Blush has the power to completely transform your makeup look, and the secret is all in the placement. Whether you’re going for a soft, rosy blush, a lifted and defined finish, or a playful, just-back-from-holiday flush, the way you apply it can make all the difference. To show you just how versatile blush placement can be, makeup artist Chloe Tebbut has created three different types of blush looks: rosy-cheeked, snatched, and sunburnt. And to bring them to life, our TikTok presenter Sonya at BEAUTY BAY is modelling each one, so you can see how a simple tweak in technique changes everything. Ready to find your favourite?
Are there different ways to apply blush?
Yes, there are several different ways to apply blush, and each technique creates a unique effect. It’s all about experimenting with placement to find the perfect look to suit your mood or occasion:
– Rosy-cheeked blush: Swirl it on the apples of your cheeks for a classic rosy blush
– Snatched blush: Sweep it higher on the cheekbones for a lifted, snatched look that subtly sculpts the face
– Sunburnt blush: Dust across the nose and cheeks for that fresh, flushed finish
How to apply our Layer Up Blush Duo
Blush placement starts with the right product, and call us biased, but we think we’ve created it. Our new Layer Up Blush Duo gives you a flawless, fresh flush in just a few seamless steps. Wear them together or solo for everyday freshness or full glam.
Step 1: Sweep the silky powder onto the areas you’d like to enhance for a soft-focus base using a fluffy brush
Step 2: Tap the complementary cream blush on top using a more dense brush to add dewy definition and radiance
Step 3: Blend or build the layers to achieve anything from a subtle, skin-like glow to a more intense, dimensional finish
Look 1: Rosy-cheeked blush
Effect: A fresh, youthful, and naturally flushed blush look that mimics a healthy glow right on the apples of your cheeks.
Best for: Oval, heart, and diamond face shapes, as this placement enhances symmetry and brings balance to the face.
Sonya’s shade: Full Bloom
How to do rosy-cheeked blush:
Step 1: Smile slightly to find the apples of your cheeks. This is where you’ll want to focus the colour.
Step 2: Using a fluffy blush brush, pick up a small amount of product and tap off the excess.
Step 3: Apply blush directly onto the apples of the cheeks using light, circular motions.
Step 4: Blend softly outwards towards the temples to diffuse any harsh edges while keeping the colour concentrated at the centre.
Step 5: For a fresher look, dab your cream blush over powder for a dewy finish.
Look 2: Snatched blush
Effect: A lifted, sculpted finish that defines the cheekbones and gives a sleek, contoured look.
Best for: Round and square face shapes, as this placement helps elongate and add structure to the face.
Sonya’s shade: Mulberry Spice
How to do a snatched blush:
Step 1: Load a small amount of blush onto an angled brush.
Step 2: Starting from the highest point of your cheekbones, sweep the blush upwards towards the temples.
Step 3: Keep the colour concentrated higher on the face and avoid the apples of the cheeks to maintain that lifted effect.
Step 4: Blend seamlessly into your bronzer or contour for a natural gradient.
Look 3: Sunburnt blush
Effect: A warm, radiant, sun-kissed glow with a natural flushed blush finish.
Best for: Oval and long face shapes, as this technique adds softness and balance by drawing focus to the centre of the face.
Sonya’s shade: Plum season
How to do a sunburnt blush:
Step 1: Use a fluffy brush or your fingertips to apply blush across the bridge of your nose and the tops of your cheeks.
Step 2: Blend in horizontal motions so the colour connects seamlessly across the centre of the face.
Step 3: Build up the intensity gradually for a natural, sun-kissed effect.
Step 5: For an extra sun-kissed glow, add a touch of highlighter on the high points of the face.
