How to Apply Blush to Complement Your Face Shape 1

You're probably well aware that the right blush can liven up your features and give your skin a rosy glow, but that's not all it does. If you know how to use blush to shape your face, you can subtly shape and define your face - even without the help of contouring or highlighters. If you're wondering where to apply blush to make your favorite features pop, we've got you covered. We asked professional makeup artists Melissa Walsh and Shreni Patel for the best blush placement for every face type. Read on to learn how to apply blush like a pro and change your face for the better.

How to Apply Blush on a Round-Shaped Face

Round faces tend to be widest around the cheekbones and have rounded (hence the name) rather than angular edges. Those  with round faces may also have softer features and a naturally youthful look. To help create a bit of definition,  skip applying blush on the apples of your cheeks. With a lower blush placement,  round faces look more sculpted and defined.

Step 1: Make a fish face by sucking in your cheeks. This can help you identify the hollows of your cheeks and determine where to put blush for the most flattering effect.

Step 2: Apply your blush in a line below your cheekbone, starting from where your cheek meets your ear and ending the line at the center of your cheek.

Step 3: Blend to soften the line, adding a tiny bit of blush onto the bridge of your nose “to define and slim the face.”

How to Apply Blush on a Heart-Shaped Face

When it comes to blush for heart-shaped faces, you can try a unique way to apply blush: blush drape. This technique involves applying blush along the tops of the cheekbones rather than the apples of the cheeks, and blending the blush towards the temples to create a pronounced curved shape. The placement of this blush helps emphasize your prominent cheekbones and can help create a balanced, harmonious look.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the technique:

Step 1: Apply a few dots of liquid blush to the tops of your cheekbones.

Step 2: Use a makeup sponge or brush to blend the pigment upward and outward.

Step 3: Use a blush brush to further diffuse the pigment and soften any harsh or obvious lines.

How to Apply Blush on a Long Face

As with blush for oval faces, blush for long faces is pretty flexible: you can apply it either to the apples of your cheeks or along your cheekbones. The former will add softness and create the illusion of fuller cheeks, while the latter placement can help sharpen and define your cheekbones.

Here’s what you’ll want to do:

Step 1: Use a brush to apply a cream or powder blush to the center of your cheek, just beneath the pupil of your eye.

Step 2: Blend slightly outward with a brush to create a thick straight or lightly curved line.

Step 3: For fullness, dot cream blush directly on the apples of your cheeks (and blend well).