5 Easy Tips for Achieving Natural-Looking Blush

May 30, 2023
Alanna Martine Kilkeary
By: Alanna Martine Kilkeary | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
person applying blush to the apple of their cheek
IT Cosmetics Love Beauty Fully Flawless Blush Brush, Loreal Paris Infallible Sponge

Tap Off Excess Pigment

Remember that a little goes a long way with highly pigmented products. Dip your brush into the blush compact and tap off any excess before application. Use light, sweeping motions across the cheek for sun-kissed skin, and work the blush outwards until you get a diffused finish. If you accidentally get a little heavy-handed, blend again with a clean brush, or add a dusting of translucent powder to soften the color. For a pigmented pick, opt for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush.

Placement Is Key

Experiment with what you prefer on your face shape. If you have a round or square face, you might like the draping technique, or placing blush on top of the cheekbones to elongate them. If you have a long or oval face, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks (the roundest parts when you smile) to add subtle width. 

Experiment With Textures

“For a more natural look, using a cream matte blush is the way to go,” says Gabbay. The formulas offer a sheer wash of color that you can dab on with your fingertips or a sponge. We love the NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Luminous Cheek Serum for a bronzy, sun-kissed glow. The Urban Decay Hydromaniac Dewy Liquid Blush is another one of our favorites; it melts into the skin and comes in six flattering shades, including pretty apricot and berry hues. We also love the Kulfi Beauty Mehndi Moment Long-Lasting Radiant Cream Blush for a radiant, pigmented finish.

NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Luminous Cheek Serum, urban decay hydromaniac blush, kulfi cream blush

Add Highlighter

If you’re aiming for a glowy look, grab some highlighter to create a radiant, light-reflecting finish.  We love the Valentino Beauty Go-Clutch Refillable Radiant Setting Powder or the Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight. Dab it on the high points of your face for added dewiness.
valentino beauty highlighter clutch, rare beauty highlighter
Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn

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