Here's How To Fix The Blush Mistakes You're Making

My makeup routine is the longest part of my morning. I have a ritual — I sit at my vanity, half asleep, and massage my favorite moisturizer all over. Then, I apply a thin layer of foundation, then mascara and any other eye makeup while my foundation settles in, then I apply blush. It's my last step not only for practicality, but also because it's the final pop that my skin needs. I don't really feel complete until my cheeks are flushed.

That's why I've always been pro-blush. Whether it's mid-summer or the dead of winter, it's never failed to brighten and add some life to my skin. But recently, I've found my complexion looking either too red, too blotchy, or too dry — and adding color to my cheeks seems to be simultaneously adding to my problem. I began to wonder, what is it that I'm doing wrong?

In order to get to the bottom of things, I tapped the mind of NYC makeup artist Nina Park (Bella Thorne's go-to girl!) to find out the five biggest blush mistakes that she sees, and exactly how to fix them. Because they're literally nothing worse than a splotchy red face, especially when it's totally possible to avoid it.

Mistake #1: You're Only Using Powder Blush

For women with drier skin, Park recommends using a cream blush. Just apply it with your fingers at the apples of your cheeks and blend outwards for a natural, healthy-looking glow.

Mistake #2: You're Using Frosty Shades

Shiny blushes can be a great final accent to add on top of blush, but for your base Park recommends sticking to matte or satin blush textures to create a more natural effect.

Mistake #3: You're Applying It Into Your Hairline

Instead of brushing your blush into your hairline, which tends to look unnatural, Park advises adding color to the apple or hollows of your cheek and blending seamlessly into skin until it fades out.

Mistake #4: You're Applying A C-Shape

"It isn’t the 90’s anymore," says Park. Instead of packing on the color, go for a no-makeup look by applying your blush to resemble a natural flush at the apples of your cheeks.

Mistake #5: You're Only Using It On Your Cheeks

Multi-tasking products are the best products. In order to bring a whole look together, Park loves applying blush as eyeshadow.

Adios, bad blush!

Images: Kenny Suleimanagich/Bustle