Pink blush sometimes gets a bad rap.
Some of us still have memories of stripy, bright streaks of colour that emblazoned cheeks in the eighties, and others think the colour is just too juvenile.
But we’re here to remind you how flattering a judicious application of a modern pink blush can be.
There’s a reason why blush has been a talking point in the beauty world recently and particular products – Dior’s wildly popular Rosy Glow Pink Blush, for example – are consistently sold out.
It’s because it gives a flush of colour to skin that helps you look more healthy and alive, like you’ve just been for a brisk walk, or done a yoga class. The purpose of blush is to give natural color to your cheeks. Unlike it’s predecessor trend for shimmering highlighter, it actually mimics what our skin does naturally, like when we blush out of shyness or embarrassment. Blush just helps that flattering colour remain.
Of course, some fleeting social media blush trends call for a slightly un-natural, heavy-handed application. However for every day, a sweep of pink blush applied with a fluffy blush brush gives a gentle glow of colour.
Pink blush is also for everyone, as evidenced on the red carpet recently, where everyone from Helen Mirren to Zoe Kravitz, Sydney Sweeney and Julianne Moore accentuated their cheeks with the colour. Forgoing red lippy, plenty of A-List stars have also been pairing pink lipstick with pink blush for glammed-up events.
L-R: Dior Rosy Glow Pink Blush; RMS Beauty “Re” Dimension Hydra Powder Blush in French Rose; Revlon Powder Blush in Oh Baby; Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Happy
How to choose the right pink blush
First, it’s worth considering which type of blush product you are most comfortable applying.
Using a medium-sized blush brush to apply a a powder is the easiest option, but there are also a plethora of great liquid and cream blushes on offer that give a glowy or dewy finish that can look less chalky. Then, it’s about choosing the shade that suits you.
The experts at RMS Beauty share this guide for selecting which shade of pink will flatter your skin tone:
For Cool Tones
Cool tones have bluish or pinkish skin undertones and usually fairer skin. Your natural flush is likely a pale pink to peach color, which means these color blushes are fantastic for creating a realistic look.
For Neutral/Medium Tones
Neutral skin undertones have barely noticeable color changes beneath the skin. Sometimes, if changes are visible, they may look golden or even olive. Avoid using bright pinks as they can make your skin appear ruddy. Medium shades like rose and mauve work well for medium skin tones.
For Dark Skin Tones
Dark tones need more significant color. Using light colors like pale pinks or mauves can make a dark skin tone look faded or ashen. Instead, opt for deep berry pinks, corals, and fuschias. These colors make an impact, blend beautifully, and add the right amount of pink-based color.
Kiwi makeup artist Sophy Phillips advises that cool pink blushes tend to be quite pale on the skin, making them playful and girlish.
“On deeper skin tones they can tend to look a little too chalky,” she says. Warm, peachy pinks are universally flattering. Deeper skin tones can play a lot with depth and tone.”
She says NARS blush in the shade Orgasm has long been considered a universal pink blush. “It contains gold flecks which add warmth for all skin tones. It is quite iridescent however, making it less forgiving on textured skin.”
Aleph’s Cheek & Lip Tint in the shade ‘Ascend’ is also a mainstay in her kit. “I’ve been using it religiously for a couple of years and can honestly say it suits every skin tone and texture.
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How to apply pink blush
The classic approach is to swirl the colour on the apples of your cheeks (the rounded pad that is more pronounced when you smile). However, more targeted application can help bring shape and definition to your face.
Start your application in the mid-cheek, keeping any colour above your nostril line.
RMS Beauty gives these tips for placement:
- To create a youthful glow, focus on applying color to the apples of your cheeks. Blend your blush upward toward the cheekbone. Use a light sweeping motion to gently pat blush onto your cheeks and blend so there are no harsh edges.
- To create lift, apply your color higher up on the cheekbone. This gives the illusion that you have higher cheekbones and naturally lifted skin. Avoid applying color to your temples, which is a really outdated technique that doesn’t look believable or natural.
Then, it’s about choosing a lip colour that complements the similar tones of your blush, for a cohesive overall look.
