Blush is one of those makeup products that really gives your complexion life—and a good red blush really makes it pop. Pink and coral have had their moment, but red is now the color taking over TikTok. For blush beginners, shades of crimson, scarlet, and fire engine might be a little intimidating at first, but trust that they can add a touch of warmth to your complexion that is surprisingly wearable.
In fact, that’s how red blush first got its internet-famous moment. Makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift shared that it was her secret to creating a “very natural” flush for Victoria’s Secret models, and the video quickly racked up hundreds of thousands of likes. “They had a beautiful flush of color, and a lot of people always think it’s pink, but it wasn’t—it was red,” she said in the viral clip. TikTok took care of the rest.
Red blush didn’t just pop up on the Victoria’s Secret runway; it's a mainstay in French girl makeup, where red lipstick often pulls double duty as a multitasking, tapped-on flush. But since it seems like the rest of us are just getting around to trying the shade, there’s a reason why it works so well.
“Traditionally, we think of blushes coming in soft pink and coral shades, but the trends are getting bolder,” says Milk Makeup Director of Artistry Sara Wren. “Red tones are universally flattering and can make your teeth look whiter and your eyes brighter.”
We promise with a little guidance, you’ll be hooked. Ahead, some tips on how to wear red blush and absolutely nail it.
How to choose the right red blush for your skin tone
Before you dab, swipe, or brush on your blush, you’ve gotta find the right shade and best placement for your face. They're the two most important factors to consider when you’re figuring out how to wear red blush without going overboard.
First, consider your skin tone. “Fair skin tones look best with a cool-toned red,” says Sara. “A warm coral-red looks beautiful on medium and olive tones, and deeper skin tones can go for brighter shades with either cool or warm undertones for a pop of color.” Of course, if you have medium skin and love a blue-toned red, that works too! Apply whatever makes you feel the best. Our Bionic Blush in Fly is a ruby red hue that comes in a liquid format, while our Lip + Cheek in Flip, a true red, delivers the hue in a cream stick. Want something with serious staying power and a warmer base? Then there’s nothing better than our Cooling Water Jelly Tint in Chill, a sheer watercolor stain you can swirl on lips and cheeks for an instant burst of red. If you can’t decide, just grab our Blush Super Pack to try all three of our red blush formulas.
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How to apply red blush
Since red blush can get a little intense, it’s best to use a gentle hand. “When applying cream and liquid blushes, I am a big fan of the tap method,” explains Sara. Apply a bit of blush to the back of your hand to help warm the product up. “Then take two fingers and lightly tap the blush on your cheeks, starting at the top of the cheek bones,” she says. Bounce your fingers across your nose or up towards your temples to complete the look.
Remember—a little bit of red blush goes a long way, so it’s better to build up the color than go in too fast and furious. If you do get too heavy handed, don’t panic. “Take a clean brush or sponge and lightly tap or buff over the areas that may be a bit too red,” says Sara. “If that isn’t enough, gently buff a tiny bit of concealer over the area to help soften the pigment without covering it entirely.”
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How to wear red blush
Don’t overthink it: TikTok has all the proof you need that you can apply your red blush as you would any other shade for a juicy flush. You can tap it on the apples of your cheeks and blend it out for a burst of color. You can also draw a little inspo from some of the other makeup trends you’ve seen online. Try TikTok’s “sunburn blush,” which gives your skin that sunkissed warmth without the potential UV damage. Blending a little bit of red blush on your cheekbones, across your nose, or those points of your face that tan the quickest, then blending it out, is the easiest way to get the look. (Bonus: If you do this with Flip or Chill, they also double as red lipstick.)
For a more intense finish, there’s also the “I’m Cold” blush trend, which uses makeup to mimic that rosy complexion you get when it’s freezing outside. To get the look, think of the points of your face that turn red in the cold. That will help you create the most natural-looking effect with the blush. Skip coral and purple blushes for this one. And pay attention to placement, Sara advises. “Instead of the trendy lifted top-of-cheek placement, this is really a soft haze over your cheeks, with the center being the apples,” she says. Be sure to also place your blush “down the entire nose, not just across to really get the effect.” Finish with a bit of blush on your Cupid’s bow and under the center bottom of your lip.
Red blush was made for draping, which is another super flattering way to wear it. Create a C-shape with the blush, from your temples to your cheekbones, to give your face a lifted effect. Apply the blush higher up on your cheekbones and blend it out toward your hairline, Sara suggests.
Now that you’ve got the rundown, it’ll be easy to nail any red blush look you dream up. Once you’ve found your go-to look, you’ll never doubt the power of a bold blush again.
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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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