Blush has long been a key player in makeup routines, adding warmth and vitality to the complexion. Traditionally, the rule was simple: smile, find the apples of your cheeks, and apply blush there for a youthful, radiant look. However, as beauty trends evolve, so do the blush placement techniques.
The latest blush trend shifts placement higher on the face, almost under the eyes, creating a lifted and modern aesthetic. Let’s dive into how blush placement has changed and how to achieve the most flattering look for your features.
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The Traditional Approach: Apples of the Cheeks
Applying blush to the apples of the cheeks was the go-to technique for decades. This method involves identifying the roundest part of your cheeks when you smile and blending blush outward for a soft, flushed effect. The benefits of this traditional approach include:
- Youthful Glow: Emphasizing the apples of the cheeks gives the illusion of healthy, youthful skin.
- Natural Appearance: It mimics how blood rushes to the face, creating a genuine flush.
- Ease of Application: This technique is simple and quick, perfect for makeup beginners.
Despite its timeless charm, this approach can sometimes draw attention downward, especially on mature or rounder face shapes, which might counteract the desired lifting effect.
The New Blush Trend: Higher Placement for a Lifted Look
In recent years, makeup trends have embraced a more sculpted and lifted aesthetic. Instead of concentrating blush on the apples of the cheeks, the latest technique focuses on applying it higher on the cheekbones and extending it toward the temples and under the eyes. This strategic placement offers several benefits:
- Lifting Effect: Drawing attention upward creates the illusion of higher cheekbones and a more defined facial structure.
- Youthful Sophistication: The placement mimics a natural flush that spreads across the upper cheeks, as seen after a brisk walk or in colder weather.
- Modern Appeal: This trend aligns with contemporary preferences for a clean, fresh, sculpted look.
Makeup artist Hung Vanngo, known for working with celebrities like Selena Gomez and Emily Ratajkowski, often demonstrates this technique, using blush to create a harmonious transition between the cheeks and the under-eye area.
How to Apply Blush Higher on the Face
To master this trend, follow these steps:
- Choose the Right Product: Choose a blush formula that seamlessly complements your skin type. Cream and liquid blushes work best for a dewy finish, while powders are ideal for a soft-matte effect.
- Identify Placement: Locate the high points of your cheekbones, just below the outer corner of your eyes. This area is where your blush should begin.
- Blend Upward and Outward: Using a brush, sponge, or fingertips, blend the blush toward your temples upward. For a cohesive look, softly diffuse the color into the under-eye area.
- Build Gradually: Start with a light application and build up intensity as needed. A subtle flush is often more flattering than an overdone look.
- Set and Refine: If using a cream or liquid blush, consider setting it lightly with a translucent powder to ensure longevity.
Choosing the Right Blush Shade for Placement
The blush shade you choose can also influence the final look. Here’s how to select a color based on your skin tone and the high-placement technique:
- Fair Skin: Soft pinks, peaches, and mauves enhance a natural flush.
- Medium Skin: Warm corals, apricots, and rosy tones complement your complexion.
- Deep Skin: Rich berry, brick red, and deep plum shades create a stunning contrast.
Regardless of skin tone, the key is blending well to achieve a seamless, airbrushed effect.
Our Picks
Skip the Brush 2-in-1 Color Stick
Applying blush has never been easier! Julep created a complete Skip the Brushline to ensure all you have to do is swipe the color across your cheeks and blend. It makes precise placement easy, and there are several shades available to match various skin tones. Easily blend the formula with your fingers.
Why You’ll Love It
- Precise blush placement is easier
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Milani Baked Blush
Carefully curated formulas are baked to perfection on Italian terracotta tiles to deliver the ultimate baked blush. The fine powder glides seamlessly over the skin for a vibrant appearance. The perfect amount of pigment ensures you get the look you want without looking overdone. Going for the blush blindness look? Milani’s got you covered. It’s also buildable.
Why You’ll Love It
- Shades for various skin tones
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Under-Eye Blush: A Rising Subtrend
Another intriguing aspect of this trend is applying blush directly under the eyes. This technique originated in East Asian beauty routines and gained popularity worldwide, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. It creates a cherubic, soft, and almost whimsical look.
Tips for Under-Eye Blush Application:
- Use a small, fluffy brush for precision.
- Blend the blush delicately to avoid harsh lines or an overly intense effect.
- Pair this technique with minimal eye makeup to keep the focus on the blush placement.
Adapting Blush Placement to Your Face Shape
Blush placement can accentuate your natural features when tailored to your face shape:
- Round Faces: Apply blush higher on the cheekbones and blend upward to elongate the face.
- Square Faces: Soften angular features by focusing on the upper cheeks and blending toward the temples.
- Heart-Shaped Faces: Highlight the high points of the cheeks, avoiding placement too close to the temples.
- Oval Faces: Most techniques work well, but higher placement enhances symmetry and balance.
Complementing Blush with the Rest of Your Makeup
To ensure your blush placement harmonizes with your overall makeup, consider these tips:
- Highlight and Contour: Pair higher blush placement with a soft highlighter on the cheekbones and a subtle contour below for added definition.
- Lip Coordination: Choose a lip color in a similar tone to your blush for a cohesive look.
- Minimal Eye Makeup: Keep eye makeup simple to let your blush placement take center stage.
Why the Shift in Blush Trends?
The shift toward higher blush placement aligns with broader beauty trends emphasizing natural, radiant, and sculpted looks. Influencers and makeup artists are embracing techniques that enhance features without appearing overly done, making makeup feel approachable and wearable for everyday life.
Social media platforms have significantly popularized these trends. Makeup tutorials showcasing higher blush placement are abundant, encouraging experimentation and personalization.
Blush Placement
Blush placement has evolved from the traditional focus on the apples of the cheeks to a higher, more sculpted application near the cheekbones and under the eyes. This modern approach enhances facial structure, creates a lifted effect, and aligns with current beauty trends emphasizing soft, radiant aesthetics. Check out the rest of the site to learn more!
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