Whether you’re applying a quick five-minute face or a full glam look, blush is one easy-to-apply makeup product that can make a big difference. Thanks to the variety of blush types —from matte pressed powders to long-wearing creams with a touch of shimmer—you can find the perfect one to suit your look. Are you ready to master your blush basics? Follow along as we cover:
Where to apply blush
“The purpose of blush is to add color and brightness to places on your face that would flush naturally,” says Joey Lasher, LovelySkin Med Spa Team Lead and licensed aesthetician. “You’ll want to apply it to the apples of your cheeks, which is the fullest part of your cheeks when you smile.”
How to apply powder blush
Powder blush comes in either loose or pressed formulas. To apply either, you’ll want to use a blush brush, which has a domed shape. It’s similar to a powder brush but is smaller in size. Once you’ve loaded up your blush brush with powder blush, you can gently sweep it onto the apples of your cheeks and blend with your fingers or a makeup sponge if needed.
Our powder blush pick: Laura Mercier Blush Color Infusion, a long-lasting powder blush with highly pigmented, buildable color. Choose from matte-finish shades such as Chai (warm taupe), Bellini (vibrant peach) and Strawberry (fresh, perky pink) or sheen-finish shades that feature a touch of pearlescence. No matter which finish you prefer, these powder blushes apply as smoothly to bare skin as they do over powder or liquid foundation for a full makeup look.
How to apply liquid blush
Multitasking lip and cheek stains typically come in a liquid format, which depending on the formula, can be more sheer or pigmented than a traditional powder blush. Because liquid blush has a watery texture, it is typically packaged with a small sponge applicator or brush attached to the lid, similar to a lip gloss. You can use this applicator to apply a few small dots of liquid blush to the apples of your cheeks before blending gently with your fingers or a makeup sponge.
Our liquid blush pick: Ere Perez Beetroot Cheek & Lip Tint, a water-resistant liquid blush that doubles as a lip stain. This product aims to provide a natural-looking flush with plant-based ingredients such as beetroot extract, rosehip extract and blue agave nectar. You can choose from two colors: Fun (bold fuschia) and Joy (cherry red).
How to apply cream blush
Cream-based blushes feature natural-looking pigments blended into an oil- or wax-based formula that provides additional staying power throughout the day. When it comes to how to apply cream blush, you have a couple different choices depending on the look you’d like to achieve. For a softer look, you can apply using a blush brush, just like you would a powder blush. For more concentrated color, you can use your fingers to press a bit of cream blush onto your cheeks and then blend as needed.
Our cream blush pick: Glo Skin Beauty Cream Blush, a long-wearing and blendable formula that can also be used as a lip or eye color. This cream blush is available in four shades: Fig (peachy terracotta), Firstlove (berry-like medium pink), Guava (bright coral) and Warmth (deep bronze). It’s infused with kaolin clay to ensure all-day wear without melting or transferring.
How to apply a blush stick
Blush sticks provide similar texture to cream blush but are packaged in a stick formulation that makes them easy to apply directly to your skin. Just like lipstick, you can twist up the blush stick and apply the product directly to the apples of your cheeks. To blend, use your fingers or a blush brush.
Our blush stick pick: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics VividLuxe Blush Stick, which has a creamy formula that glides onto skin with ease. We also love how this blush stick features shea butter to condition skin as well as light-reflecting minerals to provide a touch of shimmer. Colors range from Tiramisu (think coffee with cream) and Sorbet (punchy magenta) to Parfait (light petal pink).
For a blush stick with a mineral sunscreen built in, we love Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm SPF 50. This formula combines flattering color with broad-spectrum sun protection thanks to 12.5% zinc oxide.
How to apply blush and bronzer
For a full-glam makeup look or a natural look with some added dimension, you can apply both bronzer and blush to your cheeks. “When it comes to applying bronzer, you’ll want to focus on the cheekbones, which is where the sun would naturally hit your face,” Lasher says. “With a bronzer brush, you can sweep a bit of powder bronzer along your cheekbone, extending upward toward the outer edge of your eye.” Once you’ve applied your bronzer, you can move on to apply your blush (see above).
Our blush and bronzer picks: jane iredale PurePressed Blush and PureBronze Shimmer Bronzer. These pressed powder products from mineral makeup brand Jane Iredale are made to be used together.
PurePressed Blush is a hybrid cream-powder formula that provides the buildable color of a powder blush with the blendability of a cream blush. PureBronze Shimmer Bronzer is a versatile bronzer palette containing four shades with a subtle touch of sparkle.
Check out: Bronzer face makeup tutorial for beginners
How to apply blush and highlighter
Pairing highlighter with blush can add a touch of radiance by reflecting light and giving your skin a lit-from-within look. “While blush goes on the apples of your cheeks, I like to apply highlighter along the very tops of the cheekbones,” Lasher says. A fan brush or tapered highlighter brush works well to apply powder-based highlighter, while highlighter cream can be dabbed on with your fingers or a makeup sponge.
Our blush and highlighter pick: Mirabella Pro Face Trio Palette, which includes a cream blush, powder blush and powder highlighter in one mirrored compact. Choose from three color options: Megastar (deep cocoa browns and taupes), Opulent (rosy hues paired with a pearl white highlighter) and Spellbound (mauve-leaning blushes with a petal-pink highlighter).
Check out: Highlighter techniques, tips and tricks
Are you looking for more makeup tips and tricks? You can learn about the difference between BB cream, CC cream and foundation on the LovelySkin Blog.
About the Author
Aaron serves as Editor at LovelySkin. Since graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2016 with degrees in Creative Writing and English, he has immersed himself in the beauty industry. When he’s not writing about the latest beauty trends, he spends time cuddling his dogs, scouring antique stores, playing tennis and hiking.
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