2025 Was All About Blush – The Ultimate Makeup Trend Guide
When looking back at all the major makeup moments of the past year, nothing quite matched blush’s reach and influence. Whether you were aimlessly scrolling through Instagram, looking for inspiration on the red carpet, or watching Fashion Week, flushed cheeks were everywhere. Experts agree that 2025 was the year of blush – a modern statement piece that adds dimension, energy, and a pop of color without requiring a full face. It’s an effortless way to look polished and expressive while keeping the overall look minimal and refined.
Why Blush Became the Talk of the Town
Celebrity makeup artists and beauty editors praised blush for its versatility and ability to give us agency amid the chaos. “Blush is more than just a decorative touch,” says makeup artist Misha Shahzada. “It’s a way to convey mood, drama, and personality, and to lean into the joy-sparking moments of makeup application.”
Vincent Oquendo, host of “Backseat Beauties,” echoed this sentiment: “Blush is the great signifier of health, good health. I feel like now more than ever, we really want to feel like our best selves.”
2025’s Biggest Blush Moments
Over the course of the year, six trends defined blush’s biggest moments. They include:
- Marie Antoinette Blush – A Rococo-inspired rosy cheek that radiates from the center outward.
- Sun‑Kissed Blush – A warm, golden glow that unifies the entire complexion.
- Watercolor Blush – A soft, painterly finish that blends seamlessly into the skin.
- Blush Underpainting – A technique that adds depth before foundation for a luminous finish.
- Blush Contour – Using blush to define facial structure and create dimension.
- Cherry‑Blossom Blush – A playful, dual‑hue approach that adds a dewy, natural glow.
Marie Antoinette Blush – Rococo‑Style Rosy Cheeks
Taking a cue from the infamous French royal, TikTok leaned all the way in with bold, Rococo‑style rosy cheeks. Celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath once told Beauty Insider that this look “delicate yet dramatic—refined, yet full of life.” It’s not a contour moment; it’s a bloom of color that radiates from the center of the face outward, like candlelight or porcelain.
Key ingredients:
- Soft pink or peach base for a natural undertone.
- High‑pigment liquid blush for a subtle shine.
- Light hand application for a feather‑light finish.
Sun‑Kissed Blush – Warm, Golden Glow
One of Shahzada’s favorite blush looks was for actress Daisy Edgar‑Jones, where she used a sun‑kissed blush to warm the entire complexion. “We went with a sun‑kissed blush that really warmed up her complexion and pulled the whole look together,” Shahzada says. The result is a subtle, warm glow that unifies the face and adds a touch of sophistication.
Application tip: Apply to the apples of the cheeks and blend upward toward the temples for a natural lift.
Watercolor Blush – Painterly, Diffused Finish
Watercolor blush gives that faint flush of color with a painterly touch. Celebrity makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez once told Beauty Insider that “the finish is the difference between oil paint, which is opaque, and watercolors, which are diffused and buildable.” It melts into the skin with no detectable edges.
How to achieve it:
- Choose a sheer, buildable blush that blends easily.
- Use a small angled brush for precision.
- Blend from the center outward for a seamless transition.
Blush Underpainting – Depth Before Foundation
Oquendo sees an uptick in blush when it comes to underpainting, a technique in which you apply depth to the face before foundation. In his YouTube series “Backseat Beauties,” he talks with Regina King about how to use blush underneath the skin tint for a nice glow. “That’s the thing with underpainting,” he says. “You have flexibility, and you can really work with it and sheer it out. You see what that looks like when you put that skin tint over it. It looks like it’s coming out from right underneath the skin.”
Pro tip: Apply a pale pink first, then go over it with a coral shade for a beautiful, layered effect.
Blush Contour – Define, Sculpt, and Lift
Blush can also be used for contouring. Oquendo loves using blush to contour and create a subtle lift. “That’s something I’ve been super into right now,” he says. In general, he recommends going over a cream or liquid blush with powder to pull color out and make it look more even. “It gives more depth to it,” he says. “[For example], do a pale pink first and then go over it with maybe a coral. It’s just going to be so beautiful.”
Cherry‑Blossom Blush – Dual‑Hue Playful Glow
Just like the whimsical nature of a cherry‑blossom tree, this blush trend uses two cream blushes in different hues to get that contour. It’s about “infusing the cheeks with a seasonal glow,” Vogue writer Maria Munsuri once wrote. “Think of it as a more playful way to contour. Thanks to the use of two different cream blush colors, cherry‑blossom blush adds dimension to your face with a dewy, natural finish.”
The Best Blushes to Try
The right blush to try is really dependent on your personal preferences, but the experts have their recs. Shahzada, who contributed to the development of these products, recommends one of Victoria Beckham Beauty’s recent launch, the Color Wash Blushes. “They are truly exceptional,” she says. “I’ve seen firsthand the level of care that went into perfecting them, and they’re unlike anything else on the market.”
Other blushes she loves include the Rhode Pocket Blush and the Dior Backstage Rosy Glow.
- Victoria Beckham Color Wash Blush – Buildable, sheer finish.
- Rhode Pocket Blush – Compact, long‑lasting formula.
- Dior Backstage Rosy Glow – High‑pigment, silky texture.
Product Recommendations (in Detail)
- Color Wash Blush (Victoria Beckham Beauty) – 10ml, 12% coverage.
- Rhode Pocket Blush – 8ml, 15% coverage.
- Dior Backstage Rosy Glow – 9ml, 14% coverage.
- Victoria Beckham Color Wash – 10ml, 12% coverage.
- Marie Antoinette Blush (Pat McGrath) – 8ml, 16% coverage.
- Sun‑Kissed Blush (Victoria Beckham Beauty) – 7ml, 13% coverage.
Choosing the Right Blush for You
Here are a few quick questions to help you narrow down your choice:
- What undertone do you prefer – cool or warm?
- Do you want a sheer, buildable finish or a high‑pigment pop?
- Will you use blush alone or as part of an underpainting/contour routine?
How to Apply Blush – Step‑by‑Step Guide
- Prep the Skin – Apply primer or a lightweight skin tint to create a smooth canvas.
- Apply Underpainting (Optional) – Use a small angled brush to blend a light base color to the center of your cheeks.
- Add Build‑Up – Apply a second shade on the outer edge of the first for depth.
- Blend with Powder (Optional) – Lightly dust with a powder to lift the color.
- Blend upward – Finish by blending toward the temples for a lifted look.
Future of Blush – What to Expect in 2026
While 2025 was all about blush, the trend shows no sign of slowing down. Beauty editors predict that blush will become more integral to hybrid looks, combining matte, dewy, and sheer finishes. We anticipate new formulations that offer longer wear and higher coverage while maintaining a natural finish. In 2026, we’ll likely see:
- More dual‑hue blushes for advanced contouring.
- Eco‑friendly, biodegradable formulas for sustainability.
- Digital tutorials that highlight different application techniques.
- Collaborations between top artists and product developers.
Conclusion – Embrace the Power of Blush
Blush is not just a trend; it’s a statement of confidence and creativity. Whether you’re going for a subtle, warm glow or a bold, layered look, the right blush can elevate your entire makeup routine. Use the tips above to choose, apply, and enjoy the beauty of 2025’s blush trend.
Shop My Favorite Blushes
Victoria Beckham Color Wash Blush
Price: $28
Shade: 12% coverage, sheer finish
Rhode Pocket Blush
Price: $22
Shade: 15% coverage, long‑lasting formula
Dior Backstage Rosy Glow
Price: $35
Shade: 14% coverage, dewy finish
Contact Us
Got questions about blush? Drop us a line at contact@beautyinsider.com or follow us on Instagram for more tutorials and product reviews.
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