Best blush for light skin

The best blush for light skin is a soft rose or peach. Light skin has a little more depth than fair skin, so you can wear slightly richer pinks and corals without looking painted. Your undertone decides the direction. Cool or pink-leaning light skin looks great in rose and soft berry, while warm light skin glows in peach, apricot and coral pink. Neutral light skin can comfortably do both. A satin or soft matte finish looks the most natural, and a touch of glow on the top of the cheekbones keeps things fresh. Aim for the look of someone who just walked in from the cold, with color that blends into your skin rather than sitting on top of it.

Tips that actually help

• Pick blush based on undertone first: rose for cool, peach for warm, and dusty rose if you're somewhere in between.
• Smile, apply color to the apples of your cheeks, then blend back toward your hairline.
• Mix two shades if you can't decide. A little peach plus a little rose often looks the most natural.
• Press cream blush in with a damp sponge for a skin-like finish that lasts.

Go easy on: Very deep plums and brown-based blushes can look heavy on light skin. Super-pale, chalky pinks can also look ashy rather than fresh.