Makeup Artists Share Their Fave Liquid Blush Techniques

What makes the liquid blush a true game-changer? First, its formula is more longwearing than the trusty, ol’ compact powder blush. Compared to the cream blush, the liquid blush is also more lightweight in texture. The result? A natural-looking flush that you can wear in more ways than one!

All Things Beauty turns to longtime makeup artists Hanna Pechon and Chuchie Ledesma to share easy liquid blush application and techniques, plus some tried-and-true looks to try. Keep reading to learn from the pros. 

“A liquid blush recreates a natural flush, similar to when you're excited and blood rushes to your cheeks,” begins Hanna. “It gives you a youthful, healthy look and adds dimension to your face, especially when used correctly."

A liquid blush may be intimidating because some formulations dry quickly, leaving uneven spots on your cheeks. But don’t let that limit you from trying out this blush type. While uneven application can happen, you can easily prevent this with a few easy techniques. Hanna and Chuchie share the basics below.

Wash your face with POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Acne Control Facial Foam, which cleanses and brightens skin, while eliminating acne-causing bacteria for a clearer complexion.

Follow with POND'S Vitamin Micellar Water Detoxifying Charcoal, for good measure. It’s formulated with essential ingredients such as vitamins A, B3, B5, C, and E, and activated charcoal and bamboo charcoal for a deep, nourishing cleanse, while purifying pores from dirt and pollution.

Finally, don’t forget to apply moisturizer and sunscreen before putting on makeup. 

A red blush is a good color choice for a sun-kissed look. “It’s the closest color to our blood,” shares Chuchie, who specializes in K-style makeup. “Fun fact: Rose-Marie Swift of RMS Beauty used this shade on Victoria’s Secret models.” 

Dispense a dot or two of the liquid blush on the back of your hand. “Tap on it using your ring or middle finger to warm the product. Make sure each finger pad is fully and evenly covered,” says Chuchie.

Then, lightly dab your finger pads on the apples of your cheeks. “Whatever leftover blush pigment you have on your fingers can be used on the bridge of your nose, connecting the blush applied on your cheeks,” adds Chuchie.

“You can also test first if your liquid blush dries up quickly as you apply a little on the back of your hand,” advises Hanna. “If it’s not as blendable as desired, you can directly apply a dot on each of your cheeks and blend right away to avoid uneven color on your skin.”

So, how to blend liquid blush? Dab your clean fingers on the blush to blur the “edges” and achieve a natural look.

Then, pat on translucent powder to set. You can also use a powder blush of the same color to intensify the hue. “If you want to look as natural as possible, opt for a fixing spray instead of a powder,” says Chuchie.

“Make sure the liquid blush is completely dry before you apply any powder-type blush to prevent blots,” adds Hanna.

Don’t worry – it happens! Blushes, after all, are one of the more pigmented color cosmetics out there. A quick fix? “Swipe a colored compact powder or dab foundation or concealer over the blush to diffuse the color,” shares Chuchie.

One way to max out your blush? Chuchie suggests: “Add warmth to your face by lightly dabbing liquid blush on your eyelids, nose bridge, and your chin."

“Blush makeup gives you a glow and helps frame your face,” says Chuchie. Strategic liquid blush placement can make – or break – a look. This type of blush formulation works best with natural-looking makeup looks. You can start with these easy-to-achieve makeup ideas from Hanna and Chuchie.

The assignment? Youthful and healthy-looking. “This is great for those who want to tone down their features or ‘look softer,’ but with prominent features or angular face structures,” says Hanna.

• Where to blush: Apply liquid blush on the apple of the cheeks, like where babies flush or where your blush normally occurs, like your cheeks, the side of your nose, and cheekbones.

“This is for when you want to re-create the ‘ideal’ oval-shaped face,” says Hanna. “A contour-like blush application is a quick way to shape the face. This is also another way of contouring the face without adding a darker shade under the cheekbones.”

• Where to blush: Apply above the natural contour of your cheeks or above the line where the side of the upper earlobe and the end of your lips meet. It should look like a “slanted blush,” says Hanna.

“I love doing the Korean-style blush placement technique,” says Chuchie. “I find that it can be a universal blush placement and, regardless of the facial shape of the wearer, it almost always makes the face look brighter and cheeks plumper.”

• Where to blush: If your goal is to look naturally fresh-looking, put on the blush just a few millimeters below the eyes or on the upper part of your cheekbones. “Think of it as the more muted and natural-looking version of the Igari blush style,” adds Chuchie. But if you're going for kyeopta-meets-full glam, go for bolder blush colors like cherry red or pop pink.

“I also like doing the drunk blush technique,” says Chuchie. “Just because it looks cute and youthful at the same time!”

• Where to blush: Dab blush on the apples of one cheek, then cross the bridge of your nose, and finally, right on top of your other cheek.

Experiment, try these looks out, and even combine blush formulations. Let these pro-recommended tips guide your liquid blush era. Now, it’s time to dab, blend, and set!