Now Trending: Blush

Blush is back in a big way. Long Island makeup artists tell us how to wear it now.

After many seasons of monochromatic faces with contouring and bronzer (the Kim K effect), blush is having a moment again. “We’re seeing super-pigmented blush in shades of hot pink and orange, with prominent placement,” says Long Island-based makeup artist Mercedes Iregbulem.

Blush is making a statement on runways, red carpets, and even TikTok, with viral trends such as “boyfriend blush” dominating our feed. The term refers to blush that sits lower on cheeks, mimicking a man’s ruddy flush after exercise, like an outdoor game of rugby. (I don’t make this stuff up, guys; I just report the trends.)

The intense focus on blush again is a welcomed trend for makeup pros. “You need blush,” says Iregbulem. “Without it, your face falls flat.”

Iregbulem applies bright blush where the face naturally flushes when it gets cold (remember cold girl makeup?): apples and tops of cheekbones, the tip of the nose, and even the forehead. First, she applies a layer of liquid blush to the skin and layers concealer over it to create a lit-from-within veil of color. Then, she tops it with powder blush for more pigment and staying power.

Makeup artist Keith Bree likes placing blush higher on the cheekbone and connecting the blush under the eye, creating a “snatched lewk to lift the face that looks great on so many people,” says Bree, who created the pink cheek above. He/she uses a variety of creams, liquid blushes, and powders to top off the creams, creating an even stronger blush moment.

Ready to bring blush back into your routine? Swipe through below to see Irebulem’s and Bree’s go-to blushes.