When it comes to playing up our features with makeup, it’s almost always about the eyes or lips. It’s about time for cheeks to have their moment. Normally, we apply blush to the apples of the cheeks as part of our basic beauty routine and that’s the most attention they get. But there are so many ways to make cheeks the focal point of a makeup look.
Many of us shy away from blush for fear that a heavy-handed approach will result in a not-so-flattering 80s look. That’s doing blush a disservice because there are many flattering ways to apply blush — and the majority of them don’t involve liberally applying the product. It’s about placement, finish and complementary products.
If you’ve already fallen for strobed skin and colored highlighters, embracing next-level blush seems like a no-brainer. Scroll through the runway beauty looks above to find out how to apply blush to make it feel like new again.
[ Next: 9 Top-Rated Cream Blushes Your Cheeks Are Going to Love ]
Images: Imaxtree
16 Different Ways to Wear Blush
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16 Different Ways to Wear Blush #1
A shimmery pink blush applied to the top of the cheekbone and extended to the temple and outer eyelid creates an ethereal halo effect. No eyeshadow required.
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16 Different Ways to Wear Blush #2
If Rihanna says statement cheeks are a thing, the rest of us should listen. The Fenty x Puma Spring 2018 show utilized RiRi's new Fenty Beauty range, but the same kaleidoscope effect can be achieved with any shimmery blush.
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16 Different Ways to Wear Blush #3
Make cheeks the focal point by brushing on a pale pink shade from the apples all the way back to the hairline. It's youthful and takes only a minute to apply.
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16 Different Ways to Wear Blush #4
Remember that there is more to blush than red and pink. Apply foundation over the entire face and lips to create a clean palette. Next, buff a neutral blush a few shades darker than your skin on cheeks and nose.
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16 Different Ways to Wear Blush #5
Red is a classic color, but this application will make any tried-and-true blush feel fresh. Don't be afraid to bring the color to the top of the cheekbone, near the outer corner of the eye. Follow it up with a dab of highlighter for an instant lift.
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16 Different Ways to Wear Blush #6
Placement can totally change a blush look as much as color. This youthful wash of red starts on the apples of the cheeks and extends right up to under the eyes.
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16 Different Ways to Wear Blush #7
Is your no-makeup makeup look washing you out? Dab some peach blush on the hollow of the cheek. Diffuse the lines to avoid a clown effect, but ensure the shape remains concentrated in that area.
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16 Different Ways to Wear Blush #8
Treat a pale pink blush like it's highlighter by applying it to the top of the cheekbone, right by the ear. Resist the urge to choose a shimmery finish and try a matte option.
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16 Different Ways to Wear Blush #9
This may be a tad intense for every day, but get inspired by the idea of mixing multiple colors to create a gradient effect. The yellow and orange blushes blend to a stunning sunset finish. Use less product for daytime, then dial up the intensity for evening.
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16 Different Ways to Wear Blush #10
When discussing how to apply blush, makeup artists and YouTube tutorials usually suggest swiping cheek color in a "C" motion. This look shows why it's so effective. Recreate it using a similar orange blush as opposed to the go-to red.
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16 Different Ways to Wear Blush #11
Keep lips neutral and put all the focus on cheeks and eyes with this monochromatic makeup look. A liberal application of pink blush creates a harmonious finish when the same shade is applied to eyelids.
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16 Different Ways to Wear Blush #12
Blush is the main event of this neutral makeup look. A bold wash of pink blush is generously applied over the apple of the cheek, extending down into the hollow and back towards the ear.
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16 Different Ways to Wear Blush #13
This makeup look mimics returning from a brisk walk on a fall day without having to set foot outside. The secret to this healthy flush is a matte nude-pink blush dusted over the cheek and nose.
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16 Different Ways to Wear Blush #14
This look works whether using coral eyeshadow or blush. Apply the shade liberally to lids, then drag the color down to the cheekbone in a C shape. Thoroughly blend to avoid a harsh 80s stripe effect.
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16 Different Ways to Wear Blush #15
Repeat after us: Orange blush is flattering. This tangerine shade with coordinating lipstick doesn't look like fake tan gone wrong.
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16 Different Ways to Wear Blush #16
Here's an example of an all-over monochrome look. The same peachy pink tone is applied to the cheeks, eyes and lips. Note the way the blush goes all the way down the cheekbones from the eyes almost to the corners of the mouth.
