There are plenty of ways to wear blush, and where you place it can change your entire look. If you’ve always struggled to find the perfect placement for your unique face shape, though, we’ve got just the thing for you.
We’re here to (literally) spell out the ABCs of blush. Once you have these hacks under your belt, you’ll be able to sculpt your face with it however you like.
The principles of blush
Photo source: Artem Podrez/Pexels
If you’re new to makeup, all you need to know for now is that blush comes in three types of formulas — cream, liquid, and powder.
Cream and liquid blushes are thicker and more pigmented. They need to be blended out with a makeup sponge, finger, or brush.
Powder blushes, on the other hand, give a softer look. You can apply it by dusting it over your face with a fluffy makeup brush. Now that you know how you should be applying them, it’s time to dive into the different placements.
For heart-shaped faces: “W” blush
Photo source: @victorialyn/TikTok
@victorialyn 3 Summer Blush Trends‼️🥰 Using @SHEGLAM Color Bloom Liquid Blushes 💕Which is your fav? #SHEGLAMblush #SHEGLAMpartner #Makeup #Beauty #Blush
For a perfect sun-kissed glow, this blush placement is the right way to go. Just draw a simple “W” over your face using a liquid blush.
You can start from the upper edge of your cheekbone near your temple and down to your cheekbone. Next, drag your blush up to the middle of your nose bridge near the corners of your eye. Repeat on the other side of your face.
With this look, you will get a natural flush that is not too exaggerated but is still apparent enough to give you an extra pop.
If you think that drawing the full “W” makes you look too sunburnt, just apply blush on the main points of the “W”. One on the upper edge of each cheekbone, one on the middle of each cheekbone, and one on your nose bridge.
Because your cheekbones are being emphasised, your nose will look smaller and pointed while your face appears to be less round.
For round faces: “O” blush
Photo source: @honasbarz/TikTok
@honasbarz using @sheglam color bloom liquid blushes ad #sheglamviralblush #sheglam
♬ B.O.T.A. (Baddest Of Them All) – Eliza Rose & Interplanetary Criminal
Don’t underestimate the power of this method. The “O” is the most overlooked letter because of how simple it seems. However, there is a small twist to this technique.
Apply any type of blush on the apples of your cheeks. Then, dab the blush in an outward circular motion to keep a consistent circle on your cheeks. It doesn’t matter if you’re using a sponge, brush, or your finger.
Similar to a vintage porcelain doll, you’ll have the daintiest flush with this placement. If you have a rounder face shape, we highly encourage you to try this one out to give you fuller cheeks that will make you look absolutely adorable.
For diamond-shaped faces: “C” blush
Photo source: @pinkflash.beauty/TikTok
@pinkflash.beauty Yuk ikutan trend ABC blush! Apa kamu bisa mempelajarinya?#pinkflashbeauty #pinkflash #blush #lipstick #rahasiaglowing #resepglowup
Use either a cream or liquid blush for this method. Start drawing a “C” from your cheekbone, slightly below your eye before bringing it up to your temple, and above the tail ends of your eyebrows.
If you feel that drawing the entire curve makes you look a little too sunburnt, simply draw three dots in the shape of the curve.
Draw one dot on your cheekbone, the other on your temple, and one more at the top above your eyebrow.
Because this letter brackets the eyes, the shade will draw everyone’s attention to them, making your eyes the star of the show.
For oval-shaped faces: Facelift blush
Photo source: @lenkalul/TikTok
@lenkalul how i apply blush to lift the face✨ ib @youngcouture #makeup #blush #facelift #faceliftmakeup #makeuphacks #makeuptransformation #fyp
We’re not surprised that this blush hack is a popular one because it is such a simple way to give yourself a face lift.
All you need to do is draw a line in an upward motion starting from your cheekbones to the corner of your eye.
Remember to blend in an upward motion. With the rosy hue blooming in an upwards, it will give you that much-needed facelift.
This a great way to draw greater attention to your cheekbones instead of your lower face, so it’s perfect if you have chubbier cheeks.
For broad faces: Shorten-the-face blush
Photo source: @thehibeauty/TikTok
@thehibeauty ✨Blush Hack✨Inspo: @lenkalul @makeupbyasta #blush #hack #mkaeuptip #education #makeuphack
This is a classic placement that never seems to fail us due to its simplicity. Take a liquid blush and place two dots side-by-side on your cheekbones.
When blending, try to do it in short and fast strokes and only blend from your nose to your cheekbone so the coverage appears in a short line.
As your face dips into the curve that leads to your ears, there will be a shadow cast upon it when you’re facing the front. The pigmentation then disappears into the darkness which gives off the illusion that your face dipped into the curve sooner than usual which makes your face appear shorter.
For sunken cheeks and high cheekbones: Four corners blush
Photo source: @aliciabreuer0/TikTok
@aliciabreuer0 Ha makeup hack on how blush can change your face shape @SHEGLAM #fyp #sheglamblush #sheglamviralblush #makeup #makeuphack #blushhack
While the “O” blush gives you a dainty glow, the four corners blush will give your lower face an added fullness. This placement is perfect for those of us with slightly sunken in cheeks or high cheekbones.
To put less emphasis on your sharper facial features like your cheekbones, nose bridge, or forehead, applying these eight dots on your face will do the trick.
Focus your dots on your lower cheeks, somewhat on the same level as your mouth. Place four dots of blush in the formation of a square on each cheek.
Now, the blush enhances your lower face! There is less focus on your sharper features so you get this “squish-able” appearance.
Related read: We tried 3 viral and bizarre blush hacks – here’s how it turned out!
Featured image credit: @pinkflash.beauty/TikTok and @victorialyn/TikTok
