Blush 101: All You Should Know About Achieving the Ideal Blush Application

      April 10, 2025

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      Several weeks before starting seventh grade (after months of pleading), my mother took me to the MAC counter in my local mall to purchase my very first makeup items. After 45 minutes of finding the right shade, I left the store with MAC Face & Body foundation, a concealer, and a Melba blush. I used the coral-peach blush on my cheeks every day for years following that moment. (I distinctly recall digging my blush brush into the empty corners of the pan to ensure I used every last bit of product before using my babysitting earnings on a replacement.)

      These were simpler times, before creams, liquids, and trends like “boyfriend blush” became popular. What once felt straightforward now raises countless questions. Should I opt for powder or cream blush? Which shade is suitable for me? Where is the correct spot for application? TikTok videos demonstrating how blush can reshape your face and showing places to avoid applying blush have created considerable uncertainty in the makeup realm.

      To clarify the confusion, we consulted makeup artists to address the internet’s most pressing blush inquiries. From the best formula for your skin type to the correct blush placement—spoiler alert: there’s no wrong way to apply it—keep reading for a comprehensive blush 101.

      MEET THE EXPERT

      Neil Scibelli, Celebrity Makeup Artist

      Neil Scibelli is a makeup artist based in NYC and the host of the Face It podcast. He frequently appears as an expert on Good Morning America, TODAY Show with Hoda & Jenna, and Access Hollywood, and has contributed to Instyle, Allure, Teen Vogue, and more.

      MEET THE EXPERT

      Lila Childs, Makeup Artist

      Lila Childs is a freelance makeup artist and content creator located in New York City. Her primary focus is on makeup for celebrities and influencers on the red carpet and at events.

      What’s the Best Blush for My Skin Type?

      Choosing the right blush—liquid, cream, or powder—ultimately boils down to personal choice and skin type. If you wish to add maximum dewiness to your complexion, a cream or liquid blush would be ideal; conversely, if you prefer a product that blurs pores and mattifies your skin, you might lean towards a powder blush.

      To discover your ideal blush, experiment with various formulas and application techniques. Trying different methods, like using your fingers one day and a brush the next, can help you determine what works best for you and how you prefer your blush to appear.

      Given the extensive range of blushes on the market, selecting the “right” tool for applying each texture can feel puzzling. The simple answer? Use what you enjoy. If you find that using your fingers gives you better control while blending cream blush, continue doing so. If brushes are more your style, keep in mind that certain bristles work better with specific blush textures than others.

      "I exclusively apply blush with brushes, as I feel I achieve the highest precision and control. My favorites include the Morphe 204 Brush or the Patrick Ta Dual-Ended Blush Brush," shares makeup artist and influencer Lila Childs. She recommends applying your chosen blush to the back of your hand (instead of directly to your cheeks) before using a brush to apply it to your skin. This method not only reduces the risk of applying too much product initially but also enhances your control over application.

      Morphe

      With both short and long duo fibers, this brush features a cheek-hugging, rounded shape that's perfect for pressing and buffing cream and liquid blushes.

      Patrick Ta

      This dual-ended brush is suitable for both powder and cream blush formulas. The dense side is ideal for blending out cream blush, while the fluffy side facilitates an even application of powder blushes across the cheeks.

      Saie

      This fluffy, oval brush boasts synthetic bristles that contribute to a diffused, natural appearance of powder blushes. Its pointed tip allows for precise pigment application exactly where desired.

      Sephora Collection

      The spade-shaped design of this brush ensures precise cream blush application, while its bristles evenly deposit pigment onto the cheeks for a smooth, uniform finish.

      Where Should I Apply Blush?

      Your blush application location relies on your face shape and the effect you wish to achieve. Blush placement can accentuate your face, create the impression of a sun-kissed glow, or impart a youthful, fuller look, as explained by New York makeup artist Neil Scibelli.

      "I typically determine blush placement based on facial shape and the overall makeup goal," Scibelli states. "For facial shape, I consider whether I want it to appear sculpted, lifted, or simply add a pop of color."

      For a lifted look