Cheeks with blush are having a moment. A new makeup trend has taken over Instagram feeds and captured the hearts of beauty enthusiasts everywhere – so much so that it even made an appearance at the MET
Gala.
The trend comes in two popular styles: the soft, romantic “boyfriend blush” and the warm, dreamy “sunset blush.” From Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner to Tyla and Hailey Bieber, celebrities have been showing off their rosy cheeks, making this trend impossible to ignore.
But the question many ask is, “Which blush actually suits your face?” It’s all about choosing the one that complements your skin tone, face shape, and the vibe you want to create.
What is Boyfriend Blush technique?
Started by makeup artist Mallory Osses, the Boyfriend Blush isn’t applied the way we normally put on blush. Instead of placing it on the highest point of your cheeks, you place it a bit lower, just below your cheekbone.
To get it right, the blush should be swept from the center of your cheeks out toward your ears. But it has to be built up slowly. The skin appears naturally flushed, giving you a blood-rushed glow, as if you have been out in the sun or just finished a workout.
What is Sunset Blush technique?
Created by Alissa Holmes, the Sunset Blush is inspired by the warm, glowing colours of the sky at sunset. It creates a soft gradient on your cheeks with both colour and a subtle shimmer, giving your face a radiant, sun-kissed look.
To create this look, you need to apply two drops of fuchsia liquid blush just above your cheeks, then add two drops of a warmer, orangey blush and finish with a dab of liquid highlighter on top.
Which is right for your face?
Boyfriend Blush is best for oval and square-shaped faces, and Sunset Blush is best for round and heart-shaped faces.
For people with oval faces, the goal is often to make a face look a little wider and more balanced, so Boyfriend Blush is perfect for this. Applying this technique will make your face look more proportioned. You should use soft berry or red tones to give a natural look.
For square faces with strong jawlines, sometimes you want to soften the angles. The Boyfriend Blush works here too. So, instead of using harsh contour lines that can enhance your sharp edges, go for this technique, as it can give a natural flush.
If you have a round face, then you should opt for Sunset Blush, as it gives an illusion of a longer and slimmer face—almost like a natural lift. Whereas Boyfriend Blush can make your cheeks look fuller, and your face could appear heavier.
If you have heart-shaped or diamond-shaped faces, you already have naturally prominent cheekbones. So, the Sunset Blush highlights them even more. The shimmering colours and gradient effect make your bone structure stand out, giving a radiant, lifted look without needing heavy contour powders.
