There’s nothing like a swipe of beautiful pink blush to give your face a youthful glow. Blush is the one step you don’t want to skimp on because it brightens your face, brings life into your complexion and gives you a healthy wash of color. It can even have a face lifting effect. We’re never shy of blush here at Citrine. But, is all blush created equal? Unfortunately, no. We’re going to share why you need to steer away from conventional blushes and what ingredients to  completely avoid. We’ll share our absolute favorite blushes & give you our top tips for achieving your most elevated flush.

One of the major common offenders in not only blush, but all powder-based formulations such as bronzers, finishing powders and eye shadows is talc. By now, thankfully, there’s more wide-spread awareness of the dangers of talc in cosmetics and its comedogenic properties as well. When you’re choosing your blush, the first thing you’re going to want to check for on the ingredient list is talc. Additionally, conventional blushes contain a laundry list of other common toxins such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, preservatives, fragrance and more.

Ingredients to Avoid in Blush

001: FORMALDEHYDE

Used as a preservative & a dye additive, formaldehyde has been linked to brain cancer, leukemia, nerve damage, skin irritation, asthma, and birth defects.

002: DIETHANOLAMINE

This foaming agent has been banned in Europe due to studies linking it to cancer in animals. It is still allowed in products sold in the US.

003: TRICLOSAN

Triclosan is added to many products to prevent bacterial contamination & is known for being a preservative, an anti-microbial agent, and an anti-fungal compound but it is a known endocrine disruptor & suspected carcinogen.

004: TALC

Used to absorb moisture or prevent caking, increase opacity, and smooth or soften formulas. Talc can be contaminated with asbestiform fibers. Asbestiform fibers are known carcinogens and studies have linked them to mesothelioma. Some talc deposits can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen, which poses a serious health risk when inhaled or applied to the skin. Even though many talc products claim to be asbestos-free, there is still a risk of contamination during the mining and processing of talc. Furthermore, talc particles are very fine and can easily become airborne when applying makeup, making inhalation a concern.  

005: LAKE DYES

Colorants which are petroleum derived and are subject to FDA certification in the US. Because they are petroleum-derived, lake dyes may be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic.

 

TOP CLEAN SWAPS

When you make the switch to clean beauty and start to ditch your chemical-laden beauty products, you not only avoid any negative side effects and health issues but you’re also opting to treat your skin with products made by brands who really care. The brands curated here at Citrine are dedicated to providing exceptional products that go above and beyond giving you a product to enhance your appearance and makeup products actually contain skin nourishing vitamins, nutrients and other beneficial ingredients. It’s truly a win win. 

Since it’s launch earlier this year, the RMS ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush has been flying off our shelves. We actually have trouble keeping some of the top shades in stock! Not only is this a founder favorite (one she wears everyday), but a crowd pleaser. It’s a unique wet powder technology that goes on like a traditional powder blush but appears more cream-based on the skin for a true multidimensional and luminous finish. Loaded with ingredients like wildcrafted buriti and organic jojoba oils, it keeps your complexion hydrated and nourished. This is also a refillable product!

If you’re looking for something to give you a true no-makeup-makeup effect, opt for the Tata Harper Vitamin-Infused Cream Blush. With only 14 ingredients, this weightless, ultra-creamy blush gives you the most natural, skin-like finish and youthful glow. It’s formulated with antioxidants to protect and defend your skin from environmental stressors and nourishing vitamins that double as skin care.

Another cream blush that has been a best seller for years is the iconic ILIA Multi-Stick, which you can’t go wrong with. It’s super blendable, so easy to use and perfect for on the go… leaving you with the most radiant flush. It’s a true multi-purpose product that you can also swipe on your lips and lids. The Jane Iredale Purpresed Blush is a true powder blush that’s also a true crowd favorite if you’re looking for something more matte and traditional. They’re highly pigmented, buttery smooth and give your cheeks the perfect wash of color.

HOW TO APPLY BLUSH FOR A FACE-LIFTING FLUSH

You’re going to want to start with a dewy, supple canvas so make sure to prep your skin with a moisturizer or a hydrating primer. Choose blush shades that are two to three shades darker than your naturally flushed skin tone. If you want to add dimension, you can use a darker hue on the inner cheeks and use the lighter shade as you sweep outward. The key to any good blush application is to blend blend blend… and that can’t be stressed enough. If you’re using a cream blush, you can apply the blush to your fingers first to warm the product up and then apply with the fingers to stimulate circulation. Next, go in with a cream brush to continue blending out the edges in small circular strokes. We also love to add a touch of blush to the nose to get that really sunkissed look. It’s an effortless way to bring even more life into the face.