Blush is everywhere right now. From new blush launches to new ways to wear blush, the essential product is taking over every makeup conversation and every cheek. After a long period of exaggerated blush (sometimes even causing people to wonder if they have blush blindness), the pendulum has started swinging the other direction. Trending on TikTok now is muted blush. Muted blush is the latest alternative to bright, vivid blush shades for those who prefer a little less color on their cheeks. It’s a versatile, easy-to-wear everyday look: If you prefer a lighter take on blush, try out this new trend. Ahead, everything to know about muted blush, TikTok’s favorite blush trend right now.
Featured Experts
- Natalie Dresher is a celebrity makeup artist in New York
- Tina Turnbow is a celebrity makeup artist in New York
What Is Muted Blush?
Muted blush is a noticeable departure from shades like Barbie pink and cherry red that many have been reaching for lately. It’s simply a softer-focus take on blush. It’s an application technique in which you use “a gradient effect in a more muted, desaturated or paler tone,” says celebrity makeup artist Natalie Dresher. “It’s making waves on the internet over the more intense pops of color we’re seeing highlighted all over social media, although it does use a similar technique.” This means that, though the application technique is similar, what people seem to be latching on to most is the colors themselves.
Muted blush relies on these cooler-toned shades, so colors like cherry blossom pink and lilac are perfect options to achieve the look and add just a touch of color. “The muted blush trend mimics a natural flushed look,” says celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow. “Instead of overdosing on color for the cheeks, this trend focuses more on adding a hint of a color.” You can think of it “like a watercolor versus having big color payoff or ‘blush blindness,’” she adds.
Why Is Muted Blush Trending?
As usual, TikTok is driving this beauty trend. But why has it taken off so much? Firstly, it feels a little easier to wear than such bright shades: “It’s more flattering for everyday wear,” says Dresher. Of course, it’s also a sign of the times. “Anything blush related is very hot right now,” she adds. Another reason this blush trend could be a new favorite is just how customizable it is. “What’s great is you can layer this look for the amount of blush power that’s right for you,” says Turnbow, emphasizing its versatility.
How to Wear Muted Blush
Muted blush is all about the color choice and technique. When it comes to the blush color, “Paler tones of pink and lilac as well as more neutral nudes are more appropriate for nailing down this trend,” notes Dresher. Any skin tone can participate in this trend: On darker skin tones, choose highly pigmented shades in mauve or purple tones like berry, fuschia or plum. Lighter pastel pinks can show up ashy on dark skin, but these jewel-toned shades will look muted and cool-toned without looking gray.
Once you’ve chosen your blush color, technique is key. Here’s an insider tip: “Load up a blush brush with translucent powder and then dip the brush into your blush of choice,” says Dresher. “I learned this recently during a class with Painted By Esther and she uses this technique to really diffuse the edges of the blush and blur any demarcation.” By blurring out the blush, it creates an ethereal, lit-from-within effect that’s exactly the goal of the muted blush trend.
If you don’t have a blush brush on hand, Turnbow also likes using her fingers to help the product “really melt into the skin.” When applying it, she recommends sticking to the apple of the cheek, which “looks freshest and like a ‘just-pinched’ or flushed look,” she adds.
