How to Apply Blush Like a Makeup Artist

The popularity of rosy cheeks stems from the fact that it gives an ultra-natural effect — like you just got back from yoga — 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.

But that’s just one way to apply blush. Like with lipstick and eyeliner, blush can be used to achieve different effects depending on how and where it’s applied. As any makeup artist will tell you, application is everything. 

If you want to create definition without contouring, blush is an excellent alternative that will still give you a chiseled effect. Or if you are looking to bring on the drama, the draping trend that’s seen its fair share of runways over the past few years is a good place to start. 

And as far as we’re concerned, a just-back-from-a-beach-vacation 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. 

Here, five fun, colorful ideas for making a beautiful statement from cheek to cheek.

1. High Shine: Glow with 3D Sparkles