Where To Apply Blush According To Your Face Shape

Whether your features are soft and rounded, angular and defined, or somewhere in between, we have all the tips and tricks on how to apply blush to enhance your face shape.

Does Blush Placement Really Matter?

Blush placement has the power to transform your overall makeup look. It’s the difference between a soft and youthful flush or a seriously snatched effect. Every face shape has unique characteristics, so customizing your blush placement is the perfect way to enhance your natural beauty.

Patrick Ta’s Blush Placement

TRANSITION PLACEMENT

Achieve a Soft, Seamless Finish

Step 1. Powder Blush
Tap color onto the apples of the cheeks, keeping placement above the nostril line. Once excess product is worked off the brush, sweep the pigment upward and outward. Gently soften the edges into the undereye area and blend into contour for a smooth transition.

Step 2. Crème Blush
Press lightly onto the high points of the cheekbones, using a delicate hand to preserve the integrity of your base makeup.

DIFFUSED PLACEMENT

Create a Sun-Flushed Glow

Step 1. Powder Blush
Apply a wash of color across the apples of the cheeks, under the eyes, and along the highest points of the temples. With very little product left on the brush, softly dust across the bridge of the nose.

Step 2. Crème Blush
Add a subtle layer to the tops of the cheekbones to enhance luminosity and give the skin a naturally radiant finish.

LIFTED PLACEMENT

Define and Sculpt

Step 1. Powder Formula
Start by placing blush along the upper cheekbones, then blend upward toward the temples. Feather the edges into the outer concealer area and slightly into the undereye for a lifted effect.

Step 2. Crème Formula
Blend the crème blush upward toward the outer corners of the eyes to further enhance structure and lift.

ROUNDED PLACEMENT

Create a Soft, Doll-Like Effect

Step 1. Powder Blush
With a smile, apply blush directly to the fullest part of the cheeks. Blend gently into the undereye area just beneath the pupils.
Artistry Note: Avoid extending color toward the temples or below the nostril line.

Step 2. Crème Blush
Lightly layer over the outer edges of the powder blush, keeping crème away from the center of the cheeks.
Artistry Note: Maintain a focused, centered placement for a youthful finish.

Where to Apply Blush, Based on Your Face Shape

Here is exactly how to apply blush according to your face shape. 

Round Face Blush Application

Round faces benefit from blush placements that add lift and gentle definition while keeping the look soft and balanced.

Lifted Blush Placement: Placing blush high on the cheekbones and diffusing it toward the temples creates vertical lift, helping elongate the face and sculpt rounder features without looking harsh.

Transition Blush Placement: This high-impact placement draws the eye upward toward the undereye and cheekbone area, subtly lifting the face while maintaining a seamless, blended finish that complements softer contours.

Diffused Blush Placement: A softly diffused wash across the cheeks, nose, and temples enhances natural fullness while keeping the look airy and balanced, perfect for a fresh, effortless glow on a round face.

Square Face Blush Application

Square face shapes shine with blush placements that soften angles and add roundness through strategic placement.

Rounded Blush Placement: Concentrating blush on the apples of the cheeks adds softness and fullness, helping counteract a strong jawline and angular cheekbones.

Transition Blush Placement: By blending blush upward toward the undereye area, this placement shifts focus away from sharper angles and creates a lifted, eye-brightening effect.

Diffused Blush Placement: A diffused application across the cheeks with a subtle wash on the nose and forehead helps balance strong structure, drawing attention toward the center of the face for a more harmonious look.

Oval Face Blush Application

Oval faces are naturally balanced, making higher blush placements especially flattering.

Lifted Blush Placement: Applying blush high on the cheekbones enhances the face’s natural symmetry and prevents the features from appearing pulled downward.

Transition Blush Placement: This placement emphasizes the upper cheek and eye area, reinforcing lift and keeping the face looking sculpted and fresh rather than elongated.

Diffused Blush Placement: A soft, blended wash across the cheeks, nose, and temples adds warmth and dimension while preserving the face’s natural proportions.

Heart-Shaped Face Blush Application

Heart-shaped faces benefit from blush placements that balance a wider forehead and narrower chin.

Rounded Blush Placement: Focusing blush on the apples of the cheeks adds fullness through the center of the face, helping offset a narrower lower half.

Diffused Blush Placement: Keeping blush slightly lower on the cheeks and softly diffused creates balance between the upper and lower face, drawing attention inward rather than upward.

Rectangular Face Blush Application

Rectangular faces look best with blush placements that add softness and visual width.

Rounded Blush Placement: Applying blush to the apples of the cheeks helps shorten the appearance of the face by adding roundness and fullness at the center.

Diffused Blush Placement: A gentle wash across the cheeks, nose, and forehead breaks up length and creates a softer, more balanced facial appearance.

Diamond Shape Blush Application

Diamond face shapes are defined by prominent cheekbones, which can be softened with the right blush placement.

Rounded Blush Placement: Keeping blush centered on the apples of the cheeks adds softness and balance, preventing the cheekbones from appearing overly sharp.

Diffused Blush Placement: A controlled, diffused application across the cheeks with a light wash on the nose and forehead softens angles while maintaining structure.

Transition Blush Placement: This placement lifts the eye area while gently blending into the cheekbones, drawing attention upward without exaggerating width through the sides of the face.