I thought I had mastered the art of blush. Many people are under the impression that it should sit high on the cheekbone, just above any contour, but TikTok has recently debunked that old make-up rule. “Boyfriend blush” is the new way to wear it: in addition to the 84.8 million views the term has racked up on TikTok, Google search interest in it has more than tripled in the last couple of months.
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So what is it? “Boyfriend blush is a natural flush of color that sits lower down on the cheek,” explains makeup artist Zoë Taylor. “It’s really fresh and natural and makes the skin appear like you’ve been outside for a run or a brisk walk—it’s also flattering on everyone.” Mimicking the rosy skin post-exercise, the boyfriend blush method is an easy way to make skin look youthful, outdoorsy and just a touch ruddy. Princess Diana in her early years in the spotlight is a key reference.
As someone with rosacea-prone—and therefore forever flushed – skin, I’ve spent years avoiding any blush technique that makes the skin look ruddy. But I have to say, it works. Pulling your blush placement down slightly makes skin look naturally healthy and, when using the right textures, is a nice way to add shape to the cheeks without getting into full-on contouring. “By adding color in this area, it adds depth to the skin, which subtly sculpts the face,” Taylor agrees.
The key to making it work lies in the formulas you use. Cream formulas tend to be easier to work with as they’re easily blendable and can be melted into the skin for a realistic look, but powder formulas can also work. “I would avoid anything too shimmery or glittery,” cautions Taylor. “Opt for a sheer wash of color, as this is a look that really does need to be believable.”
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Some of Taylor’s favorites include the It Cosmetics Sun Blush, which is the “perfect hot skin color” and can be adapted to all skin tones, and Pixi’s On The Glow Blush, which is really easy to apply. Others to look out for include Makeup by Mario’s Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil—a sheer, dewy blush that’s become a mainstay in my make-up bag.