I used to have this issue and realized I was either using the wrong shade or using the wrong brush. If you are going for a more toned down look, use a fluffier brush which will deposit less product. If you are using a very pigmented blush to begin with such as the rare beauty liquid blush, use a very small amount and be very light handed. I find I look like a clown way too easily with blush so I stick to very sheer, light powder formulas that barely show up.

As far as dark circles go, you may need to use a color corrector with some concealer over it. I have very dark circles that almost look black and I use the Bobbi brown corrector stick in shade bisque.