Nine different blush placements on the face and why they matter

I used to think blush did not add anything to my makeup looks. Now that I have learned that there are actually different types of blush and a variety of ways to use it, I wish I could take back all the years I spent being blush-less!

As with many things in life, makeup is a socially learned concept that depends on where you are and is affected by current trends. When I started my makeup journey in 2017, the round blush placement was what was in and I just could not nail it which made me decide that blush just was not for me.

Luckily, I learned that beauty is personal and I decided to experiment with other blush placements. When I finally found a few that worked beautifully with my makeup style and face shape, a blush-less Abiele was never to be found again!

So here are a few of my favourite blush placements and the effect they add to a look! But before that, here’s what my makeup looks like without any blush.

Round Blush

This was the first blush placement I learned to do and I like having the quick and easy blushing effect it adds to the face. Just by placing blush a little lower than the apples of your cheeks, you can add a natural looking flush that looks very flattering especially in motion.

Lifted Blush

This is my go-to whether it is for a full face of glam, partnered with a creative eyelook, with no makeup makeup, for a quick errand run, or anything else, this is the blush placement that works best on my rounded facial features.

With most of the pigment placed on the highest points of your cheeks and blended up towards the temples, this offers a lifted effect to the features. This is a quick way to add structure to your face while also bringing a healthy pop of colour to the look.

Draped Blush

This is a similar look to the lifted blush technique but blends all the way up the temples. This adds warmth to the face and a more dramatic lifting effect to the face.

This is the blush placement I usually opt for when I have monochrome  eyeshadow looks because blush draping creates a sculpted effect that puts focus on the eyes.

Sunkissed/Drunk Blush

This blush placement is a very popular choice in the Philippines because it offers an island glow to the look! This is also very similar to the Japanese Igari blush placement or drunk blush/hangover makeup.

Placing your blush on the parts of your cheeks right under your eyes and over your nose creates the effect of a natural flush from being under the sun or from a couple of drinks - the most effortless way to achieve a youthful pop of colour.

I have also learned that blush is not something that is just flattering on the cheeks. There are also other blush placements and techniques I like playing around with for other parts of my face and those include:

Tip of the Nose

I have learned how to love my Asian nose and adding a few dabs of blush to the tip just adds such a cute shadow-like effect without the need for contour or bronzer. It just mimics heat rising on the face which offers a natural sculpt to the nose.

Forehead

This may sound silly but for the people who are with me in the five-head community, this is a quick and easy way to sculpt the forehead for those hair up days.

You just need to dab in a bit of blush into the centre of your forehead to add some depth for a shortening effect. This is best done with a matte blush because shimmery or glowy blushes would reflect light and instead emphasize the forehead.

Chin

With my rounded features, I enjoy makeup techniques that help define or sculpt my face. Adding a little blush to the centre of my chin is an easy way to create some depth and make it look more defined.

Under The Eyes

Matching this with the sunkissed or lifted blush placement just makes the blushing effect look more seamless. All you have to do is blend the blush on your cheeks up into your undereyes. You can also mix it into your undereye concealer when you do your base makeup on!

Blush Under Base Makeup

For a fool-proof way to achieve that “blushing from within” look or naturally rosy cheeks kind of vibe, putting blush under my base makeup is the way to go!

You just have to over blush before applying your base and once that has set, applying your base routine on top of it will diffuse it while making it look like a seamless flush.

Finding The Right Blush

You can explore the different blush formulas accessible to you. Definitely consider your skin type and personal makeup style to find the right fit for you whether it comes in the form of a cream, liquid, serum, jelly, or powder - there is definitely something out there for you.

Playing around with application techniques could also help! Tapping in blush with your fingers is quick and easy, dabbing it in with a makeup sponge, or patting it in with a brush - whatever is most comfortable for you to achieve the right look and feel is the right choice for sure.

You can also play around with combinations like powder blush over cream or liquid blush for added longevity or mixing in your cream or liquid blush with your favourite liquid highlighter for a quick and easy shimmer blush and so much more!

At the end of the day, there really is no wrong or right way to apply blush. There are just techniques that flatter you more than others so feel free to explore and find the ones that work for you even if it means mixing and matching or creating new techniques based off of these classics!