When it comes to beauty trends, it’s no secret that TikTok has risen to nearly legendary status as one of the biggest sources of inspiration for Gen-Z users. Trends come and go in record time; serving as the driving force behind digital creators, consumers, and brands. One of the most recognizable of these beauty trends (and perhaps, the trend that has remained as influential as it was when it first appeared on the platform three summers ago), is the “sunburnt” blush look consisting of sun-kissed skin and warm-toned makeup.
I spoke to celebrity makeup artist Edward Cruz who’s star-powered client list includes the likes of Anna Wintour, Brooke Shields, Danai Gurira, and Busy Phillips. “It’s a fun look that is going strong, three summers in a row,” Cruz says of the sun-soaked makeup look. “I think people love it because it’s easily applied and anyone can wear it.” According to Cruz, to fully recreate this look, the focus has to be on the glow. Using a bronzer, like Charlotte Tilbury’s Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter (Cruz’s personal favorite) or a warm tone blush is your key to bringing it to life.
To apply the highlighter or blush, Cruz is partial to Smashbox’s popular Sheer Powder Brush which is part of the brand’s Camera Ready Face, Eye, Brow, & Lip Brush Collection. For a sun-kissed look, he recommends beginning with gentle brush strokes at the highest point of one cheek bone and then sweeping the product across the face to the other. This quick and easy process also includes gently touching the bridge of the nose with the brush. Remember, you want to bring attention to the points of your face that would normally receive the sun’s rays to achieve that effortless, ‘just lifted my chin to the sun’ finish.
If you’re looking for inspiration, I highly recommend taking a quick scroll through the trend’s hashtag on TikTok or Instagram, paying special attention to the areas of the face that feature added warmth or highlight (makeup tutorials created by users Rachel Shea and Lakeya Simone went viral). The sunburnt blush trend is complimentary on everyone, but looks especially gorgeous on deeper skin tones. Ready to find out which powder and cream blushes I’ll be using to create the sunburnt blush look this summer? Keep scrolling.
I will always recognize this cream-based blush as the perfect shade of terracotta. One sweep of the product across my cheek bones, temples, and the bridge of my nose brings so much life to the face. As the weather warms up, it’s become a must-have step in my makeup routine.
Sheer, yet buildable blushes are also a fun way to add a natural-looking punch of color to any makeup look. Rush is my favorite shade offered for Nars’ Air Matte Sheer Cream Blush because it’s not quite pink or orange; more of a dusty tangerine.
On days when I’m in the mood for a pop of color, you’ll catch me reaching for Glossier’s Cloud Paint Gel Cream Blush in Dawn (a vibrant orange shade that looks beyond gorgeous on my skin). It’s also super pigmented and easy to blend; so a little goes a long way with this one.
I always love a good multitasking product that gives my makeup the perfect finishing touches while cutting down on time. Jouer Cosmetics recent release of their Blush & Bloom Cheek + Lip Duo as part of their French Riviera line has been one of my favorites lately.
When has Bobbi Brown ever let us down? The brand’s Pot Rouge Blush has been one of my go-to products for a while; but I’m especially drawn to the shade Fresh Melon when creating an effortlessly sun-kissed look.
One easy way to bring a wash of warmth to the skin? Choosing a cinnamon red shade for the cheeks and the lips. Ilia’s Multi-Stick Cream Blush + Highlighter + Lip Tint in the shade Dreamer is truly what dreams are made of since it goes on semi-sheer but also happens to be buildable.
Olive skin tones look sublime in this shade of Glossier’s Cloud Paint Gel Cream Blush. It’s a dusty rose, almost bordering mauve. If you’re going for a makeup look that leans more pink than orange, this is the blush for you.
Jouer Cosmetics’ Powder Blush Duo Palette has everything you need to recreate the TikTok-viral look with two blushes: one in a rosy-pink hue and the other a spicy, orange. Feeling bold? Try layering the two shades together.
According to Cruz, using a warm tone blush can add just the right amount of glow. This bareMinerals product is a bronzer and blush all-in-one; making adding a wash of sun-kissed color and a hint of shine easier than ever.
Add dimension to your look with this blush by RMS beauty. While I think all the shades offered for this blush would work well to recreate the blush trend, the shade Maiden’s Blush is the perfect blend of soft cinnamon and pink.
Pat McGrath’s powder blush in Desert Orchid is my pick for the best orangey-pink powder blush shade. I love using it both as a blush and a highlight, focusing my attention on my cheek bones and the very tip of my nose to add color.
While I’ve always considered myself partial to cream blushes, Haus Labs’ Color FuseTalc-Free Powder Blush may have changed my mind. Not only is every shade offered super pigmented, but they’re easy to blend out for the sweetest natural-looking color for the face.
Whether you’re attempting the TikTok-viral blush look are just on the search for an orange-hued blush that works well with dark skin tones, this Nars blush should be on your radar. The shade Savage is a sparkling cinnamon shade; bringing both sparkle and color wherever its placed. Melanin-blessed people; this is our Holy Grail!
I’ll never pass up an opportunity to wear a peachy cheek. The Gen Nude Powder Blush in That Peach Tho looks beautiful on all skin tones and will keep your cheeks flushed and your overall makeup look fresh. It’s a win-win!
