Blush isn’t one size fits all—your face definitely has a say as to where to apply it and how. We decided to ask makeup artist and blush savant, Yen Hoang, for advice about how to get the most flattering flush.
“The beauty of blush is that it’s so versatile. It's all about experimenting to find what enhances your unique features and complements the overall look you want to create,” Yen tells us. “Face shape plays a big role in where blush should be applied to enhance while helping to create balance and lift.”
Ok, but how do you find out your face shape?
Here’s your cheat sheet:
Oval face shapes gradually tapers towards the chin, with a wider forehead and usually prominent cheekbones.
Square face shapes have an equal length and width with a strong, angular jawline and a broad forehead.
Round face shapes have a nearly equal width and length, with soft, curved features and no sharp angles.
Diamond face shapes have their widest point at the cheeks, with a narrow jawline and forehead, following the shape of—you guessed it—a diamond.
Rectangular face shapes also gracefully taper toward chin with elongated features from forehead to chin and occasionally prominent chin.
Heart face shapes follow the shape of a heart. Your face strongly tapers for a pointed chin and maybe more a prominent forehead.
Here’s where Yen says to place your blush, according to your face shape
For Oval-Shaped Faces
“Apply on the apples of the cheeks and along the cheekbones to enhance balance and harmony in the face while adding dimension.” The goal here is to maintain proportion—this placement adds a healthy flush without elongating the face.
For Square-Shaped Faces
“Start on the apples of the cheeks and lightly sweep blush outwards to soften angular features and taper off towards the hairline.” There’s no harm in dusting a little blush across the nose or forehead to soften further, says Yen.
For Round-Shaped Faces
“Start a little higher, above the apples of the cheek and blend towards outer corners of the eyes to create a lift and elongation..” By lifting placement higher, you create the illusion of a longer, more sculpted face, helping to define.
For Diamond-Shaped Faces
“We want to accentuate those cheekbones, so start at the centre of the cheeks and blend outwards.” Yen recommends avoiding placing blush too high—keeping it centred enhances symmetry and warmth.
For Rectangular-Shaped Faces
Yen recommends adding warmth to the temples to round off sharper edges, creating a softer, more cohesive shape overall. "The aim is to slightly soften the angular shapes here, dusting blush across the mid-cheek area and lightly on temples to create width.”
For Heart-Shaped Faces
"We want to avoid applying blush too high and instead focus on using a curved, 'U'-shaped motion from the apple of the cheeks outwards towards the temple. This will soften angles and create balance."
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