Where to Apply Blush So It Looks Symmetrical Every Time

Blush is the beauty world’s favorite product at the moment, and it’s for good reason because it can elevate your makeup look by enhancing your features and warming up your complexion. While it’s relatively simple to apply — all you need is your favorite blush and a fluffy makeup brush — there are some tricks that can help to ensure it goes on symmetrically every time you do your makeup. Ahead, learn where to apply blush for a uniform result, the best shade of blush for your skin tone, and a few different blush hacks you can use to level up your application.

How to Apply Blush Symmetrically

While applying blush is pretty easy, here's how to get the best blush application every time you do your makeup. 

1. Pick Your Blush Formula and Shade

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to blush; there’s cream, liquid and powder formulas in a variety of different shades and finishes. Typically, cream blushes are the easiest to manipulate, but the staying power of a powder blush is unmatched. If you’re looking for a new powder blush, look no further than the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush. If you’re in the market for a new cream blush, the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Satin Blush goes on like a cream, but dries down like a powder. Both formulas are easy to apply and don’t cake, dry out or budge throughout the day. 

Once you decide what blush formula you want to use, comes the task of finding the right shade for your skin tone. This may seem like no big deal, but choosing something that flatters your skin tone can help to achieve the perfect post-workout flushed look that’ll complement the rest of your makeup. Here’s a shade recommendations for each skin tone:

Deep: If you have a deep skin tone, try a berry shade like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush in Legendary Berry.

Medium Deep: If you have medium deep skin, pick up the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush in Daring Rosewood to give your cheeks a bronzy-pink glow. 

Olive: If you have olive skin, we suggest the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Satin Blush with Camellia Oil in Marigold to make the golden tones in your skin pop. 

Medium: If you have medium skin, the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush in Fearless Coral would look great with your coloring. 

Light: If you have light skin, go for a baby pink shade like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush in Confident Pink.

Fair: If you have fair skin, try the L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush in Baby Blossom for a pastel pink cheek glow. 

2. Figure Out What Tool You’re Going to Use

Once you know what type of blush you’re going to be using, then you can decide what tool is best for application. Powder formulas typically work best with a fluffy brush while creams and liquids work best with a makeup sponge or your fingers. If you struggle with blush application, a fluffy blending brush is a great starting point because it won’t apply too much blush to your cheeks, and it’ll allow you to blend without ruining your other makeup.

3. Personalize Your Placement

In the past, blush was applied to the apples of your cheeks (where you see the most volume in your face when you smile) to round out the face. But as blush has become more trendy, there are different ways to apply it for different looks. If you want to lift your face, apply your blush where you would normally apply highlighter and blend it up towards the hairline. An easy hack for this is to make an “L” shape with your thumb and index finger and hold it up to your cheekbones: Apply the blush in the open area between your fingers. 

If you want a tan, sun-kissed look, apply the blush across your cheeks and nose in the shape of a “W.” If you struggle with applying your blush symmetrically, the “L” and “W” blush hack can really help with that. 

If you like a monochrome makeup look, you can also apply your blush in a circular motion, starting at the apples of your cheeks, swiping it in a circle repeatedly to also apply blush on your eyelids. This helps to give a lifted, flush that doubles as your eye makeup. 

4. Apply Your Blush

Blush should be applied in layers to slowly build up color. Once you decide what style of blush placement you want to go for, then you can apply it. If you’re using a powder formula and a brush, dip your brush in the compact, and pat it on the back of your hand first to see how much pigment you’re working with. Once you know, then you can blend it on your cheeks. If you’ve applied too much blush, use your foundation brush or makeup sponge to diffuse some of the pigment. 

If you’re using a cream blush, it may be helpful to dot the blush on both cheeks before you blend it out. If you’re using the “W” blush hack, you can map out the shape onto your cheeks. The best tip for using cream or liquid blush is to start out slow and build it up. It’s much easier to add more blush than it is to take away too much. 

5. Build Up the Color if Necessary

Once you’ve applied your blush, then you can go in for round two to build up the color. This is based on preference so if you like the way your blush looks after one round, then you’re done. If you want to add a bit more color, get a little bit of product on your brush or sponge and lightly build it up on the skin with light tapping motions. If you apply too much, grab your foundation brush or sponge to blend everything in.  

Next: Do You Apply Concealer or Foundation First?

Photographer: Stephanie Price