Roses are red, and so are you cheeks: why you should lighten up your blush shade

Blush might have been outshone by bold lips and cat eyes over the past few seasons, but that’s all changing thanks to new drugstore and prestige formulas, from creams to stains, and plenty of bright-cheek inspiration from both the runways and editorial shoots. But how do you pick the best blush color for your complexion? We chatted with makeup artist Katey Denno—who works with Amanda Seyfried, Isla Fisher, Mindy Kaling, and more—for guidance.

“Blush is all about making the rest of the face brighter and fresher,” Denno says. “The goal is to pick a shade that matches the color of your cheeks when you have a natural flush.” Copy your post-workout glow, or just click through our gallery for Denno’s expert recommendations.

Once you determine the best blush color for your complexion, picking a formula is easy: If you’re prone to breakouts or have oily skin, go for a powder formula. A cream or stain is good for clear skin and darker complexions but needs to be reapplied after a few hours. If you want a bold, colorful cheek, try layering a powder formula over a stain or cream—it’ll last the longest