The word blush has been on the tip of every beauty lover’s tongue this year. From blush blindness to “blonzer” – a hybrid of blush and bronzer – there’s no escaping the growing world of pigment prose. As summer sets in, expect to see a flattering flush appear across the faces of your friends. And no, it’s not from their run club obsession.
Flush blush or “boyfriend blush” is the latest trend to try. What we’re going for here is a naturally flushed glow – the look you get after a long run. Sporty and a bit ruddy are the terms used by make-up artists and influencers. And photos of young Prince Harry and Wills in rugby jerseys often circulate alongside this conversation.
In a manufactured reality of an “I just exercised” vibe, you can control exactly where and how much redness to add for the most flattering finish.
The trick is to apply your blush a little bit lower than you might usually – beneath the cheekbones from the ear towards the nose, rather than on the apples of your cheeks. Cream or liquid products make it easier to achieve this look with a dewy finish that amps up the athletic vibes.
Mecca Cosmetica has just dropped a range of SPF30 tinted serums that are designed to replicate a sun-kissed glow – the In A Good Light Illuminating Drops in Dusk are the perfect choice for building tint across your cheeks. The serum formula riffs on the trend of skincare-inspired make-up: niacinamide, glycerine and vitamin E are listed in the ingredients list. The sun protection factor also nods to the growing popularity of layering SPF throughout your skincare and make-up routine.
Another new local makeup launch to look into is Rationale’s Beautiful Balms collection. Ceramides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E are described by the brand as a “supercharged trio of hydrating, nourishing actives [that] replenishes the skin’s intercellular matrix, while amplifying hydration levels and boosting skin barrier function”. These products are also infused with Zinc Oxide SPF30. The Beautiful Cheeks product comes in a radiant rosy hue that will help you achieve a natural flush without getting flustered.
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