Beauty 101: How to match your lipstick and blush

Date March 17, 2014

See how to match your lipstick and blush »

Blush and lipstick are meant to live in harmony. Both products are intended to create a look of flushed, healthy beauty, and used together, they can brighten your appearance on even the dreariest days. But how do you match your lipstick and blush? To get the best results, it’s important to choose colours that complement and don’t clash with each other. But with never-ending choices, finding the right pair can be a challenge.

The trick is to choose shades that are in the same colour family without being too matchy-matchy, and you can do this by choosing products that have the same undertone (warm undertone vs. cool undertone). We’ve rounded up a great selection of colours to show you six easy combinations that will take the guesswork out of pairing.

Look 1: Cotton Candy Blush, Cool Pink Lipstick

For a pretty and feminine face, a cotton candy pink blush is always a good starting point. If you’re going feather-light on the cheeks, it’s good to choose a delicate pink lip shade with blue undertones that won’t overpower your cheeks.

Our picks:
Nars Blush in “Gaiety” ($30, narscosmetics.com)
Revlon Matte Lipstick in “Stormy Pink” ($12, at drugstores)

Look 2: Classic Pink Blush and Lipstick

There’s nothing more timeless than classic pink. It’s the closest colour to a natural flush, and the best choice when you’re hoping to mimic a post-workout glow. Pair it with a classic pink lipstick in a matte finish for a slightly vintage look.

Our picks:
Cargo Blush in “Catalina” ($26, cargocosmetics.com)
Revlon Matte Lipstick in “Sky Pink” ($12, at drugstores)

Look 3: Rose Blush, Red Lipstick

This look is pure romance. When you’re going for a red lip of any finish, you can never go wrong with a perfect rose blush. If you want to go with a stained lip, feel free to be generous with your blush. On the other hand, if you plan to use a full finish, matte lip, apply your blush sparingly. It’s all about balance.

Our picks:
Nars Blush in “Amour” ($30, narscosmetics.com)
M.A.C Lipstick in “Viva Glam I” ($19, maccosmetics.com)

Look 4: Sangria Blush, Deep Wine Lipstick

For this rather sultry look, keep it in the family. As a general rule, if your lip colour could be described as anything that came from a vineyard (e.g. merlot, burgundy, port, claret) it’s good to choose a blush that could be, too! When you’re choosing a blush, look for a shade that reminds of of sangria— a slightly watered-down wine tone. As with the rose/red combination, the darker your lip shade, the lighter touch you should use with your blush.

Our picks:
Nars Blush in “Seduction” ($30, narscosmetics.com)
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in “Black Cherry” ($7, at drugstores)

Look 5: Peach Blush, Neutral Lipstick

This look is a beachy dream. There’s no better match for a warm, neutral lip colour than a pale orange blush. Of course, you can always go with bronzer, but for colder months, our pick is peach!

Our picks:
M.A.C Blush in “Peaches” ($25, maccosmetics.com)
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in “Nude Attitude” ($7, at drugstores)

Look 6: Plum Blush, Sheer Plum Lipstick

When you’re working with any red-violet shades such as plum, they generally work best with a similar toned blush. Try pairing a plum gloss with a sheer plum blush. You get a pop of dramatic colour with a dialed-down intensity that’s perfect for more natural beauties.

Our picks:
M.A.C Blush in “A Breath of Plum” ($25, maccosmetics.com)
Maybelline Color Whisper by Color Sensational in “A Plum Prospect” ($7, at drugstores)