Best blush for medium skin

The best blush for medium skin is a warm rose or apricot. Medium skin has enough depth to carry real color, which means pale pastels can look chalky while rich, saturated shades look like a healthy flush. Warm rose, apricot, coral and soft berry are all easy wins. If your undertone is warm or golden, lean toward apricot, coral and warm peach. If you're cool, try rose, raspberry and berry. Neutral medium skin can wear dusty rose and mauve-pink beautifully. Choose medium-pigment formulas so the color shows up without much effort. Satin finishes look natural, and a little golden or pink glow on top keeps everything fresh and dimensional.

Tips that actually help

• Choose medium-pigment blushes. Very sheer ones may barely register on medium skin.
• Apply blush slightly higher on the cheekbones and blend toward your temples for a lifted effect.
• Layer a cream blush under a powder in a similar shade for extra staying power.
• Sweep a little leftover blush over your eyelids or the bridge of your nose for a coordinated, sun-kissed look.

Go easy on: Very pale pastels and icy pinks can look chalky on medium skin. Super-dark plums can look bruised if you overapply, so build them slowly.