A beauty guideline as old as time says blush belongs on the apples of your cheeks. But this summer's blush trends prioritize rosy tones on every other square inch of the face, from foreheads and under-eyes to hairlines and even the chin. Just glance at BeautyTok or a scroll through Hailey Bieber's Instagram page for all the proof you need.
Pinks, reds, oranges, and plums—in glossy, glassy, matte, liquid, and cream formulas—are receiving more-is-more overhauls with over-the-top names to match. Example number one: We’re blush-touring now. The viral technique, which has accumulated nearly 100,000 posts on TikTok this month alone, is essentially contouring with pink tones from top to bottom.
"There has been a huge influx of people adopting the underpainting application trend with contour products underneath foundation, so it's not surprising it carried over into blush," says celebrity makeup artist Dominique Lerma. "It gives a soft wash of color and a natural flush that's perfect for summer."
@chantelleef ♬ original sound - Chantelle Fen
The internet is also witnessing a second coming of Sunset Blush, a technique that emphasizes rosy tones across the nose and under the eyes, too. While this nomenclature certainly reached a peak in summer 2023, the feigned sunburned appearance is making waves once again—raking up nearly 3,500 hashtags on TikTok.
Then there's Boyfriend Blush, a cheeky name that nods to the flush men get after breaking a sweat. It encourages dusting powder on the lower quadrant of your cheek. While not necessarily the most lifting or necessarily flattering of the summer blush trends, it is perhaps the most popular application technique of the moment with viral Reels reaching over 1.5 million views.
Putting blush anywhere but the cheeks wasn't on my 2024 Bingo card, yet it’s oddly perfect for summer. With these trends, a good blush is quite literally the only summer makeup staple you need. Not sure what to shop? We’ve got you covered with every editor- and celebrity-loved favorite blush to get your favorite look, ahead.
If You Want a Glossy Finish
For a glow or glass-like finish, a glossy, high-shine blush is the way to go. "It's like putting a lipstick on, but for your cheeks," says celebrity makeup artist Dani Parkes. "These are extremely long-lasting and don't move."
Directly after watching beauty influencer Golloria swatch these Lady Gaga-created blushes—and emphasize how the gorgeous pigment shows up on all skin tones—I instantly swatched my own samples. Each hue creates a glass-like finish on the skin.
Just a few weeks back, you couldn’t get your hands on Milk's Jolly Rancher-like blushes. Now, you can shop whatever color your heart desires. I’m partial to Burst, a poppy pink, and love swiping it on my temples, lips, and lids.
While I (sadly) can’t thank Rihanna for a new album, I can share my utmost appreciation for this gorgeous blush creation. The color shift technology expertly adapts to my skin tone, which is why I’m obsessed with using this for the “Boyfriend Blush” trend—it gives me the perfect I-just-worked-out flush.
With brand fans in Taylor Swift and Cardi B, you know Dame Pat McGrath creates five-star products. This particular Glow Color Balm is no exception—and is now available in four new, incredibly hydrating and creamy shades.
If you’re on BeautyTok, you’ve heard about Pixi’s foolproof application experience. The twist-up stick is the perfect width and length to sculpt your cheekbones instantly. Just drag, blend, and go.
If You Want a Matte Finish
A matte finish is the way you want to go if you're chasing a post-vacation summer glow. The below formulas aren't dull or cakey—they have long-lasting radiant finishes and intense pigment, no matter which summer blush trend you're hoping to test drive.
“Sunset Blush,” which emphasizes application on the temples, or “Sunburn Blush,” which emphasizes application on the nose, works best with a matte formula. My current top pick: Kosas’s new launch, which is a radiant powder formula with intense pigment that lasts all day.
If you didn’t know, NARS’s iconic Orgasm blush got a makeover earlier this year. It now boasts a longer-wearing formula and a more intense color payoff. With blush being the summer moment, there’s no better time to put the new and improved formula to the test.
Patrick Ta’s advice: Apply cream first, then powder on top. While it might seem counterintuitive, I promise this reverse psychology technique will have your blush—no matter where you put it—last through the toughest summer humidity and sweat.
Nothing beats a cute compact, and it doesn’t get much prettier than this adorable, star-embellished Gucci option. Touch up your blush on the go with a formula that’s matte, not flat.
Introducing: Charlotte’s highlighter-blush duo. The matte blush is ideal for executing any of the above blush trends; it’s non-drying and shows up accurately on every skin tone. Should you decide to add a little more to your makeup routine, swipe a bit of the shimmery highlighter on your cheekbones or eyelids.
If You Want a Cream Finish
Sculpt your face with blush, by bringing a cream stick up and into your hairline. "Creams are great to apply on the temple because you apply it like a contour to lift your cheekbones," explains Parkes.
One of Sophia Richie’s go-to products, NudeStix is easy to apply and has a gorgeous finish. The stick formula makes on-the-go application and blush-touring (if you’re into it) an incredibly seamless experience.
My favorite blush trend this summer is ombré blush, a technique that stacks varying shades of the same formula on top of one another to create a soft gradient. Mario’s blush sticks are my pick for getting the job done; they blend incredibly and leave my skin looking healthy and hydrated.
Loved by everyone from Grace Coddington to Hailey Bieber, Merit’s blush balm should be a staple in your summer bag. You can build up the color payoff with these, opting for either a soft finish or a statement. They also double as lip balms, which is an added bonus.
Makeup artist Gucci Westman, who works with Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow, created these blush sticks to be multi-purpose for the eyes, lips, and cheeks. I’m not only in love with the shade names (Coquette is very on-trend), but also the hydrating formula that feels like skincare. Packed with jojoba oil and fruit extract, I swear my skin starts looking better when I’m using this.
Marie Claire Beauty Director Deena Campbell’s favorite, this liquid formula is ideal for those who want a more subtle blush look. It’s not too dewy or too matte, and comes in a range of six shades, ranging from a bright red and deep berry to pale pink.
