If applied properly, blusher can transform your complexion. Here's how to do it

Blusher warms with the heat of the body to a more intense hue, which is one reason to apply it very sparingly.

STEP 1 Throw away the brush that comes in the compact; it's too stiff and small to create a natural look. Use a good blusher brush.

STEP 2 Grin into the mirror to see where the apple of your cheek appears.

STEP 3 Dip your blusher brush into the powder, shake off the excess, and brush it lightly over the apple of the cheek, moving toward the ear, with short, up-and-down vertical movements.

STEP 4 Blend blusher in with one soft horizontal stroke on top of the vertical strokes, and blot a tissue on top to remove the excess, or cover lightly with powder.

STEP 5 If you're feeling particularly washed out, you can brush a light stroke of blusher across your forehead up by your hairline or just above the brows where the sun would hit your face. (But don't overdo it.)

Creams and gels
If you use a cream or cheek gel, dab a tiny bit on the apple of each cheek and gently rub it in with your fingers. (It's best to start with too little and add more later.) Make sure you blend very, very well. Many make-up artists use a sponge or brush to apply cream blusher, as well as foundation and powder to help blend it. Take a tiny bit on the tip of the brush or sponge and gently stroke upwards. (If the idea of using a brush on liquid formulations seems foreign, remember that artists paint with brushes, not sponges or powder puffs. And painting your face is an art.)