Afternoon beauty fix: A little blush will make your bronzer last all winter long

I feel like my face looks too fair and round without bronzer, but I heard it’s a faux pas to wear in the winter. What shade of blush should I wear instead? The faux pas that you’re referring to is true… sort of. There are certain types of bronzer that are suitable for summer tans—they’re metallic and somewhat glittery. On the other hand, bronzers that are relatively shimmer-free are ideal for delivering a touch of colour and shapely definition to your face, no matter the time of year. We like M.A.C’s Cremeblend Blush in “Tea Petal” ($20, maccosmetics.com) because it’s easy to blend and contour, plus it has a subtle brown base, which acts as a nice alternative to bronzer. Apply it just below your cheekbones and use your fingers to blend the pigment upwards towards your temples. A second step worth considering is adding a bright pop of blush to the apples of your cheeks. This will complement the contoured colour on your cheeks and help to add a little warmth to your face—a must in the winter! Purple-based shades match well with bronze, and we especially love them for their ability to look bright while still adding depth. Our top purple picks include Cover Girl & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in “Lush Berry” ($15 at drug stores), with a rich raspberry-red finish, and the lilac tint of Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Color in “Violet” Orchid ($30 at Holt Renfrew) which looks light and lovely.

In need of an afternoon beauty pick-me-up? Email us at beautyfix@fashionmagazine.com.