2 days ago
You're applying your blusher wrong! A make-up artist reveals the most flattering blush placement for each face shape
Your blusher might be one of the most compact products in your make-up bag, but it has a major impact on the look of your face. Whether you just want a natural flush, or babydoll cheeks à la Sabrina Carpenter, applying blush is a great way to define and shape your facial features. But there are a few things to consider.
Choosing the right formula (there are powder, cream and liquid blushers – all of which have different finishes) and colour is key. But so is the placement of your blush. To ensure you're adding colour in places that flatter your features, you need to know your face shape.
Ahead, Sephora Pro Team make-up artist Athena Ioannidiou shares how to identify your face shape – you'll likely slot into one of these six categories: round, square, oval, heart, rectangular or diamond – and her best tips on where to apply blush for each.
How to apply blush to flatter your face shape
If you have a round face…
A round face features similar width and length, with full cheeks and a rounded jawline. They prefer blush styles that create a lifting effect and add angles by starting the application high on the cheekbones and blending upwards. This technique can help elongate the face.
If you have a square face…
Square faces are characterised by a strong, angular jawline and equal proportions of width and length. Soften the angles by applying blush closer to the centre of the face, focusing on the apples of the cheeks with circular motions. This creates soft volume and a more youthful look.
If you have an oval face…
An oval face is often considered the most balanced face shape, with a slightly longer-than-wide structure and a gently curved jawline. Due to these features, most blush styles are flattering. You can create a lifting effect by applying high on the cheekbones, focus on the apples of the cheeks for a youthful glow, or sweep blush across the cheeks and nose for a sun-kissed look.
If you have a heart-shaped face…
A heart-shaped face features a broad forehead that narrows to a pointed chin. Start the blush application on the apples of the cheeks, blending along the cheekbones and towards the temples. This style adds soft volume and a subtle lift to the cheeks.
If you have a rectangular face…
Similar to oval faces, but slightly more angular, rectangular faces are characterised by wide cheekbones and a narrow forehead and jawline. This shape is well-suited for higher blush placement. Apply blush along the cheekbones, blending outwards toward the ears. This enhances the pronounced cheekbones while gently lifting the features.
If you have a diamond-shaped face…
A longer-than-wide shape, often with a straight jawline. The forehead, cheeks, and jawline are typically about the same width, giving the face an elongated and slender appearance. Like oval faces, oblong faces can carry a variety of blush placements. That said, applying blush in a straight line across the face creates a sun-kissed look and adds a bit of width. Alternatively, use a slight semicircle shape, being careful not to blend too far in either direction. Don't hesitate to add a touch of blush on the bridge of the nose as well.
