Orange blush may seem like a shade that only celebrities, runway models, and your favorite beauty creators can indulge in, but everyone can pull it off. Don’t just take it from us: If you search “orange blush” on TikTok, you’ll see just how versatile the hue can be. The trend has grown slowly but surely over the past couple of years, and now, it’s finally having a full-fledged moment.
“It’s fresh and unexpected while also being a shade that works on many different skin tones,” says Sara Wren, our Director of Artistry. If you’re searching for a starter orange blush, Sara loves our Milk Makeup Bionic Blush in Teleport, a juicy coral that’s earned rave reviews—and a 2022 Essence Best in Black Beauty Award. Orange blush doesn’t get any easier than this, but in case you’re still intimidated, read on for seven cool ways to make the trend work for you.
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How to Find Your Best Orange Blush
Orange blush is about as universally flattering as classic rosy pink because it has a bit of every undertone; it’s not too cool for warmer complexions and not too warm for cooler skin tones. Just think back to elementary school art class, where you learned that orange is a combination of red and yellow. Plus, it falls opposite blue on the color wheel, so it can help counteract dark circles and discoloration.
Much like pink blush, orange doesn’t come in only one shade: It can be tangerine, terracotta, or turmeric. For anyone new to orange blush, Sara says “it’s about finding the right tone of orange.” She recommends a terracotta orange like our Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek in Swerve if you have a medium complexion and olive undertones. Peachier corals like our Lip + Cheek in Perk are better suited for fairer skin tones. And deep complexions shine in red-toned oranges like Teleport, which is a great pick for all skin tones in general.
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How to Wear Orange Blush
Once you’ve found your shade, prep your skin. Sara suggests evening out any redness with a touch of Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30 to keep orange tones from looking too ruddy. From there, let your imagination guide you to try any of the seven options below. I wore Bionic Blush in Teleport for all seven looks to show you just how versatile this shade can be.
1. Halo Blush For this look, Sara suggested that I try draping orange blush from my temples down to the tops of my cheekbones in a “C” shape. You can add more layers depending on how subtle or dramatic you want your blush to be: I went with two. |
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2. W BlushSara’s absolute favorite orange blush placement is in a “W” shape across her cheeks and nose. I dabbed Teleport on the highest points of my cheekbones, right below the outer corners of my eyes. Then I worked it downward towards the apples of my cheeks before going up to the bridge of my nose. The result: a stunning “W” of orange blush that looks wonderfully sunkissed without any skin damage. (For further celeb inspiration, you can see how Sunmi displayed this placement perfectly in her “Heart Burn” music video.) |
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3. Cloud BlushFor this way of wearing orange blush, I concentrated most of the color only on the bridge of my nose and along the sides of it where my sunglasses typically sit for a playful, aesthetic. Use a brush to diffuse and blend your blush out: It’s easier than finger-painting for this particular placement. |
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4. Faux FrecklesFor the ultimate summer vibes, I layered a sprinkling of faux freckles over my orange blush. (This looks best with a cloud blush or “W” shape.) If you have natural freckles, skip a step and let them shine through. I added mine on with the KUSH Fiber Brow Gel, patting the formula into my skin for a more natural effect. |
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5. Monochromatic Orange“A monochromatic moment with orange is so chic,” says Sara. This means applying your orange blush and adding the same color to your lips—and even eyes, if you’re really feeling the shade. You can use the same product for all three placements or choose a different lipstick and eyeshadow in the same color family. The shades and textures don’t have to match exactly: Just have fun with it to pull together this colorful-yet-cohesive look. |
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6. Sherbert BlushBionic Blush in Teleport + Color Chalk in Skip It = a match made in heaven. Pairing any shade of pink with orange blush creates an effect that reminds me of sunsets and rainbow sherbert. I love blending Skip It all over my eyelids for a shimmering flash of pink to go with my orange blush. To finish the look, I’ll sometimes add another touch of pink with Milk Makeup Lip Color in Wifey or Electric Glossy Lip Plumper in Charged. |
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7. Color ContrastThis idea once again takes inspiration from the color wheel. I love to contrast a bright orange shade with blue or green eye makeup for a complementary effect. After applying Bionic, I grab a couple Color Chalks in Green Light and Yo-Yo to create a sheer wash of shimmer on my eyes. A flick of winged liner with KUSH Liquid Eyeliner, and my final orange blush look is complete. |
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Meet the Expert
Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.
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