Where to Apply Blush So It Looks Symmetrical Every Time

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Blush Sticks

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. 

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. 

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.