We've all suffered the 'clown' blusher effect at some point; here's how to master the fine art of cheek colour

Blusher adds colour and depth to the skin and can add a healthy glow to colourless cheeks, forehead and nose. Blusher will also give dimension to areas that would ordinarily be lost. The key is to apply a very small amount. If you watch a professional make-up artist apply blusher, you would be surprised at the minuscule amount of make-up that is actually on the brush before it's swept across the cheekbones. You can always build colour, so start small.

Powder
Powder blusher is best applied after your face powder. It will lie on top of the skin, adding a translucent glow. Using a blusher brush, sweep it across your cheekbones. For a contour, use a deeper shade in the hollow of the cheek. But remember, you only want the sheerest hint of colour.

Cream
Cream blusher has the most intense pigment and should be used sparingly. Apply it over foundation, but before powder. Start at the apples of the cheek and blend upward.

Liquid and gel
Liquid and gel blushes will give you a stain of colour that will look very natural. Apply over foundation or to bare skin for a soft, fresh-scrubbed look.