While we would never advocate real sunburn here at Citizen Femme (we know the value of a good SPF), the hottest makeup trend this summer is all about a rosy sun-kissed glow.
This is how to (safely) recreate the Sunburnt Blush look; guiding you on placement and the very best products, including new launches from Rhode and Refy.
What is Sunburnt Blush?
‘Sunburnt Blush’ is a trending style of blusher application, which is designed to recreate the healthy, glowy flush that you get after spending time in the sun. Emphasising an outdoorsy glow that feels more natural than sculpted, the trend has over 100 million views on TikTok and a similar amount of views on Instagram and YouTube. It’s one of summer’s biggest makeup looks, seen on the likes of Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid.
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How to recreate the trend
In good news for anyone who doesn’t love spending hours crafted a makeup look (or wearing much makeup at all for that matter), recreating the Sunburnt Blush trend isn’t overly complicated. Here’s a few tips:
Placement: Don’t forget your nose
While traditional blush application focuses on the apples of your cheeks or sculpting the cheekbones, you want to apply your blusher in the areas where you would naturally catch the sun. That includes the bridge of your nose and the top of your cheekbones (as well as around your hairline).
Everyone’s face is different, but, as a simple way to start, try drawing a light line from cheek to cheek over your nose in a roughly moustache shape, before blending out of course! Then, build up the colour as desired.
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Texture: Use what you love
We’ve seen the Sunburnt Blush recreated using all sorts of textures, so it really comes down to your individual preferences. However, for beginners, it can be easier to get a natural seamless blend with a cream or liquid blush, which we’d recommend lightly dabbing into your skin with your fingers.
Colour: look to sunny shades
The aim is to achieve a colour that mirrors the shade you go when sunburnt – so warm pinks and rouges are often the best solution for paler skins, while deep pinks and orange tones can add a flush to olive and Black complexions. Avoid anything too shimmery as this would take away from the natural-looking finish. Feel free to build the intensity (especially if you have olive or Black skin) to ensure the look stands out.
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Application: be light of hand
To avoid harsh lines, you want to apply your blush in sweeping motions with a soft, fluffy brush, such as Charlotte Tilbury’s large Blusher Brush or with your fingers in a soft tapping motion. This will provide a more natural-looking finish that can be built up layer by layer. It is always easier to add more than remove an overenthusiastic application!
Complete the look: it’s ‘no makeup’ makeup
To complement the outdoorsy flush you are looking for, avoid heavy foundation and aim for a fairly ‘no makeup’ makeup approach to your skin. A glossy finish on your lips and eyes can enhance your newly created sun-kissed glow, as can a hint of very light bronzer to add a little extra warmth.
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The best blushers, as recommended by the CF team:
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Lead image: Rhode Skin
Any Questions or Tips to add?