“I like powder because when you have foundation and concealer on, a setting powder will usually be used to keep that in place before blush, so it makes more sense to do powder on top,” explains Avandaño, who adds, “I’m not opposed to cream but it would have to be done on top of foundation and concealer directly as not to disrupt the makeup.”
Stiles says she would choose powder above cream because it helps to absorb the oil and won’t contribute to any shininess that could break down the makeup.
Swap out your blush for bronzer
If you simply can’t see yourself getting on board with blush, take a cue from makeup artist Robin Black and try bronzer instead. “When I’m doing makeup on someone who has rosacea, I usually reach for a light bronzer rather than blush,” she says. “I apply a sheer foundation or a little bit of concealer to neutralize the redness but not cover it completely, and then I use a powder bronzer that is paler in shade with a golden undertone over the cheeks. The natural red from the rosacea comes through, and together, they create a gorgeous glowing cheek that mimics the look of a day at the beach.”
Additionally, if she wants to create more dimension, Black says she’ll use a slightly darker bronzer underneath the cheekbones for a chiseled effect.
Try applying with a beauty sponge
If you’re not getting the finish that you want from your fingers or a brush, then using a beauty sponge could be the solution, says makeup artist and self-described “dewy dumpling,” Nam Vo. “My biggest tip for applying blush if you have rosacea is to use a Beautyblender — for cream or powder blush,” she says. “A brush is basically going to be too stiff and irritating — you want to take a damp sponge and gently bounce it on the cheek area, otherwise you can easily irritate the skin and cause more redness.”
When in doubt, work with your natural flush
One technique worth trying is to actually skip blush altogether and simply use your skin’s natural redness to your advantage by allowing it to peek through in the areas where you would naturally flush. This is a method makeup artist and author Joanna Schlip previously shared with Allure and one she still sticks by. “Your base should be sheer enough on the apples so you still see a beautiful glow,” she explains.
