Blush may be the unsung makeup hero—it comes in various formulas, can transform your face and always seems to be at the forefront of beauty trends. Take the slew of trends that emerged this summer. Boyfriend blush gave us a wash of color and liquid formulas made a colorful flush effortless to achieve. And let’s not forget the ombré effect of sunset blush. Blush is seasonless, but with summer coming to a close, red blush is quickly becoming the new trend to bookmark. Red blush isn’t new, but nailing it can be very daunting.
Most of us have mastered creating a doll-like flush with classic pink or rose shades, but red is a different story. Admittedly, a bold cherry red or fiery crimson blush sounds intimidating. But if the volume of videos flooding my FYP is any indication, the trend will be sticking around for a while. With that in mind, we spoke with makeup artists to get their tips on shopping for and using red blush.
Featured experts
- Jeannia Robinette is a celebrity makeup artist
- Samreen Arshad is a professional makeup artist and the founder and CEO of Samreen’s Vanity
The benefits of wearing red blush
Pink blushes are ideal for creating an ethereal or baby doll look. Red is more unexpected and delivers an equally daring flush of color. “Red blushes give you a youthful appearance by mimicking a natural flush and making you look more lively and awake,” says Samreen Arshad, makeup artist and the founder and CEO of Samreen’s Vanity. She explains that a red-colored blush can also give the appearance of healthy, vibrant skin. Despite the jarring color at first, celebrity makeup artist Jeannia Robinette notes that red blush often appears more natural on various complexions.
It’s also worth noting the confidence boost that comes along with rouge-colored beauty products. From scarlet lipsticks to red nails, the hue is synonymous with power. “The type of person who goes for a red blush, as opposed to a coral, peach or classic pink, is confident and creative, willing to take risks,” says Robinette.
What to look for when shopping for a red blush
As is the case with any complexion-based makeup product, undertones are key when wearing red blush. “Wearing a bold color can enhance one’s natural features, and knowing your skin undertone will help with finding the correct shade for you,” says Arshad. She explains that softer hues are best for fair skin, while medium and darker skin tones can carry more intense reds. “Lighter complexions often benefit from lighter roses or soft peaches, while deeper skin tones can embrace richer reds.” However, we encourage everyone to try the red blush trend.
Robinette notes that you should consider the product’s finish. “With a red blush, you want to make sure there is no glitter or frost and that the finish is more matte,” she says. The formulation of the blush is also important. “Cream textures can be easier to apply, while a powder on the other hand will add more pigment for a bolder look. It’s really about the texture of the powder, try looking for something that goes on really powdery and velvety.”
How to wear a red blush
If you’re opting for a cream formula, the experts suggest starting with your fingers. “For cream, put the tiniest bit on the apple of your cheek and then blend it. Start with a light touch, focusing on the apples of the cheeks using a small-headed brush or fingers to blend on the skin so there are no harsh edges,” says Robinette. The idea is to create a healthy red flush, which she says can be done by adding a powder formula on top of the cream. “You want to create the effect of vitality, of blood flowing,” she says. When applying a powder formula, she suggests using a tapered blush brush so the product can go right on the apple of the cheek.
The best red blushes to try
