Patrick Ta’s Own The Cheek Technique: How to Sculpt, Define, and Glow Like a Pro

TikTok and Instagram don’t lie: Patrick Ta’s cream-over-powder blush technique is here to stay. His signature blush method continues to trend all over social media, and has become a staple in “get ready with me” content across the apps.

A fitting choice for no-makeup makeup, full glam moments, and everything in between, it’s an application technique that will always be in style. By combining two blush formulas, you can achieve an undeniably gorgeous and super glowy cheek look that lasts all day long. 

Here’s our complete guide to the Patrick Ta blush method so that you can own your cheek look like a pro. 

Philosophy Behind Patrick Ta’s Blush Technique

For dazzling, long-lasting makeup that energizes the complexion, Patrick Ta turns to his iconic blush application technique. Of course, cream and powder blush formulas stun on their own. Cream imparts a fresh, glossy finish, and powder diffuses pigment for a soft and natural cheek moment. 

However, when used together, each formula amplifies the other. With the lightweight powder adding structure and the rich cream adding sheen, these blushes create a dewy, multidimensional cheek look with optimal color payoff.

Beyond the head-turning finish, we love how this method improves longevity. Using two different blushes ensures the pigment lasts all day long – no need to worry about your cheek look fading by the afternoon. 

But wait, there’s more! The true secret to his technique comes from how these blushes are applied. For a luminous and long-lasting glow, Patrick applies the powder blush first, and then layers the cream blush on top.

While it may seem unconventional, there’s a good reason why he prefers a cream-over-powder method. When the cream is applied on top of the powder, it works to seamlessly melt the powder into the skin. As the cream and powder blush pigments blend together, the cheeks are left with a radiant yet natural look that is just as beautiful and impactful after hours of wear.

Best Blush for Every Occasion

Patrick Ta has developed the ultimate professional-level tools for replicating his expert cheek technique at home. 

Of course, the most important product is the blush itself. Meet the innovative Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo, a two-in-one cheek palette featuring both a powder and a crème blush. Designed with Patrick’s cream-over-powder blush trick in mind, these formulas work together beautifully. That said, each blush stands out on its own – perfect for those days when you want to simplify your makeup routine. 

The crème blush has a hydrating formula that seamlessly melts into the skin, leaving behind a dewy, fresh finish for a luminous glow. It’s richly pigmented, imparting a stunning wash of color on the cheeks. 

The powder blush has a weightless, soft-focus formula. It applies effortlessly, adding that perfect, natural pop of color to the cheeks.

This versatile cheek duo is available in a wide range of shades, including everything from soft and sweet pinks to bold, vivid reds. No matter your style, you’ll find a color that you adore.

The blush may be the star of the show, but the application tools you use are equally as important. Patrick Ta’s Dual-Ended Blush Brush is a premium makeup brush with comfortably soft bristles that is designed for easy blush application. One side features a fluffy brush that evenly diffuses powder blush onto the complexion. On the opposite side is a denser brush that seamlessly applies cream blush.

There is also the more compact Dual-Ended Precision Blush Brush. Just like the original, this tool features smaller versions of the fluffy and dense brush, both made with premium, soft bristles. The petite tool allows for complete control over your look, ensuring precise blush placement.

Step-By-Step Guide on “How to Own the Cheek”

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to apply blush the Patrick Ta way:

Prep your Skin: Prior to applying blush or any other makeup, be sure to give your complexion a little TLC. After cleansing and moisturizing your skin, apply an even, thin layer of primer all over the face. By doing this, you’re creating a smooth canvas for blush and other makeup products for the best, most natural beauty moment. Primer also improves the longevity of your makeup for a look that stays in place all day long.

Apply the Powder Blush: After you’ve prepped your complexion and applied any foundation, it’s time to create your cheek look. Starting with the powder blush, take the fluffy end of the Dual-Ended Blush Brush and swirl the brush in the pan. 

Begin pressing the powder blush into the skin with the brush, focusing on the apples of the cheeks and moving up towards the temples. By pressing it into the skin, you’ll disperse the pigment without moving your foundation underneath. Continue to layer until you’ve reached your desired look. Need more tips on placement? Learn exactly where to apply blush for your face shape to flatter your features and maximize glow.

Apply the Crème Blush: Next up is the dewy crème blush. Take the dense end of the blush brush and press it into the pan to pick up the crème blush. Use the brush to stamp the crème into the skin, focusing on the areas where you applied the powder blush. 

Continue melting it into your complexion, layering to create the color intensity you’re after. Once you’re done, be sure to blend away any lines for the most seamless and natural look.

For a little extra glow, finish your look by pressing a touch of the crème blush over the bridge of your nose. 

Transition Blush Technique

Once you've mastered the cream-over-powder method, there's a new way to elevate your cheek look even further. Introducing Transition Blush — Patrick's latest innovation designed to bridge an often-overlooked area: the space between the undereye and the cheek.

For years, Patrick has focused on filling this in-between space to achieve the seamless, lit-from-within finish his looks are known for. Until now, no product existed to do exactly what he needed. Transition Blush changes that with a two-step system: a Liquid Transition Brightening Blush worn before powder blush to brighten the undereye, and a Transition Blurring Blush Duo worn after to softly diffuse color from concealer to cheek. The result is an airbrushed, gradient flush with no harsh lines and no heavy layers — just a seamless blend that goes beyond blush.

How to Layer Transition Blush with the Own the Cheek Technique

Here's how to incorporate Patrick's newest launch into his signature cream-over-powder method for the most dimensional cheek look yet:

Brighten Before: Start by mixing Liquid Transition Brightening Blush with Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer and pressing it into the inner corners of the eyes. Work quickly to blend — once the formula dries down, it locks in and lasts. For an even better blend, dispense the liquid onto the back of your hand, then press it into the skin using the denser end of the Dual-Ended Transition Blush Brush.

Apply the Powder Blush: Using the fluffy side of the Dual-Ended Precision Blush Brush, press Major Headlines powder blush onto the apples of the cheeks, just as you would in the classic Own the Cheek technique.

Blur After: Sweep the darker shade of Transition Blurring Blush Duo between the undereye and the cheek using the softer end of the Dual-Ended Transition Blush Brush. Then swirl the brush into both shades and carry the application higher into the undereye area. Finish by pressing the lighter shade of blurring transition powder under the eyes to bake the look and create a soft ombré effect.

Finishing Touch: Press Major Headlines crème blush onto the high points of the cheekbones to lock in dimension and that signature dewy glow.

The result is a fresh, blurred flush that connects the eyes to the cheeks for a look that's lifted, brightened, and effortlessly awake. Brighten before. Blur after. It's Own the Cheek, taken to the next level.

Energize your complexion and tie together your makeup look with Patrick’s viral blush application technique. It’s a reliable trick for unlocking a radiant, fresh cheek moment that instantly elevates your base makeup routine.