STYLE

Nothing screams spring right now more than a ridiculously pretty flush. Fortunately, for those of us not currently blushing over our latest crush (yet!), there are lots of fun, chic cheek trends to try. 

The trend: Sunburn blush

@haileybieber

Get the glow: Fake an I-just-got-back-from-break flush with a cream formula that'll melt into the skin, suggests makeup artist Min Min Ma. "Use your finger to dab it onto the apples and up your cheekbones, then take any excess onto the bridge of your nose and forehead where the sun would naturally hit." Heart Hailey's glossy skin? Add some highlighter for a dewy glow.

Try: Jane Iredale Glow Time Blush Stick in Fervor, $38

The trend: Draping

@she_makeupartistry

Get the glow: This groovy '70s look is back. Using a big, fluffy brush, begin your blush midway up your cheek, blending up and out toward the temple. Continue above your brow, stopping midway. If your final look is two C's that make your eyes pop, you've understood the assignment. Doing a monochromatic look? Connecting the blush to the end of your eyeshadow, then blend up and around, says makeup artist Danessa Myricks. We suggest going all out with a fuschia shade—Cher would be proud.

Try: L.A. Colors Mineral Blush in Pink Du Jour, $6

The trend: Classic coral

@selenagomez

Get the glow: Like Snapchat streaks, blush color trends will come and go, but coral is the shade you can always count on. The peachy hue is flattering on all skin tones thanks to its warm—but not over-the-top—vibe. Try it with a matching pout, and while you're at it, dab some on your eyes, too. It's the easiest five-minute face when you've snoozed your alarm one too many times.

Try: Benefit Sunny Warm Coral Blush, $29

The trend: Undereye blush

@janellemyh

Get the glow: If you're trying to hide the fact that you fell asleep with your face in your matchbook during yesterday's late-night study sesh, this viral TikTok trend is actually kind of genius—the redness will make the brights of your eyes pop like no other. Mixing a drop of liquid blush with your concealer will give you a subtle pink shade, but if you *really* want to wow, dab a little extra rouge over top. The finishing touch? Brush up your brows. Now you're ready to ace that geometry quiz. 

Try: Iconic London Sheer Blush in Powder Pink, $27

The trend: Juicy apples

@sabrinacarpenter

Get the glow: The only thing juicier than the return of Y2K velour tracksuits? This dewy blush trend. Here's how makeup artist Amanda Bell does it: Saturate a clean sponge with some setting spray (her go-to is Pixi's Makeup Fixing Mist, $15, pixibeauty.com), then dab the dampened sponge into your blush before patting it on your cheek. As for the perfect placement? Bell swears by the teardrop method: Start on the fleshiest part of your cheeks and taper the product up into your hairline.

Try: Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Powder Blush in Wildberry, $24

The trend: Peekaboo blush

@oliviarodrigo

Get the glow: For the most natural-looking blush (think: a fresh flush courtesy of a before-the-bell sprint), apply foundation on top of cream blush. You heard us: After applying your foundation or tinted moisturizer, use your fingers to dab some blush onto your cheeks, then grab the sponge or brush you used for your complexion product and press it over top to tone it down. This look is a low-key one, but it's far from basic—and pairs perfectly with a smoky eye or punchy liner.

Try: E.l.f. Putty Blush in Tahiti, $7

The trend: Lots of layers

@_xochitl.gomez

Get the glow: If prom pics are already on your mind, this red carpet-worthy cheek sculpting technique is for you. First, layer a matte cream formula high on your cheekbones (whenever you normally wear it), then brush on a powder blush in a similar shade to set it, says Ma. We love this look for the oily-skinned girlies especially, because with this combo, your makeup isn't going *anywhere* (except maybe a selfie on your Insta story).

Try: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Paaarty, $29 and Rose Inc. Cream Blush Refillable Cheek & Lip Color in Camellia, $30

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our February/March 2023 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Slider image: @stormreid
Header image: @florencepugh

by Lisa DeSantis | 2/24/2023