Blush is one of those makeup products that really gives your complexion life—and a bold red blush really packs a punch. Though for newbies, shades of red, crimson, scarlet, and fire engine might be a little intimidating at first, trust they can add a touch of warmth to your complexion or make a statement on your skin.
“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. Both work on a wide range of skin tones, so pick one or grab the pair.
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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 Fly 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
Of course, you can apply your red blush on the apples of your cheeks, as you would with any other color. You can also draw a little inspo from some of the blush trends that have been going around on social media. This summer, it was all about TikTok’s “sunburn blush,” which gives your skin that sunkissed warmth without the potential UV damage. Swiping a little of Lip + Cheek in Flip 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: It also doubles as a red lipstick.)
Red blush is still going strong this winter on Tiktok, thanks to the “I’m Cold” blush trend, which uses makeup to mimic that rosy complexion you get when it’s freezing outside. Yep—those coming-in-from-the-cold cheeks and noses are hot right now, and red blush is the easiest way to get the look.
First, 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.
TikTok trends not quite your thing? No worries. 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.
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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