Choosing a Wedding-Day Blush

Blush should look natural, like the color you would have in your cheeks after a brisk walk. Products come in a range of pinks, peaches, plums, and bronzes. Pinks work well on fair skin, reddish browns on medium, and cinnamon or plum tones on dark. Test shades on your cheeks, not your hand. There are four formulas (below). New York City makeup artist Maria Romano layers powders over creams to make blush last longer; this technique creates a look that may be more intense than what you're used to, but that's good for photos. If you've chosen the right shade for your skin tone, it shouldn't appear too bright.

These produce a dewy, healthy glow and blend easily, but they may not last long on oily skin types; best for dry complexions.

Sheer and long-wearing, gels can be tricky to blend smoothly because they set in seconds; work quickly while applying.

They add a soft, polished look to the skin; they're easy to apply and blend with a brush but can look chalky on dry skin.

These formulas give skin a subtle, stained look; most are long-lasting and waterproof, but like gels, they can be hard to put on.