If you think there’s only one way to apply blush, that’s not wrong, but it’s not entirely true either. Just like lipstick and eyeliner, blush is used to represent different aesthetic beauty depending on how and where blush is applied.
If you are traveling, and you are applying sunscreen but still want to have a sunny rosy cheeks, then blush is a wise choice for you. Although you don’t apply blush in the same way that you normally go out or go to work, a little antique blush with a dewy color is enough to make you radiant in the sun.
Different blush techniques will apply to different situations. The tips below will help you figure out how and where to apply blush to get the results you want.
Natural blush
For most non-makeup professionals, this is the most common method of applying blush. Because it gives an extremely natural effect like you’ve just finished jogging and your cheeks are pink from fatigue.
New York City makeup artist Elisa Flowers says, “You can create a more natural-looking vibrant cheekbone by swirling a line of powder over your cheek and buffing it around.” She says this very popular technique can both widen and brighten the face. Another great trick from Flowers is to place blush two fingers away from your nose and eyes. This helps you not to lose balance when applying blush.
What’s Elisa Flowers’ favorite color to use for a traditional blush? A bright pink with a hint of peach color will be the best match for natural cheeks. According to makeup artist Delina Medhin, liquid blush is perfect for drier skin types, and use multiple layers if you want a bolder blush.
Blush near eyes
Rihanna made this ’70s blush popular again at the 2017 Met Gala. In case you want to get out of your comfort zone and do something groundbreaking, this blush is perfect. It’s a trend that has been gaining traction over the past few years. In fact, this blush doesn’t take as much time or effort to do as you might think.
Makeup artist Ingeborg said: “I call it the double-eye blush with the cheekbones as the frame.” She often uses red to make this blush. Similarly, Flowers says you can apply blush from the top of your cheekbones to your hair, around the brow area in an arc. “This blush gives the face a nice glow,” she said.
For this method, New York City makeup artist Joseph Carrillo emphasizes the importance of blending. He likes to use two to three colors – one bold blush with another lighter. The lighter shade is applied to the cheekbones, the darker shade is applied around the temples, the outer part of the eye, and the high points of the cheekbones.
You should start with a darker shade at the bottom of the eye socket, applying the color towards the temples and high points on the cheekbones using a thick brush and a rounded blend. Then, using a larger, finer brush, paint a second color right on top and around the edges to make sure the shades blend together.
Sun-Kissed Blush
A new makeup look from Barbados that never goes out of style. According to experts, this blush should be applied over bronzer. The bronzer acts as a base that helps to diffuse the color of the blush so it doesn’t look too bright on the skin.
For this blush, makeup artist Carissa Ferreri, she explains: “The secret to creating a dewy color is to apply a little blush on the top of the nose and bridge of the nose. And for extra vibrancy, apply a layer of blush on top of sunscreen.”
Another great tip is to add a little blush to the eyelids, forehead, and chin. Ingeborg says this helps create an authentic, all-day sun-kissed look, as these are the spots on your face that the light rays will naturally hit first.
Carillo loves this cool blush with a frosting and some fake freckles like the famous TikTok Freck Beauty. She uses two shades of blush (one lighter and one lighter in the same palette) with this method to create the desired blush size. With a stiff brush, she adds darker color to the high points of the cheeks and bridge of the nose, then lighter shadows on the cheeks, chin, and nose.
Drunk blush
Sure, no one likes a flushed face like the drunk type, which is a raw, apple-red skin. But what about fake it with blush? Now this blush style is super cute and popular.
Ferreri likes to use a gel or cream blush formula for this, and she prefers pink or blush tones for the most natural look. “I love this texture-free blush,” she says. Concentrate the blush a bit darker on the cheeks, just below the eyes, then blend it out.” She adds that you can also take any color from your finger or brush and apply it gently to the tip of your nose, just below the bridge of your nose. This makes your face look more natural.
Carrillo also loves gel and cream formulas for this blush. She likes to use the bottom of a makeup sponge to blend blush, starting from the cheekbones. She shared: “To position, smile and apply color in the center of the cheeks. Start with a little blush and blend gently.” For blush on the nose, you should apply on both sides of the bridge of the nose to complete the rosy cheeks. Pink and peach colors are used by her for this drunk blush.
Face contouring blush
If you want to contour without liner, blush is a great alternative that still gives a slimmer effect. According to Flowers, the best way to achieve this delicate, sophisticated face is to apply blush directly on the cheekbones and just above – near where you normally apply your highlighter. “Create this blush using a small round brush, blending it from the outside in,” she explains.
Makeup artist Patrick Ta often uses this technique to apply powder blush by blending upward with blush. “I like to start at the center of the cheekbones and work diagonally up to the outer corner of the eye,” he says. I also like to apply blush under my eyes to create a harmonious look.”
On the other hand, Carrillo combines blush with an angled brush that starts at the cheekbones, glides along the cheekbones, dusting inwards.
Now that you have artistic blush techniques, it’s up to you to choose the right, quality blush product and brush. If you don’t know which blush color is right for you, ask a professional to help you find a new favorite color based on your skin tone.
