All other factors are moot if you choose the wrong blush shade for your skin. Baby pink blush complements fair skin well, as does peach. Medium skin tones do well with apricot shades and mauves, especially when paired with sheer, natural lips. Got olive skin? Bronze works well. Dark skins can pull off beautiful hues of tangerine and brick.

The other colors you choose will help determine your blush. If you’re wearing a deep nude lipstick, for instance, don’t choose a pinky blush. Similarly, if you apply a thick coat of purple mascara, then salmon blush probably won’t look so great. Choose shades of the same general warmth or coolness, and in the same shade family.