Mistake: Choosing Blush in the Wrong Color

When blush is not harmonious with your lip color, it looks harsh, as the blush here—which is too dark, too blue—does: The blue-purple undertones almost make the skin look bruised. Choose colors that are soft and sheer, giving the cheeks a fresh glow.

Women with fair skin look best in rosy pinks and peaches, “nothing too brown,” says Silver. Pinks and peaches work well on medium skin tones, too—even something slightly mauve will flatter those with cooler skin tones. Corals, oranges, berries, and rich bronzes complement darker complexions; avoid anything too blue or too light, which will look ashy. Silver recommends Three Custom Color Specialists' Crème to Powder Blush ($22.50, threecustom.com) for all skin types. “It applies easily and is totally controllable, never going on too heavy, and comes in all the right shades,” she says.