The Nineties and Noughties saw bronzer reigning supreme in our make-up bags; a golden complexion alluded to good skin, good health, and holidays. We swore allegiance to the Nars Laguna Bronzer—or was it Benefit’s Hoola?—dusting it zealously over cheekbones, temples, and foreheads in pursuit of that Jennifer Aniston honey-toned glow. Yet, in today’s beauty landscape, it’s clear that blusher has emerged as a game-changer, stepping into the spotlight as the complexion booster of choice.
With the beauty industry evolving, bronzer is no longer the must-have item in our makeup kits. According to Sephora, in the UK, blush sales now outpace bronzers, with two blushers sold for every bronzer purchased. Selfridges has even reported a staggering 58 percent rise in blush sales over the past year. Gone are the days when one solitary blusher would suffice; these days, beauty enthusiasts are curating entire wardrobes filled with shades, from soft pinks perfect for a daytime look to bold corals for a night out.
The New Blusher Revolution
Makeup artist Caroline Barnes, who has painted the faces of celebrities from Kylie Minogue to Emma Watson, emphasizes the transformative power of blusher. “Different colours and textures of blusher, placed in different areas of the face, can completely change your look,” she explains. Whether you want to appear flirty and fresh or powerfully defined, playing with the placement and shades of blusher can elevate your makeup game.
Placement Matters
Placement is essential when it comes to blush application. Barnes advises, “For a fresh, youthful flush, apply to the apples of your cheeks and across the bridge of the nose.” If you’re aiming for a lifted look, blend upwards toward the temples, focusing on the high points of the cheekbones. Barnes’ golden rule? “For the most lifting effect, start your blusher in line with the middle of your eye and sweep up.” To maintain a radiant look, it’s best to avoid applying blush around the eye area.
Switch Up Your Texture
Today’s beauty shelves are brimming with an array of blush textures: cream, liquid, gel, stain, and powder. Each produces distinct finishes and sensations. “Tints and gels are perfect for a sheer wash of colour, while creams offer a natural, skin-like finish and are easy to build up,” shares Zoë Taylor, another prominent makeup artist. For those with dry skin, soft textures with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or squalane work wonders, while oily skin often benefits from the longevity of powder formulations.
Tailor Your Toolkit
When applying blush, the right tools can make all the difference. “With cream or gel blushers, your fingers are your best friend,” suggests Taylor, recognizing the warmth of your skin helps blend the product effortlessly. If you’re more suited to using brushes, opt for a dense brush or sponge to pat in creams or liquids rather than sweeping them on. For powder blushes, swirling a fluffy, domed brush into the product ensures an even application. Always remember to tap off any excess for a flawless finish.
TikTok Trends to Try
One of the latest trends emerging from TikTok involves applying a hint of blush over the nose. Barnes supports this style, explaining, “A sweep across the nose and through the eyelids adds warmth and dimension but looks most appealing with soft, peachy shades rather than vibrant cool tones.” It’s a simple way to embrace a fresh, sun-kissed glow.
Building Your Blush Wardrobe
The Glow Enhancer
Clinique Pop Lip + Cheek Oil in Pink Honey
£24, clinique.co.uk
This oil-based product leaves a gorgeous sheen without stickiness, perfect for both lips and cheeks.
The Foolproof Flush
Dior Backstage Rosy Glow in Cherry
£35, dior.com
This updated formula adapts to your skin’s pH, offering a customizable glow that fans of the original Dior blush will appreciate.
The Punchy Pigment
Revlon Glimmer Blush Drops in Field of Roses
£10, amazon.co.uk
This liquid blush comes in a bottle with a precision dropper, making application effortless—a single drop is often all you need.
The Sheer Tint
Victoria Beckham Colour Wash Blush Water Tint in Flushed
£44, victoriabeckhambeauty.com
This innovative water-based formula creates a sheer, diffused effect that mimics a natural flush.
The One with Mileage
Kulfi Mehndi Moment Blush in Blessed Berry
£24, from Aug 8
A deeply pigmented option inspired by henna art, perfect for those seeking longevity in their blush without being overpowering.
The Skin Smoother
Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm in Dusty Rose
£27, cultbeauty.co.uk
This balm provides a sheer wash of colour without compromising your skin’s hydration for a beautifully flushed look.
The Skincare Hybrid
Ilia Soft Focus Blurring Blush in Breathless
£32, iliabeauty.com
A creamy powder infused with squalane, delivering hydration and a flawless finish perfect for any skin type.
The Airbrush Blush
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Stick in Peachy Glow
£30, charlottetilbury.com
This stick blusher gives skin an almost airbrushed effect, enhancing natural beauty with a healthy sheen.
The Two-in-One
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Blonzer Blush + Bronzer in Kiss of Copper
£25.50, bareminerals.co.uk
This dual-purpose product combines the benefits of blush and bronzer in one, creating a radiant, sun-kissed glow.
Whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, the transition from bronzer to blush as the star of your makeup routine is a refreshing shift that offers endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression.
