If you ask us, blush is an essential part of any makeup routine, but it’s important to choose the right blush placement for your features. That old “smile and apply blush to the apples of your cheeks” hack Grandma taught you may work well for some, but no makeup trick is universal. Ultimately, for the most flattering results, you’ll want to adapt your blush placement to complement your face shape—whatever it may be.
That may sound like a tall order, but don’t worry: We’ve got your back (well, cheeks). Ahead, we’ll guide you through all things rouge, including where to apply blush to flatter your face shape. You’ll also discover our top tips for choosing the best blush for your skin type and how to find the right shade for a natural-looking flush. Read on to learn how to apply blush like a seasoned pro. x
How Does Blush Placement Change How Your Face Looks?
Blush placement can change your face (temporarily, of course), in that you can create the appearance of a different bone structure or face shape depending on where you apply your blush. This face makeup essential can help soften angular features, sculpt your cheekbones, and make your face appear longer or shorter. Knowing where to put blush to complement your face shape can help you create a balanced, harmonious look—and help ensure you’re calling attention to your best features.
How To Determine Your Face Shape
If you want to figure out the best blush placement for your face shape, you need to first determine your face shape. Everyone’s bone structure is different, but for the most part, face shapes fall into one of six categories: oval, heart, square, round, rectangular, and diamond. Ahead, we’re explaining the key features of each shape.
Oval face shape
If your face is slightly wider than it is long and has rounded (rather than angular) edges, you probably have an oval face shape. For those with oval faces, the cheekbones tend to be the widest part of the face.
Heart face shape
Those with heart-shaped faces have wide, high cheekbones, a slightly more narrow forehead, and a somewhat angular jawline. Your chin may also be pointed, especially when you smile.
Square face shape
Having a square face shape doesn’t mean your face is actually square—it just means your face is about as wide as it is long, with the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline being more or less equal in width. Square faces also tend to be on the angular side, especially around the jawline.
Rectangular face shape
Rectangular faces are very similar to square faces, with one distinction: They’re generally a bit longer than they are wide. Otherwise, the underlying bone structure and shape are pretty similar to that of a square face.
Round face shape
This one is pretty self-explanatory: Round faces tend to be less angular, with softer edges. On this face shape, the cheekbones are the widest part of the face, with the forehead and chin both being slightly more narrow. Those with round faces also tend to have full cheeks and softer features overall.
Diamond face shape
If defined cheekbones are your most prominent facial feature, you may have a diamond-shaped face. This face type is characterized by a narrower chin and forehead and high, sculpted cheekbones (lucky you!).
How to Apply Blush for Your Face Shape
As we mentioned above, blush can help define your features. The right blush placement can highlight high cheekbones, make your face appear more sculpted, or help soften angular features. It’s all about how you apply it. This is one of the reasons makeup artists can make you look so good—they take your face shape into consideration. Here, learn where to put blush to make your unique features shine.
Where to apply blush for an oval face shape
Blush placement for oval faces is pretty straightforward since this face shape has relatively balanced features. First, locate your cheekbones. Then, sweep your chosen blush along the uppermost part of your cheekbones to help add height and definition. Avoid placing the blush below your cheekbones—that’s where you’ll want to put your contour (if you use it).
Where to apply blush for a heart-shaped face
If you have a heart-shaped face, you’ll want to apply blush to the tops of your cheekbones, about halfway between your nose and your temples. Then, blend the pigment upward in a “C” shape toward the tail of your brows. This blush placement for heart-shaped faces can help create balance and harmony while ensuring your high cheekbones remain front and center.
Where to apply blush for a square face shape
Those with square faces should aim to apply their blush slightly lower—generally, in a wide “U” shape just beneath the cheekbones. This blush placement for square faces provides a natural-looking flush and helps create softness for a harmonious look. Just be sure to blend well—harsh or obvious lines of demarcation can detract from the softening effect.
Where to apply blush for a rectangle face shape
Blush for long face shapes, like oval and rectangular faces, can help provide balance. For rectangular faces, we suggest sweeping your chosen blush along the center of your cheekbones, working from the apples of your cheeks out toward your ears. You can add softness to your features by applying the blush in a semi-circle shape, hugging the curve of your cheeks.
Where to apply blush for a round face shape
The right blush placement for round faces can help create the illusion of sharper, more defined cheekbones (without detracting from your naturally youthful-looking features). We suggest applying your blush in a straight line from your ear toward the center of your face, following the natural line of your cheekbones. To add to the sculpting effect, opt for a matte blush rather than a shimmery or pearlescent one.
Where to apply blush for a diamond face shape
With diamond faces, proper blush placement can help highlight those naturally high cheekbones without over-emphasizing them. Aim to sweep your blush onto the tops of your cheekbones and buff it out toward your ears for a healthy-looking, sun-kissed glow.
What to Consider When Applying Blush
Figuring out where to put blush is only part of the equation—you also need to determine which type of blush to use, find the right color for your skin, and gather the best tools for the job. We’ll explain all of these considerations below.
1. Blush formula
There are several different types of blushes on the market, but powders, creams, and liquids are the most common.
Powder blush
Powder blush is the go-to choice for many, as it tends to be easy to use, buildable, and versatile. It’s also ideal for those with oilier skin types, as powder is less likely to slide off the skin than cream or liquid blushes.
If you’re looking for a new powder blush to add to your lineup, we suggest checking out Buttermelt Blush. The collection includes a dozen vivid hues in both matte and shimmery finishes, each of which offers up to 12 hours of fade- and transfer-resistant wear.
Cream blush
Generally speaking, cream blushes work well for every skin type. They’re buildable, easy to blend, and provide a super natural-looking flush, making them a great pick for those who prefer a natural makeup finish.
Our favorite cream blush, WONDER™ STICK BLUSH, boasts additional benefits, too. This dual-ended cream blush stick features two complementary hues that you can use separately or together to help sculpt, shape, and define your features. Plus, the rounded crayon-like applicator makes nailing your blush placement a breeze.
Liquid Blush
Liquid blushes, like cheek tints, are great for those with dry skin—and for people looking to keep their makeup looking light and fresh. They’re super lightweight and typically relatively sheer, which makes it easy to build and customize the color to your liking.
2. Blush color
The best part about makeup is there’s no right or wrong way to do things: It’s all about creating a look that shows off your personal style. And this is certainly true when it comes to picking a blush color. That said, if you’re searching for a blush that looks natural, you’ll want to stick with a shade that has similar undertones to your skin and flatters your skin tone. We break it all down in-depth (and share product recommendations) in our article How To Choose a Blush Color for Your Skin Tone.
3. Tools for applying blush
Depending on your chosen formula, you may need tools to apply your blush. Powder blushes, for example, are almost exclusively applied with a brush (our Pro Powder Brush is a great pick if you’re using our Buttermelt Blush). Cream blushes are a bit more versatile—they can often be applied directly from the applicator and blended out with either a brush, a makeup sponge, or your fingers. For liquid blushes, a makeup sponge is usually best, though you can also blend these formulas out with your fingers for a sheerer, skin-like finish.
Blush Application FAQs
Should you smile when putting on blush?
You don’t need to smile when applying blush, but you should locate your cheekbones before applying your chosen formula. The cheekbone runs from the center of your ear to the middle of your face, ending just about at the apples of your cheeks.
What do you put on before blush?
You should always apply makeup primer before putting on blush to help extend the longevity of your makeup. If you wear foundation and concealer, you’ll also want to apply those before layering on your blush.
Can you wear blush without foundation?
You can absolutely wear blush without foundation. Skipping foundation will give you a more natural, no-makeup makeup look, which is great for low-key days. That being said, you should still apply a makeup primer to help your blush grip and extend wear.
What type of blush is easiest to apply?
Generally speaking, the more sheer and blendable a blush formula is, the easier it’ll be to apply. Cream and liquid formulas are both great for those looking to achieve a softer, more natural look, while powder blushes are best for those looking for bolder color. Ultimately, though, all blush is pretty easy to apply as long as you have the right blending tool(s) on hand.
Do you blend blush up or down?
Blush placement is usually fairly precise, so you want to avoid blending the pigment too far down your face (or too close to your eyes). Instead, blend the color toward your temples for a natural flushed effect.
How do you set blush?
You can set blush by lightly dusting a setting powder over your face after applying it or by misting your face with a setting spray. We like the latter option, as setting sprays can also provide additional benefits, like hydrating, brightening, or helping to mattify your skin. Try our Marshmellow Matte Setting Spray, which helps extend makeup wear for up to 16 hours.
Next: Matte vs. Dewy Makeup Finishes: What’s Better?
If you’ve mastered the art of making your cheeks pop, we want to see it! Share a pic of your favorite blush look on social and tag us @nyxcosmetics.
PRODUCTS USED
-001202408XX-DMI-ATF-BMBL-Model-BenefitsResults.jpg?sw=270&sfrm=jpg&q=70)
Buttermelt Blush
High pigment buttery soft powder blush. Fade & transfer resistant with up to 12HR wear.
.jpg?sw=270&sfrm=jpg&q=70)
MARSHMELLOW SETTING SPRAY
Marshmellow matte setting spray that lasts up to 16 hours makeup wear
Wonder™ Stick Blush
Dual-Ended Cream Blush Stick
