Blush Blindness: Are You Seeing Red?

Nikhita Arora

Nikhita Arora

23rd August, 2024
Makeup Trending Blush

Have you ever looked in a mirror and wondered if your cheeks were having a party without inviting the rest of your face? If you’re nodding along, then I’m afraid you’ve tested positive for blush blindness, a condition that's spreading across the beauty world and our Instagram feeds rather rapidly.

But before we dive into the deep end, let’s break down what blush blindness really means. It's essentially the inability to accurately assess the amount of blush you're wearing. Blush blindness is the beauty equivalent of over-salting your food. You know it's too much, but you can't quite stop yourself.

Blame it on the 'gram! Blush blindness is a product of the social media age, born from a desire to recreate bold, attention-grabbing makeup looks. Influencers and celebrities alike have been rocking flushed cheeks, inspiring hordes of fans to recreate the look.

The celebrity who first sparked the blush blindness debate was American singer and actor Sabrina Carpenter. Her flushed look went viral, and subsequently sparked debates about “How much blush is too much blush?”, and eventually led to the coining of the term blush blindness. Closer home, we’ve seen celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Ananya Panday and Janhvi Kapoor sport similar looks.

TLDR: In the quest for that perfect rosy glow, it's easy to get a little carried away.

So, what sets blush blindness apart from simply loving a good flush? It's the intensity and placement of the blush. Think more "fire engine" than "fresh-faced." We're talking blush that's escaped the confines of the cheeks and is exploring new territories – temples, nose, and even your eyelids.

In this article

The Allure of Blush Blindness

The appeal of blush blindness lies in its ability to transform your face into a living, breathing masterpiece. There’s something undeniably captivating about a bold, flushed look that commands attention. It’s a statement, a declaration of confidence, and a playful nod to the beauty experimentation that defines today’s generation.

Social media has undoubtedly fueled the blush blindness craze. Every scroll reveals a new blush trend, from the bold "tomato girl" look, where a deep red blush takes centre stage, to the dewy "strawberry girl" aesthetic, popularised by Hailey Bieber, which emphasises a generous application of blush.

But it's not just about the visual impact. Blush has an uncanny ability to brighten the face, giving you a healthy, youthful glow. Blush is the secret beauty weapon that delivers regardless of the consumer’s skin tone, skin type, or even the occasion they’re dressing up for.

Navigating Blush Blindness: Your Guide to a Flawless Flush

If blush is your jam, but you're worried about crossing the line from cute to clown? Here's your guide to achieving a perfect flush without going overboard:

Step 1: Choose Your Blush Wisely

Find your undertone: Determine if you have cool, warm, or neutral undertones to choose the right blush base.

Consider your skin tone: Light, medium, or deep skin tones will suit different blush shades.

  • Light skin tones: Pink for cool undertones, peach for warm.
  • Medium skin tones: Mauve or berry for cool, coral or orange for warm.
  • Deep skin tones: Deep plums and reds for cool, burnt orange and brick red for warm.

Step 2: Experiment with Formulas

Cream blush: For a natural, dewy finish.

Powder blush: Buildable coverage for more control.

Step 3: Perfect Your Placement

Classic: The apples of your cheeks for a timeless look.

Creative: Experiment with your temples or the bridge of your nose for a unique touch.

Step 4: Less is More

Start with a light hand and gradually build up the colour. Remember, a subtle flush is often more flattering than a bold one.

Also, don’t forget that blush blindness is more of a playful trend than a serious beauty faux pas. The most important thing is to have fun and experiment with your look.

Blush Blindness: The Verdict

Blush blindness? Begone! You've officially graduated from blush bootcamp. Now go forth and flex your newfound blush expertise. Remember, a little goes a long way, but a lot can be a lot of fun too.

Topics covered
  • Blush Blindness
  • Blush Application
  • Beauty Trends
  • Makeup Trends
Nikhita Arora

Nikhita Arora

Nikhita Arora is a culture and lifestyle journalist, with a side hustle as a professional cat cuddler. Currently living on a cheese-only diet and daydreaming about retiring on a beach with a cat-shaped pool float.