The Key To Layering Different Blush Finishes

Trends come and go, but blush has been a constant in makeup looks throughout the decades, and for good reason. When applied correctly, it can warm up your face, give you a youthful look, and even sculpt your features. But it’s time to take it a step further.

Multi-dimensional blush looks are dominating everything from the runways to our social feeds. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a chemist to formulate the perfect blush mixtures and combinations (thank goodness!). Here are two simple ways to get a multi-dimensional, youthful-looking flush every time.

Radiant flush

The key to this look is mixing two different blush finishes—one matte and the other shimmer. Start by sweeping the matte shade as a base all over your cheeks, from the apple of your cheeks to your temples. Then, accentuate the apples of your cheeks with your choice of a shimmer blush.

Beautylish recommends Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Blush and Wayne Goss The Weightless Veil Blush Palette

Hack: Skip a step with pre-paired blushes that combine semi-matte tones with their perfect shimmery matches. Just swish your brush in the product and swirl onto cheeks for instant depth and dimension.

Beautylish recommends Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic and Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush

Multi-dimensional color

If you’re looking to get more saturation rather than radiance, another way to create a long-lasting, flattering flush is combining cream and powder blush finishes. Start by dabbing a cream blush with your fingertips on the apples of your cheeks, blending it towards your temples and even across the bridge of your nose (if that’s your thing). Once it’s dry, set the color and add some depth by applying a powder blush, concentrating on the areas where you want more saturation—likely the apples of your cheeks—with a blush brush.

Pro-tip: To really make your cheeks pop, opt for a more neutral cream blush and a deeper or brighter powder shade.

Beautylish recommends Surratt Beauty Artistique Blush Duos, RCMA Makeup Cream Cheek Color Palette, and Kevyn Aucoin The Neo-Blush