There’s a fair amount of talk surrounding what color blush makeup you should and shouldn’t wear. At NYX Professional Makeup, we believe there are no rules dictating your blush usage. Wear what you like. That said, there are plenty of tips that can help you find a shade you’ll like. One of the best ways to pick a blush color is to consider your skin tone.

If you have fair skin…try lighter shades of pink and peach, like our Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint in Baby Doll. A soft coral is also perfect, especially for summer.

If you have medium skin…take things a bit darker with hues of rose, mauve, and warm peach. Need a recommendation? We’re fans of the Sweet Cheeks Creamy Powder Blush Glow in Fig.

If you have dark skin…you’ll look amazing in sweet plum and golden bronze shades. Berry blushes, like Wonder Stick Blush in Bright Amber + Fuschia, are another great option.

Your skin’s undertones can also point you in the direction of blush shades that will flatter your complexion. Those with cool undertones tend to be well-suited to pinks, while warmer shades like peach, orange, and bronze will complement skin with warm tones. If you have neutral undertones, just about any blush color will look as if it’s made for you—but a nude hue is a great jumping-off point.

Aside from choosing a color, picking your formula type is the biggest blush-centric decision you have to make. There are two main options: cream blush and powder blush. And while there are proponents of each, we’d argue one isn’t better than the other. They both have their benefits!

Cream blush is easy to blend and can give you an especially natural-looking result. It also tends to be great for dry skin types as it won’t cling to rough patches. Powder blush makeup, on the other hand, is often extra pigmented and lasts longer on oily skin.

Some people are diehard cream fans and some only wear powders. But you don’t have to decide on one or the other forever. You can always choose the option that best suits your needs on a specific day; let’s say, creams for a no-makeup, makeup look and powders when you’re really experimenting with color. For the best of both worlds, there’s also the option of layering a powder blush over a cream to get even more color impact and staying power.

Your lesson on blush colors and formulas is complete. If you still aren’t sure as to which blush to use, we’ll say this: The type of blush you use is really up to you. Beginners may prefer powders, as they’re easy to control and can be applied as light or as heavy as needed. But pros are also fans of powder blushes because there’s such a wide variety of color options. Creams receive just as much love; they can give skin the ultimate natural glow. We recommend experimenting and finding what works for you and your beauty routine.

Blush goes on your cheeks—we all know that. But, as with most things, it’s not quite that simple. Much like contour products, you can apply blush in specific spots to flatter your face shape and play up your favorite features. There are also blush trends, like applying the product to your nose (it creates a warm, rosy-faced effect that you might like more than you’d think).

One oft-repeated recommendation for applying cheek blush involves smiling to find the apple of your cheek, then dusting blush right on that spot before repeating on the opposite side. This gives a plump, youthful look that’s just about as classic as it gets. While this blush style has been worn by nearly everyone, it’s specifically suggested for those with square faces. The other shapes have slightly different placement recommendations.

If you have an oval face shape, try starting on the apple of your cheek, then brushing the blush upward. To flatter a heart-shaped face, place blush beneath the apple and blend toward your temples. For a round face shape, apply blush to your cheekbones and sweep it back toward your hairline.

Applying powder blush is straightforward; you’ll always use a makeup brush to dust it on and blend it out. With creams, however, you have options. You can use makeup brushes, sponges, or—yes—your fingers. And the latter has the perk of not requiring you to have any extra tools on hand. When you use your fingers, the warmth from your skin can offer the added bonus of helping better blend out the blush for a more natural finish. If you do choose this option, the most important thing to remember is to wash your hands before applying your makeup (something you want to do regardless of your application technique). Skip this step, and you could be transferring bacteria onto your skin, which, ick.

Pro Tip: If you prefer to stick with a blush brush, you’ll want to choose the right one based on your desired effect. For makeup looks with high color payoff, grab a dense powder brush, while a fluffy powder brush is perfect for a lighter application.

Follow this quick tutorial to masterfully add cream blush to your makeup routine.

1. Determine placement. First things first, decide where your blush goes. Put on a big smile to find the apples of your cheeks, then think about your face shape and where your blush will look best. If you want to prep your skin with primer or apply foundation, do that now before moving on to step two.

2. Apply to skin. Next comes getting the blush onto your skin. This step depends on the product. If you have a blush stick, swipe it directly onto your face. Blush in a pot or tube can be applied with a blush brush or your fingers. There are also some cream blushes, like our Soft Cheek Tint, that come with their own applicators to help with precise placement.

3. Blend, blend, blend. Once the blush is on comes the most important step: blending. You don’t want to look as if the blush has been stamped onto your cheeks. Use your brush, fingers, or a makeup sponge to blend for a more natural, soft look. When you finish, you can give your skin a quick spritz of setting spray or dusting of powder to lock in your blush.