4 ways you didn't know you could use blush (and why you need to try all of them).

Let me start off by saying I love blush. 

If I had to pick only one make up category to keep, it would be blush. In my opinion, it’s the best way to brighten your complexion and bring life to your cheeks.  

Watch: The simplest fix for your broken blush or eye shadow. Post continues below.

There are so many ways to include blush in your daily makeup look, but I thought I’d round up four different trends that keep popping up on my feed and share how you can try them too!  

Blush draping.

Blush draping, also known as blush contouring, is a bold and dramatic look that harks back to beauty looks of the 80s (picture the iconic Debbie Harry). 

It basically looks like using a blush shade in place of where you would usually put a contour or bronzer shade to help add a glow and lift to the face. As an added bonus, it sits high enough to give definition and be visible above your face mask. 

The easiest way to describe it is to think of softly draping the blush across the top of your cheekbone and then sweep it up to the temples in a “C” motion. 

Or as you can see below, I’ve used a cream blush in a stick formula to dot that shape on first before blending.  

Image: Supplied

Image: Supplied

Start with a small amount and build it up into flush, using a sponge over the edges so it doesn’t look too harsh. How intense you go is totally up to you. If you want a bolder 80s style look, build it up! 

This shape can also pair really well with a bold eye look, especially in a contrasting shade to your blush colour. I used the Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush, $36, in the shade Nearly Apricot, which is a muted coral and a nice way to ease into the technique if you don’t want to commit to a fully ‘blush’ shade. 

Baby pink cherub cheeks.

Bright, baby pink blush is back in and boy is it a fun one to try. Sitting somewhere between an “I just worked out” flush and baby cherub cheeks, this blush trend is all about injecting a pop of pink for that fresh-faced look. 

Whilst you can absolutely choose the placement based on your preference, have a bit of a play with popping it right on the apples of your cheeks, like I have below.  

Image: Supplied

Image: Supplied

Whether using a powder or cream blush, start by smiling and apply the blush to the most raised part of your cheek, where you would naturally feel a blush when you’re embarrassed. Sweep the colour in a circular shape and then bring a bit up towards your cheekbones, blending out the edges for a softer, more diffused look. 

For my look I used the Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic blush, $55, in the shade Love Is The Drug for a bright pink with a bit of extra luminosity to it. This kind of blush look pairs beautifully with fluffy lashes and natural looking brows.  

‘Sunburn’ blush. 

Whilst a day in the sun can give you a glow, there’s nothing healthy about it, so next time you’re seeking that sun kissed colour, reach for your blush instead! 

The idea is to instead apply your blush across the area you might naturally get burnt – the nose and top of your cheeks – to brighten your overall complexion, rather than focusing on the cheeks alone. 

Using a matte shade is preferable, so you don’t end up with highlight across your whole face instead of the focal points.  

Image: Supplied

Image: Supplied

I’ve used a cream blush stick to create a ‘W’ shape across these higher points in the middle of the face, going lighter across the ridge of the nose and more intense towards the temples. Blending it out helps soften the look, like the sun has naturally touched the high points. 

Using a warmer, earthy tone can be really flattering if you want to forgo bronzer, or you can also opt for a pinker shade with a light hand. I’ve used the Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Blush, $49, in shade Peachy Keen, to easily draw on the shape that I want for a soft peach look. 

If you wanted to go a little further, this style of blush would pair really well with some faux freckles for the full sun touched look.   

Monochromatic look.  

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a multi-purpose product - especially when I’m in a rush or trying to pack light. The right shade of blush can be truly multi-purpose and fits in well with the monochromatic makeup trend. 

Using the same shade across eyes, cheeks and lips is an easy way to pull together an understated look. 

Image: Supplied

Image: Supplied

The trick is to vary the depth of colour so you don’t end up blocking out your face with the same shade. 

Using the Nudestix Matte All Over Face Blush Colour, $49, in Cherie, I’ve built the shade up more across my lips and eyes, to focus the attention there, but still with enough cheek colour so that my face isn’t lost beneath them. I’ve chosen a neutral shade for my complexion, but you can absolutely charge it up for a more vibrant look.    

At the end of the day, I don’t think there’s really a wrong way to add blush to your look, but hopefully this has given you some inspiration to step out of your usual routine. 

Blush is a great way to play up your look and I think there’s a way for everyone to wear it, whether you just want a pop of fun colour or to add extra definition.  

Have you tried any of these blush tricks before? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Instagram; @morganrohan