How to Apply Blush For a Lifted Look

Some people say they can’t leave the house without mascara; some swear they can’t be seen without lipstick. But few realize the game-changing effects of blush. Not only is it instantly rejuvenating for the face, but it can also provide a snatched look. In fact, a few strategically-placed swipes of blush can helps camouflage signs of fatigue, open the eyes, and lift the entire face. So simple, so effective.

But how exactly should you apply blush to reap all the benefits listed above? Sure, you could try the age-old trick of “smiling while applying” to bring out the apples of your cheeks, but that technique might not be best for those who don’t have naturally prominent cheekbones. In truth, it could even have the opposite of a lifting effect; when the face is at rest, the cheeks slide down, lowering the placement of the blush. Below, make-up artists share their secrets for bringing the attention upwards instead. Read on to learn how to apply blush for a lifted effect.

Apply blush on the highest part of the cheek

Mia Hawkswell, who has worked with Pamela Anderson and Rose Byrne, says that blush should always be blended upward—especially when cheekbones need a little help to look high and toned. Thus, she says to apply the color at the highest part of the cheek, blending to the temples.

This helps emphasize the upper area of the face, and optically lifts the features. Hawkswell recommends using a stick or cream formula to “dot” the product along the cheekbone before blending it in with a brush or beauty blender. And, remember to blend from the bottom, moving up and outward so that the face looks lifted and wrinkle-free.

The L-shaped blush method

The L-shaped blush application technique has gone viral on TikTok thanks to its “anti-aging” effects. To get the effect, place your fingers in an L-shape at the cheekbone-with the index finger positioned along the hairline toward the temple and the thumb on the cheek to delineate the exact application area using powder blush.

Make-up artist Frouzan, also known as Froartistry, suggests you can also achieve the same lifting effect using a liquid blush. To apply, make the same letter L directly with the liquid blush applicator, making sure that the pattern reaches the base of the temples and the middle of the cheek. Then carefully blend the color using upward strokes to accentuate the desired snatched effect.

Add dimension

To apply blush for a rejuvenating and lifting effect, star makeup artist Patrick Ta mixes cream and powder blush. The benefits are twofold—not only does the makeup look natural; it gives a youthful glow. The secret lies in the differing textures: cream blush brings luminosity, while powder blush provides structure.