Glamorous, girly and just a little bit cheeky, we meet the make-up mavens behind beauty brand Benefit who give us the best tips on how to apply blush.
Founded in 1976 by twin sisters Jean and Jane Ford, US-based cosmetics company Benefit is famous for its innovative formulas and quirky names, and has a huge celebrity following (Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker and Naomi Watts are fans). Today, Jean’s daughters, Maggie and Annie Ford Danielson, work as Benefit make-up trend artists on opposite sides of the US: Maggie, 29, looks after the East Coast; and Annie, 23, tends to the West.
Beauty school 101:
How to apply blush
"Blush is meant to give you defined, flushed cheekbones, so remember: less is more."
1. Choose light peach or pastels.
2. Swirl a slant powder brush onto the blush and tap off the excess.
3. Sweep the brush in an upward motion across cheekbones then up to the temple and blend into the hairline. This shades cheekbones properly and creates a more natural look.
Tip: To boost your complexion, sweep the same blush across lids. Also smooth on lips with a salve for an instant smile and glow. Slant Powder Brush, $39, and Coralista blush, $51, both by Benefit, 02 8353 5000.