Layering more than one blush might sound time-consuming, but it takes seconds, and the results are stunning. Born backstage, blush stacking is the masterstroke of makeup artists like François Nars, Pat McGrath, and Stéphane Marais. Using intensely pigmented creams or liquids layered over powder creates rich, dimensional layers of colour that radiate from the cheeks, to withstand harsh lighting, and be visible from the back row. Off the runway, blush stacking offers a much longer wear and a bespoke colour to suit your skin tone. If you've been collecting makeup products over the years like the rest of us, you certainly have a few blush formulas in your makeup drawer begging to be worn. Here is the ultimate guide to achieving your most glowy, flushed blush stack look yet.
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How To Blush Stack
Layering blush may seem complicated, but it’s super easy. The first thing to consider when layering your blush is texture. Start with a lightweight pigment and build to a powder.
Start with a stain, liquid, or cream blush: apply it to the apples of your cheeks, then swipe it higher up along the cheekbones. No tools are off limits. Use fingers for liquid and cream blushes, sponges for liquid blush, and brushes for powder formulas. If you need to soften the intensity, dip a sponge in your foundation and blend the outer edges for a more diffused look.
Seal the look with a powder blush: A powder blush seals the liquid or cream combo; it’s a safe way to avoid makeup pilling. Choose a powder with some shimmer, apply it to the apples of the cheeks, and then use a soft brush to diffuse outward.
Picking Complementary Colours
When choosing colours to blend, pay attention to the overall palette. Start with a neutral base of taupe-pink or peach tones that complement your skin’s natural warmth. These shades are universally flattering to all skin tones. To boost brightness, opt for coral, berry, or pink on the apples of the cheeks and achieve a fuller, lifted effect. You can also use this application technique using different shades of bronzer.
Formulas we love
TRinny London Trinity LIP + CHEEK + EYE, $76
The latest offering from British stylist Trinny Woodall, and CEO of Trinny London, is a multi-benefit cream colour stick, designed to enhance the eyes, lips, and cheeks. Featuring a dual-ended applicator, one end offers a subtle glow, while the other is a silky matte finish. We love the speed and ease of this colour stick, it’s a brilliant buy for travel too. There are three shades pictured here: a golden pink, called Venice.
An irredicent liquid blush, it’s sheer, but buildable, and the water-based formula blends in seconds. While it was made to give cheeks a pop of colour, it’s multi-purpose and doubles as a colour. Layer it alone to achieve a punchy colour, or blend it with Strobe Cream to achieve a pearly, shimmering finish. There are 10 shades, pictured here, Nitelite.
Got to love the makeup offering from Lady Gaga, and these blush sticks are right up there. So easy to use, tap on the skin and blend with your fingers or a blush brush. The colour can look sheer or be built to make an impact. They also double as a lip balm. And they are stacked with antioxidants like arnica, goji berry, and fermented plant oils - that’s what we call makeup with benefits. There are eight shades, pictured here: Glassy Pitaya, available only at Sephora.
More than a blush, this trio offers three textures—a satin cream, a luminous balm, and a velvet powder, so you can create whatever level of flushed colour you wish. Oh, and did we mention that there are some skincare goodies in the formula as well? Phytomucin is an antibacterial and antioxidant with skin-brightening benefits. Avocado oil and mango butter moisturise and help add a glow. It’s an affordable blush that will make a significant impact on your beauty routine. There are seven shades, pictured here Cabana Club.
MECCA MAX Off Duty Liquid Blush, $27
Great value all the way with this gorgeous liquid blush. It’s so versatile - just squeeze, dab, and blend on the cheeks and across the bridge of your nose to achieve that sunset blush holiday vibe, without leaving town. It delivers a rosy, peachy glow. It’s also packed with skin-loving ingredients, such as niacinamide, squalane, and hyaluronic acid. There are five shades, and we love Peachy, pictured here.
One of our favourite powder blushes is this bronzer in Kiss of Pink. It’s a clean makeup formula that’s weightless, silky, and a hybrid of highlighter - all in one handy step. It offers a sheer wash of natural colour that gives the skin the most gorgeous glow. There are five flattering shades.
Learn why it’s the best way to brighten cheeks.