What’s the Best Way To Apply Liquid Blush?

Over the past year, blush trends have dominated the beauty landscape at such breakneck speed that so-called “blush blindness,” or the inability to sense when we’ve applied too much, has become a trending topic in its own right. With liquid among the top-selling blush formulas, there’s no better time to get a makeup expert’s tips on how to apply pigmented formulas without overdoing it. 

Mai Quynh, a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Ali Wong and Riley Keough, understands why people feel iffy about using pigmented liquid formulas — it’s so easy to apply too much. Still, she says by implementing a few tricks to control application, reaching for liquid blush is not as scary as some may think. “Besides, it’s worth it, especially for those looking to create a more natural-looking flush and those who prefer a more travel-friendly formula, because it doesn’t crumble like powder compacts can,” she says. What’s more, liquid formulas often look less shiny on the skin than cream formulas can — a boon for oily skin types and those in humid climates.

To avoid applying too much pigment to the cheeks, Quynh suggests first dabbing a bit of the product on the back of the hand. Next, use a blush brush or the thickest part of a damp makeup sponge to pick up the product and apply it to the face in tapping motions. “This will deliver a smoother application without having to worry about streaks,” she says.

If pigment looks too intense after applying blush, the makeup artist offers this fix: “Grab whatever brush or sponge [you] used to apply foundation and gently tap it over the blush to tone down brightness,” she says. “You don’t need to add additional foundation to the brush or sponge — there will be enough residual product in the tool from your previous application to help diffuse blush on your cheeks.” The result is the antidote to blush blindness — a healthy-looking flush that will give Sabrina Carpenter a run for her money.