We are getting to that time of year again. The longest day has come and gone, a minty freshness has crept into the air and the shop windows are beginning to fill with the first glimpses of A/W 11. Worst of all that carefully nurtured holiday tan is fading, but now is not the time to despair.
Text continues below image

English Roses such as Keira Knightley, Sophie Dahl and Tamsin Egerton favour a pretty blush over bronzer and according to the A/W 11 shows of Marc Jacobs, Prada and Oscar De La Renta, the key to Autumnal grace is blusher.

Here are just a few of the shades available this season.

Chanel, Joues Contraste Powder Blush, 99 Rose Pétale & 65 Espiègle, £31.00, www.selfridges.com

Here we have the perfect shade for achieving the quintessential English Rose effect. The shade appears deep at first, so it is wise to tap the brush once or twice prior to application. Colour can be built up from a rosy glow to a rich sweep across the cheek as demonstrated by Gucci Westman for Oscar de La Renta A/W 11, or swept down from cheek to jaw line a la Marc Jacobs.

Those with fairer complexions may be more suited to the 65 Espiègle shade which provides the perfect peaches and cream look for refreshing a holiday tan.

Clarins, Blush Prodige, 01 Lovely Rose, £24.00, www.houseoffraser.co.uk

For a subtle flush opt for this Clarins compact.  The colour is light and fresh and most similar to the pale tone used alongside pastel eye shades in Erdem A/W 11. As well as being suitably luxurious in its gold coloured casing, the lighter colour is an instant refresher, particularly for those with fairer complexions.

Look to starlets such as Carey Mulligan and Kirsten Dunst for examples of a lighter blush at work. This softer shade will sit perfectly alongside the soft cashmere greys and charcoals soon to be wrapped around us all this Autumn.

Bobbi Brown, Shimmer Brick Compact, Nectar, £30.50, www.debenhams.com

The Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick is as delightful to wear as it is to behold. The powder palette sparkles from its sleek black casing in waves of shades ranging from poppy pink to a near golden cream. With the sweep of a large brush over the palette each shade combines together to provide a healthy youthful blush.

Apply lightly across the apple of each cheek to instantly lift a look. Colours can also be picked out individually; to make eyes appear wide and awake apply a little of the pearl shade to the inner corner of the eye. The shimmer provides a dewy glow making the ‘Nectar’ shade ideal for a late summer party or festival pick-me-up.

Clinique Blushing Blush Powder Blush, 120 Bashful Blush, £19.00, www.selfridges.co.uk

Clinique’s blush in Bashful Blush gives a beautiful tawny rose flush to cheeks, which may be a little deep for those with fairer complexions, but compliments dark features beautifully. The colour promises to work perfectly with the darker hues due to take over the fashion world this Autumn.

Its slight shimmer and delightfully silken texture ensures that colour blends evenly onto the skin whilst the always refined technology behind Clinique products means that it will suit normal and sensitive skin alike. Wear whilst swathed in country tweeds and fairisle knits for ultimate Autumnal chic-ness.