Instead of Blush: 5 New Ways to Get that Flushed Cheeks Look

Nothing conveys youth and beauty like dewy, flushed cheeks. We all know this—why do you think blush shades have names like Orgasm, Afterglow, Tipsy, Poppy and Love at First Sight? There’s even research to back it up. A 2009 study at the University of St. Andrews School of Psychology found that people look at your cheeks to judge how healthy, thus attractive, you are. Lead researcher Ian Stephen explained, «Our skin contains many tiny blood vessels that carry blood laden with oxygen to the skin cells, allowing them to «breathe», and allowing us to lose heat during exercise.

People who are physically fit or have higher levels of sex hormones have more of these blood vessels and flush easier than people who are unhealthy, unfit, elderly or smokers.» So do we really need layers of makeup to radiate that healthy, breathless, just had a fantastic roll in the hay, post-workout glow once we’ve left our twenties behind? Almost all of us need a little help now and then, especially if we’re busy moms. Still, the best blush comes from within so we’ve found a few ways to get naturally flushed cheeks.

1. Exfoliate

Weekly exfoliation gets rid of dull, dead skin cells so your naturally rosy complexion can shine through. Don’t go overboard, too much harsh scrubbing can cause irritation and breakouts and no one wants that.

2. A Glass of Wine (But just one.)

A recent U.K. study found that people look more attractive after they have one drink. The people doing the rating weren’t drinking so no beer goggles involved here! One theory posed by the researchers was that the drinkers were rosier after one drink—as we all know it can only go downhill from there….

3. Eat Your Carotenoids

The best blush begins with a healthy diet containing plenty of carotenoids. Translation: orange-red fruits and veggies like carrots, watermelon and tomatoes. That’s exactly how flamingos get their spectacularly colored plumage!

4. Exercise

Working up a sweat gives you an instant rush of color but it isn’t totally temporary. Regular cardio revs up circulation, eliminates toxins and gets oxygen flowing throughout your body. That all adds up to a vibrant, glowing complexion.

5. Fruits & Veggies

There’s a reason deep crimson fruits and vegetables have been used to create pigments for centuries. You can make a super simple DIY lip and cheek stain using a beet, olive oil and honey that gives you a sheer, natural flush. Instead of a beet, you can substitute different fruits (like strawberries, cherries or blackberries) to create different shades.

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