by Blake Herzog
Perhaps you’ve noticed that blush has been ascending the cosmetics chart for a couple of years now, rising from afterthought to essential.
Now, we’re in the “super blush” era.
The new maximalist effect emulates the all-over flush of a face actually blushing and makes everyone look bright, youthful and invigorated for spring and early summer, giving us back what the use of protective sunscreen has taken away for many of us.
It’s a highly adaptable look. You can use strong pink accents along the cheekbones for a contoured look and incorporate unusual shades like orange, brown and deep pink to deliver a bronze, sun-kissed look.
Cream, liquid and powder products are all in high demand as we have fun with techniques like these:
Sunburn Blush
This look has become very TikTok famous for SPF devotees, workaholics who don’t get outside much, and others seeking a youthful flush without the danger attached.
Starting with a clean face after finishing your skincare routine, apply a matte blush with a light touch on the bridge of your nose and top of your cheeks, hitting the same spots the sun would. Blend the blush up toward your temples to erase any harsh lines.
Bright but deep tones of red or pink create a more natural look.
Douyin Blush
Named for the original Chinese version of the global sensation that TikTok became, this hack is similar to but more contained than a sunburn blush.
Use cream or liquid blush (some even use lipstick, but it may get too blotchy) to paint small “v” shapes aimed at the center of your body atop your cheekbones, at the corners of your eyes and the tips of your nose and chin before blending upward with a slightly damp sponge or your fingers.
Blush Draping
For a retro ‘70s-glam look that looks amazingly fresh today apply blush over your foundation on the highest points of your face — at the very top of your cheekbones, under your eyes, plus
a dusting at the arch
of your brows, nose, chin and the center of your neck.
Lightly blend the blush with a brush, ideally the same one you just used for the foundation without erasing the lines you’ve just created. This can be a spectacular look for anyone of any age.
Mid-tone Blushing
Blend your blush and under-eye makeup as the final step of your application by using setting powder under your eyes with a big fluffy brush, then add blush that’s one shade lighter than what you’ve already used to bring down the translucent powder to your cheeks and create a seamless look.
The World Wide W
If you’re short on time but want your blush to leave an impression on the beholder, just draw a “W” across your face for a quick-and-dirty faux sunburn.
Just drag a blush stick or brush diagonally down one cheek, then pull it up to the bridge of the nose, then draw down and then up on the other cheek and blend.
