Blush seems to be the Internet's latest hyperfixation at the moment. From brands releasing ultra-pigmented blushes in various formulas that eventually gave birth to the "blush blindness" phenomenon (with main pop girl Sabrina Carpenter as the chosen leader), this particular makeup product is enjoying its moment in the spotlight.
Several techniques also gained popularity, such as Hailey Bieber's watercolor blush technique and the sunset-blush look—both involve mixing together blushes to create the perfect ethereal flush. But if that all sounds a bit too much for you, TikTok's latest blush trend will have you wanting to hop on the bandwagon. Enter, the "boyfriend blush."
What is the boyfriend blush?
First of all: nope, you don't need a boyfriend to make you feel kilig to achieve this look, LOL. Like with most beauty trends that gain popularity on TikTok, the boyfriend blush is actually not a new concept. Makeup artist Mallory Osses explained in a video that she "heard about this trend years ago… It's all over high-fashion, runway, [and] editorial types of looks, but I've never really heard people talk about it like this."
So why call it the boyfriend blush? Mallory flashed a photo of Prince William and Prince Harry from their younger years, both of whom are sporting naturally flushed cheeks from the high points of their face that go down near their mouths. "It just looks youthful and sporty," she explained, like how their cheeks would look like after a game of rugby.
@malloryosses Replying to @Thanksbuddy What is Boyfriend Blush? ???? #boyfriendblush #blusher #oblongface @Mallory Osses @Mallory Osses ? original sound - Mallory Osses
Who can try out the boyfriend blush trend?
All face shapes can try out the trend, as it focuses more on placement rather than sculpting the face in a specific way. It's just a matter of finding the right shade for your skin tone. Try to observe how your complexion looks after a run or commuting—that's the hue you should try for your blush!
As for the formula, we recommend using a liquid or cream as they can be blended out with just your fingers for a more diffused, natural look. (Need recos? Check out this list of liquid and cream blushes that Pinay celebs swear by!)
How to recreate the boyfriend blush look
Apply your blush on the top of the apples of your cheeks and blend it down in a loose upside-down triangle towards your jaw (rather than up your cheekbones toward your ears for a more lifted effect). Use a dense brush or a sponge to blur out any harsh lines on the perimeters of where you applied your blush.
Check out celebrity MUA Jelly Eugenio's easy boyfriend blush tutorial:
@jellyeugenio Quick tutorial: how i do boyfriend blush on myself - blush from #VxJellyFilterPalette in Pretty Sexy 1. Massage and de-puff face (also helps to find your natural blush spots) 2. Brighten/even out skin 3. Brighten undereye 4. Apply blush towards lower cheek - random but almost in a straight line 5. Fill in/groom eyebrows 6. Lip balm #boyfriendblush ? CHIHIRO - Billie Eilish
