In the novel "Water for Elephants"?

What are the red spots on Marlena's face after August touches her, it happens a few times. After August gives Marlena the necklace and Jacob the watch. Marlena gives August the head band she made for Rosie and when she turns around to face August, the author says their are two red spots on each of her cheeks, and August just stares blank and then reaches out for her to hug him. What were the red spots on her face?Was it because August touched her? or was it make up or something?