A lot of people advised to find the blush in the right colour for you. That is important. Also, applying light layers. If your brush takes too much product, you could first tap the brush on your hand to take away some product then use it on your cheeks with light tapping motions. Another thing, if you are using a brozer, two products might add up,especially if you bronze in similar places as with the blush. In addition, I also find that the brush makes a huge difference. A dense brush with tightly packed bristles will place more product. Try to use an airy brush with soft bristles. For me, a brush with natural hair bristles places the blush way more naturally, than a synthetic brush. But there are many superb synthetic brushes as well.

For dark circles I’m using a colour corrector and concealer. It makes a huge difference. Sometimes I use the color corrector alone. But I don’t use just the concealer, without the corrector, the darkness is still noticeable.

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.