FACE

All the Blush Techniques Used by Professional Makeup Artists

If you thought there was just one way to apply blush, you're not alone — but you should think again. You see, just like with lipstick and eyeliner, blush can be used to achieve different aesthetics depending on how and where it's applied. For instance, let's say you're on vacation and you're (of course) slathering on the SPF but you still want to look sun-kissed. Said effect can easily be faked with blush, though you wouldn't apply it the same way you would if you were going for the classic, apples-of-your-cheeks-only flush that most folks are familiar with. The same goes for other techniques, too. Any makeup artist will tell you that application is everything, and it's for this reason that Allure tapped several pros to find out exactly how and where to apply blush to get the specific results you're after. Now, without further ado, read it from the experts themselves.

1. Natural: On the Apples

For most non-makeup professionals, this is the classic and most common method of applying blush. Its popularity stems from the fact that it gives an ultra-natural effect — like you just got back from a light jog — and it couldn't be simpler to do.

You can create a healthy, natural-looking glow by swirling a small dab of color onto the apples of the cheeks and buffing it out in circular motions," says New York City-based makeup artist Elisa Flowers, who adds that this ubiquitous technique both widens and brightens the face. Another helpful tip from Flowers is to place your formula two fingers away from your nose and two fingers away from the bottom of your eye. "This keeps it from looking unbalanced," she explains.

Her favorite color to use for this traditional approach? A fresh, rosy-pink, like Benefit's Benetint, which she says melds beautifully with skin for the most seamless finish.

2. Dramatic: Draped

Rihanna rocked this '70s-style blush at the 2017 Met Gala, in case you need visual motivation to break out of your comfort zone. It's a trend that's seen its fair share of runways over the past two years, but draping actually looks cool in real life, too — and doesn't take as long to execute as you might think.

I call draping 'side-eye blush,' says makeup artist Ingeborg. "It can be done with a soft and fluffy, smaller-to-medium-size brush and simply involves applying it on the temple area, draping the color downward across the cheekbones so that it frames the face," she explains. She favors Viseart's ultra-pigmented blush palettes (especially Rose/Coral) for this approach.

Similarly, Flowers says you can sweep the blush from the top of the cheekbones to the hairline, wrapping it around the brow area in an arc. "This motion brings a beautiful brightness to the face," she says.

3. Sun-Kissed: Allover Glow

As far as we're concerned, a just-back-from-Barbados makeup look is never a bad idea. Just because we know you'd never slack off on using sunscreen doesn't mean anyone else has to know your faux glow happens to be courtesy of well-placed blush. According to the pros, this technique works best when applied on top of bronzer; the bronzer acts as a base layer that helps to diffuse the blush's pigment so it doesn't look too harsh against the skin. For this, makeup artist Carissa Ferreri loves using Kjaer Weis's Sun Touched or Milk Makeup's Lip and Cheek in Coral

"The trick is to create the right amount of dewy glow and apply the slightest bit to the top of the nose on the bridge — think where your sunglasses would hit," she explains. "And for more staying power, sweep a powder blush on top of the cream."

Another great tip is to add a touch of color to your eyelids, forehead, and even chin. Ingeborg says that this helps to give the finished look a truly realistic, spent-the-day-in-the-sun effect, as these are the points of your face that the rays would naturally hit first.

4. Flushed: Intense and Low

Image may contain Clothing Apparel Human Person and Home Decor

Sure, no one enjoys being blasted in the face by wind or getting burnt on the slopes; that's how you end up with a raw, apple-red complexion that requires extra TLC for days. But faking it with blush? Now that can be extremely flattering, cute even, since it imparts an almost child-like effect that makes it look as though you've come inside after playing in the snow all day.

Ferreri says she favors using a gel or cream blush formula for this method, and prefers either pink or rosy tones for the most natural finish. "I like this look to have no texture so that the color looks like it's just coming from within," she says. "Focus the blush a bit higher on the cheeks, like right under the eyes, and then diffuse any harsh lines."

She adds that you can also take any leftover color from your fingers or brush and apply the softest touch on top of your nose — just under the bridge. This allows it to look more realistic, which is ultimately what you're going for with blush.

5. Sculpted: Along the Cheekbones

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 07: A model walks the runway for Hellessy Spring/Summer 2019 fashion show during September 2018 New York Fashion Week on September 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)Getty Images

If you want to create definition without contouring, blush is an excellent alternative that will still give you a chiseled effect. According to Flowers, the best way to achieve this sculpted, sophisticated look is to buff your blush directly onto the cheekbones, and just above — almost where you would normally place highlighter. "Apply using small circular strokes, blending outward and upward," she explains.

Finally, if you're not sure what blush color will suit you, check out this handy guide that will help you find your new favorite color based on your skin tone.