The best antidote to winter blues is a brilliant dusting of blush. The perfect flush can create the illusion of cheekbones, brighten a dull complexion and make you look younger. Find out which colour will make you glow—even in the deepest, darkest depths of winter.

For fair complexions...
A subtle flush of pink is the most natural choice for alabaster complexions. "Blendable formulas in light pink, peach and sheer raspberry are the most flattering for fair skin tones," says Vanessa Jarman, a P1M makeup artist based in Toronto.



Sheer berry: CoverGirl TruBlend Blush in Deep Mauve, $14, covergirl.ca .
Peach: Essence Silky Touch Blush in Autumn Peach, $3.50, shoppersdrugmart.ca .
Soft pink: L'Oreal Paris Visible Lift Blur in Soft Peach, $17, lorealparis.ca .

For warm complexions...
Warmer skin tones should stick with subtle corals, soft mauves and pale plums. Avois formulas that are too chalky or excessively bright, as they can look clownish. Take the time to blend your blush, the goal is a natural flush. "Be intentional with your makeup," says Jarman.

Plum: Caryl Baker Blush in Trolley, $23, carylbakervisage.com .
Coral: NYX High Definition Blush in Coraline, $8, nyxcosmetics.ca .
Muted mauve: Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette in Defining Roses, $37, clinique.ca .

For olive complexions...
Stick with warmer tones such as apricot or a mid-range rose, to combat green undertones. "If you want your makeup to look neutral and glowy, use a bronzer," says Jarman. "It looks really beautiful on the apples of the cheeks—and it's simply gorgeous on olive skin."

Bronze: Ilia Pure Lip Care Multi-Stick in At Last, $42, beautymark.ca .
Rose: Marcelle Monochromatic Blush in Pink Mademoiselle, $16, marcelle.com .
Apricot: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer COlour Stick in Blush No. 22, $51, thebay.com .

For dark complexions...
The struggle is real when you're searching for a blush that pops against dark skin and doesn't end up looking muddle or chalky. Bring on the pigments, says Jarman. Rich raisin, vivid brick or bright tangerine will pack right amount of punch.

Tangerine: Stila Aqua Glow Watercolour Blush in Water Poppy, $34, beautyboutique.ca .
Brick: Giorgio Armani Beauty Maestro Fusion Blush in 300, $55, sephora.ca .
Raisin: Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Blush in Rapture, $31, urbandecay.ca .

Read more:
Beauty tips: How to apply blush
How to apply makeup to dull, dry skin
Pick the right foundation for your face

This article originally appeared in the February 2016 issue of Canadian Living Magazine.