5 Techniques for Applying Blush That Totally Change Your Appearance (2024)

I have long held that when it comes to makeup, blush is the only product you really need to make a vast difference in your appearance. I'd even venture to say that when exhausted, skip heavy concealer and make sure to pop a brightening coral something on your cheeks and you'll find you look bright eyed and awake. And while blush has been non-negotiable for me for some time, the TikTok universe is currently mad for rouge, with influencers dabbing cream color on the apples of their cheeks and even across the bridge of their noses when they want to look sunkissed and healthy.

But seeing as the slightest variation of placement can change the shape of your face—and thus the effect of your maquillage, I figured the technique is best left to the pros. In this case, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Monika Blunder Beauty, Monika Blunder. Here, the glam guru gives us many different uses for blush in your beauty routine.

How do you add volume to a thin or long face?

"When you apply your blush, place it on the apples of your cheeks and blend slightly outwards instead of upwards. By doing this you pull the color, and thus the shape of your cheeks out slightly, which has a very fresh and youthful look to it."

What about sculpting? How do you give a round face some shape?

"If you want to slim and lift the face with blush, apply the color mostly to the tops of your cheekbones. Think of it like placing your blush where you would normally place your highlight. Then, blend the color softly towards the apples of your cheeks."

When working with brighter blush, what are the best rules to follow while blending?

"Always be sure to start with a light hand (if you are using a brush and if you are using your fingers) and build the pigment up in layers. Bright blush can get out of hand quickly if you go too hard, too fast! The good news: placement is generally the same as with natural shades."

The "sunburn" blush trend is all over social media. How can you make this style a bit more refined?

"The sunburn trend is all about playing up the areas that the sun would hit your face and accentuating them with blush. The look is supposed to mimic the glow you would have after a long and happy day in the sun. For this trend, I prefer a sheer and natural color or formula. Remember: the goal is to look sunkissed—not roasted."

What is the best way to use blush to wake up a slightly tired face?

"Just like how you would when trying to sculpt, apply blush to your cheekbones to lift the shape of your face. Pro tip: pop some through the crease of your eyelid to give your whole look some cohesion and brighten and lift the look of your face."