How to Apply Blush: Your Guide to Using Liquid, Powder, and Cream Blush

If your goal is to recreate the natural flush of your cheeks or add dimension to your face, there’s no better way to warm up your complexion than by adding a wash of blush to your look. But first, you’ll have to consider the different textures and finishes of each blush formula: liquid, cream or powder. In terms of how to apply liquid blush, cream blush or powder blush, there are various techniques you can use to get your desired level of colour.

Whether you’re loyal to liquid, cream or powder blush formulas, you’ll find our expert application tips on how to apply blush below.

Choose your formula: liquid, powder or cream

Blush has been around in one form or another for thousands of years1. And before you can perfect how to apply blush, it’s up to you to decide which type of blush you want to work with – liquid, powder or cream.

• Liquid blush: as the name suggests, a liquid blush has a fluid consistency that provides anything from sheer colour to intense pigment. This type of blush has emerged as a firm favourite for crafting flushed, dewy makeup looks because it offers great blendability over bare skin or foundation without settling into cracks or lines.

• Powder blush: formulated as a solid powder compact, powder blushes are applied with a brush to deliver a dusting of colour across the cheeks. Pressed powder blushes sit over the top of the skin and come in matte, satin or shimmer finishes. If you have combination or oily skin, powder blush helps gently mattify the skin.

• Cream blush: with highly blendable formulas that glide over the skin, cream blushes are a popular choice of blush for their balm-like consistency. Cream blushes sit in the ‘dewy’ camp of blushes, providing a natural, sun-kissed glow. Stick blushes, which are cream blushes packaged in stick format, are known for their convenience and one-swipe application.

Where to apply your blush

Blush placement is a powerful tool to lift or sculpt your face – but place it too low and it can have a ‘dragging’ effect on the skin. With this in mind, we’ve put together a few guidelines on how to apply blush to add dimension, balance out your features, and create a noticeable flush.

• For a natural flush: apply to the apples of the cheeks and gently blend outwards to accentuate the cheekbones. This classic placement is perfect for softening and rounding the features if you have a more angular face shape.

• For a lifted look: apply to the high points of the cheekbones and blend upwards towards the temples. This will give you a more sculpted look that gives the illusion of higher, more defined cheek bones.

• For a sun-kissed glow: blend across the apples of the cheeks and across the bridge of your nose in a ‘w’-like pattern. The ultimate blush placement if you want to recreate a sun-kissed summer look.

How to apply liquid blush

Because you are working with a liquid consistency, it can be quite easy to over-apply liquid blush. You can always build up colour, so our biggest tip for how to apply liquid blush is to determine your intensity first. Given that this is a dewy formula, ensure that your skin is primed with the Touche Éclat Blur Primer Gold before your apply your blush to ensure a long-lasting finish.

Our product pick: the Make Me Blush - Liquid Blush is a weightless formula with a high-colour pay-off, and the non-sticky, non-creasing texture works especially well with dry skin types or ageing skin.

To apply: Using the precise applicator on the Make Me Blush - Liquid Blush, place one to three dots on each cheek from the apples of your cheeks and up towards the temples. One dot of product will give you a subtle flush, two will help you create a lifted look, and three will give you full colour. Blend with your fingertips or a dedicated blush brush.

How to apply powder blush

Although you’ll need a brush to learn how to apply blush powder to your liking, powder formulas are incredibly easy to work with. Always start with a well-prepped base that’s adequately nourished with moisturiser, and ensure your brushes are cleaned regularly to avoid cakey makeup and product buildup.

Our product pick: melting seamlessly onto the cheeks, the Make Me Blush Bold Blurring Blush delivers instant, all-day colour. Sweat-proof and waterproof, our unique formula is infused with squalane to keep your skin hydrated, soft and comfortable You can also choose your finish – matte or satin – depending on your preferred look.

To apply: Take your blush brush and gently buff the Make Me Blush Bold Blurring Blush over your cheeks, using a sweeping circular motion to ensure seamless blending. Feel free to experiment with your powder blush placement to sculpt your face as desired. For added warmth, apply the All Hours Hyper Bronze at the temples and hairline.

How to apply cream/stick blush

Whether you’re practising your technique for how to apply stick blush or another cream blush of your choice, we love these blush formulas for their hassle-free application.

Cream blushes blend beautifully with fingers, but you can also use a brush if you prefer. If you don’t have a cream blush on hand, you can substitute with a cream lipstick. This can help you achieve a cohesive lip and cheek look.
Out product pick: our beloved YSL Loveshine lipstick is the perfect stick blush stand-in because it’s packed with hydrating ingredients and offers buildable colour payoff. Its wet-shine finish gives you the same radiant, creamy finish as a standard cream blush – and you can still swipe it across your lips.

To apply: After moisturising and priming, simply apply a couple of dots of the YSL Loveshine onto the apples of the cheeks and tops of the cheekbones. Use the tip of your finger to lightly tap and blend the product across the skin.

You’ve conquered how to apply blush in cream, liquid and powder form, now find your perfect lip formula: lipstick, lip stain or lip gloss.