Secrets From A Beauty Founder

If I could only use one makeup product, it would be blush. Let’s not forget I wear glasses, so I can kind of hide any under-eye darkness…and as a brunette, I already have some natural definition.

Most nights when I’m running out the door late for dinner, I swipe blush on my cheeks, nose, forehead, lips and sometimes even my eyelids and I’m good to go.

There’s something about a pop of pink on brunettes that just makes you stand out and look instantly pretty. But honestly I could say the same for silver hair, blonde or red. It works on everyone.

I’ve always believed in a pop of color on the cheeks. As a young makeup artist, I remember explaining to Lois Johnson at Mademoiselle that the right blush shade draws attention away from anything else you might be overanalyzing on your face.

I don’t care if it’s powder, cream, gel or foam. Anything works. It can even be your lipstick. And if all else fails, pinch your cheeks. It’s the perfect color and always looks great in a selfie.

Now a little background on our newest launch, the Blushing Stick.

We gave our original Lip and Cheek Stick an update, creating a more portable package with a slightly larger bullet for easier blending, plus more slip (thanks to added skincare ingredients).

We also revisited the shade range, which meant making some tough calls about what stays and what joins the family.

At the same time, we were keeping a secret, appointing our first Chief Blush Officer, Emily DiDonato, who is just as obsessed with blush as I am.

As a busy mom of one and soon to be two, she truly understands how little time there is to get ready. Her perspective was invaluable.

She even created her own shade, one I never would have expected. It’s a deeper color that somehow looks incredible on lighter skin. It gives that popsicle effect, sheers out just enough to create a fresh, beautiful flush with real staying power. She named it Joy, which perfectly reflects her outlook on life.

And in a full circle moment, I realized I had actually done her makeup years ago for one of her first modeling jobs, either Allure or Glamour. Funny how things come back around.

Here are photos of Emily wearing every shade, along with some behind the scenes from creating the range.

1. Smile and find the apples of your cheeks. Blend upward into the hairline, then soften downward if needed. Add to lips, and whatever’s left can go lightly on the nose. I’ll also tap a bit onto my forehead, and if it’s all I have, even under the chin and along the neck.

2. Most skin types don’t need moisturizer underneath. If you’re dry, layer it over moisturizer. If you’re oily, it works beautifully over a light layer of face powder.

3. I don’t contour, but if you like a sculpted look, use two shades. One deeper tone in the hollow of the cheek that blends easily, and a brighter pop on the apples.

4. I still love layering. Start with a more natural shade, then add a brighter one on top.

5. If you ever apply too much, just tap a little Miracle Balm over it to diffuse.

6. I usually apply straight from the stick and blend with my fingers. You can also use a brush directly from the stick onto your cheeks.

That’s it. Easy, quick and always flattering.