on skin and creates a healthy, no-make-up flush that lasts all day. Make cream blush your glow-getter -
It glides on skin and creates a healthy, no-make-up flush that lasts all day. Make cream blush your glow-getter -

I was having a coffee with the make-up artist Pablo Rodriguez last week. He’s the sort of seasoned professional who just understands what make-up most women want: the hint of blush, the barely there cover-up, the eye-enhancing neutrals. That’s right  up my street. The golden nugget of advice  I garnered during our meeting? How you should apply your blusher underneath, not on top of, your foundation. Say what? 

The idea is you moisturise your skin, and then apply a cream blusher to the apples of your cheeks (or wherever you usually place your blusher). Press the cream into the skin and gently pat out along the cheekbones. Once the product is fully dried, follow with your foundation or base, lightly sweeping the coverage over the cheekbones (and over the blusher, if you like). 

Sounds messy, yes, but trust me – it’s foolproof. I only spend a few minutes applying make-up in the mornings and  I’ve started using this trick with complete success. The result is a credible, believable flush-from-within, without the tell-tale look of blusher. And the bonus is it lasts all day thanks to the cream formula. 

Cream blusher is definitely having a moment: the e-tailer Look Fantastic has reported a 90 per cent increase year on year in searches for ‘cream blush’. I’ve been using Colour Veil by Illamasqua (Pablo is the brand’s new director of artistry), which is very good; but over on the right are some other excellent picks. 

THE STELLA TOP FIVE

Glossier Cloud Paint in Puff, £15 (glossier.com) 

glossier
glossier

Buildable pretty pink colour that won’t look too heavy on the skin. 

llamasqua Colour Veil in Enamour, £20 (lookfantastic.com) 

illasmasqua
illasmasqua

Give skin a slightly bronzed look with this gorgeous terracotta shade.

Lancôme Blush Stick in 201, £27 (boots.com)

blush stick
blush stick

Incredibly easy to apply, we love the bright, popping red of this handy cream-blush stick. 

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks in Blushed Rose, £22 (bobbibrown.co.uk) 

bobbi brown
bobbi brown

A handbag must-have that comes in a gorgeous collection of shades.

Collection Speedy Blush Stick in Cheeky, £3.99 (superdrug.com) 

collection
collection

Tanned skin will glow with this fresh coral hue.