Take your makeup up a notch this summer with bold cheeks

Summer makeup is loaded with neon pops of color, especially on the lips and eyes. But there’s somewhat uncharted territory that’s also primed for boldness—it may just take a bit more finesse to pull off. “A bright cheek says I’m happy and fun and I love summer days,” says Maybelline New York makeup artist Melissa Silver. “A flushed cheek looks perfectly natural in the summer since it mimics the rosiness we get from the heat and sun, so even if you don’t get a summer tan you can still get the rosy flush with blush,” she adds.

Silver advises would-be bright blushers to think of Kate Bosworth when pairing a statement cheek with a stained lip and soft eyes. “It looks fresh and chic, and also keeps it more modern and youthful.” Very important though is that the chosen shade is in harmony with your unique skin tone, she says. For pale skin, try a sheer clear rose or pink; medium tones can wear just about anything, but should avoid any shades that are too blue and will look unnatural. An orange-y melon shade really pops on olive skin, while red and orange tones look beautiful on dark or black skin, says Silver.

As for the all-important application, that also to some extent comes down to your skin. “If you prefer a cream blush, such as Maybelline New York (10-shade) Dream Bouncy Blush, your skin should be a bit moist so it blends well,” says Silver. Vice versa, “if you prefer a powder blush, such as Maybelline New York FitMe! Blush (in 12 shades), then skin should have a light layer of powder so the pigment doesn’t grab and streak.”

Once the shade and texture of the formula is finalized, keep in mind that “less is more—you can always add more if you want a bolder look.” Smile and dust the product onto the apples of your cheeks with a soft brush (or for a creamy formula like Kjaer Weis Cream Blush blend it in with your fingers) and blend back and down for a soft, diffused pop that’s far from clown-like. “Don’t go below your nose to avoid looking jowly,” Silver warns. And the look isn’t only summer-appropriate. “I always find I need more blush in the winter, too, since we don’t get that incidental sun exposure, so this trend can transition so you have a healthy grow all year round!”