BEAUTY

WE ASKED AN EXPERT HOW TO GET THE PERFECT BLUSH

By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 30 March 2026

We love blush – and that's not an exaggeration. There’s nothing quite like completing your makeup with a flush of colour – it instantly brings your skin to life. And in an era of blush blindness, blush itself has lived many lives: remember boyfriend blush, or the (surprisingly technical) ombré blush with its seamless pink-to-orange gradient? We're expecting even more techniques to emerge in 2026, so why not prepare by learning how to apply blusher from an expert? Makeup Artist Isabelle Wilson gave us a masterclass and spilled her secrets on achieving the perfect blush – just in time for spring/summer.

STEP #1: BEGIN WITH BRONZER

Makeup Artist applying makeup on a model

‘Warm up your bronzer in your hands for a softer finish,’ says Isabelle.

Too Faced Bronzing & Sculpting Stick, £28

Before rushing headfirst into blush territory, add a touch of dimension to your base. ‘Press some cream bronzer into your skin with a foundation brush, then stipple it around the ears and hairline, steering clear of the eye area. Don’t forget the tip of the nose, too,’ says Isabelle. Cream bronzer allows ample blending room and subtly warms the skin. Pro tip: select a colour that’s one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone to maintain a natural-looking base.

STEP #2: CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT SHADE

Closeup of the MAC Glow Play Blush in That's Peachy

MAC Glow Play Blush- That's Peachy, £28

Huda Beauty Blush Filter Palette - Toasty Peach, £38

‘Choosing a cooler blush will enhance the natural skin tone, whereas pink blusher is perfect for paler skin and a peachy blusher will enhance the warmth from your bronzer,’ advises Isabelle. In this case, she went with MAC’s Glow Play blush in That's Peachy. For darker skin with cooler undertones, purple-toned blushes will pop, whereas red is ideal for warm undertones. ‘Don’t be afraid to layer blush,’ affirms Isabelle. ‘I do it all the time for extra colour payoff and added dimension.’ Great news for the blush-blindness girlies.

STEP #3: APPLY WITH CARE

‘Apply blush to the high points of your cheeks first, then on the apples for a more diffused, natural finish,’ says Isabelle. Rather than reaching for a large powder brush, consider switching to Isabelle’s chosen tool instead. She uses a smaller, wispier brush for greater control over her blush coverage.

STEP #4: MAKE IT SEAMLESS

Take your time when it comes to blending, lest you end up with unsightly streaks of colour that ruin the look. Isabelle says: 'Use any remaining product to add further colour to the apples of the cheeks. And if you want extra sun-kissed feels, feather some onto bridge of your nose, too. Go back in with a concealer brush between the cheeks and eye sockets to flawlessly diffuse the products together.’

STEP #5: THE FINISHING TOUCHES (OPTIONAL)

Diffuse the look by doubling up your bronzer as an eyeshadow.

MAC Mineralize Natural Skinfinish, £34

While not necessarily needed, touches like these can really pull a look together. ‘For longevity, set your cream products with a similar-coloured powder and sweep it up into the hairline. You can wash some powder bronzer over the eyelid and towards the end of your brow bone for added dimension, too,’ says Isabelle. One final tip? ‘Press the cream blush you used onto the centre of your lips after lining them – it just ties the entire makeup look together beautifully.’