For a few seasons we’ve been underplaying our cheeks, favouring sculpted hollows and sharp contours over a natural pop of colour. But that’s all changing—cheeks are back in the beauty spotlight, bringing fresh vitality to every look. Today’s trends celebrate a healthy, dewy complexion, and nothing rivals the effortless radiance of a perfectly placed blush.
To explore this rosy revival, Ricky Allen spoke to Liz Tieu, renowned hair and make‑up artist, who shared her expert insights on why cheeks are more important than ever and how to achieve a youthful, glowing finish.
Cheeks are having a resurgence. Why do you think that is?
Oh, cheeks are back and I couldn’t be happier! There’s a real shift towards fresh, healthy skin, and nothing says youthful glow like a good blush. Women want that effortless, flushed look—like you’ve just had a walk in the sun. Plus, with social media filters and nostalgic trends making a comeback, cheek colour has become the ultimate shortcut to looking vibrant and awake in seconds. It brings your whole face to life—don’t skip it! Blush also adds dimension, warmth, and that youthful pop we all love.
Can you give us some tips on how to get the best cheek look, including how to work out the best colour and placement?
Definitely—here’s my cheek cheat sheet.
To pick the right shade, match your undertones. Cool tones look great in pinks and berries, while warm tones glow in peachy corals. If you’re unsure of your skin tone, opt for a soft rose—it works beautifully on almost everyone.
Placement is everything:
- Want a youthful look? Smile and dab blush onto the apples of your cheeks.
- For a lifted effect, blend upwards towards your temples, creating a soft arc that hugs the cheek and moves outwards, slightly beside the eyes.
- For that sun-kissed vibe, sweep a little across the bridge of your nose. If you’re applying a cream blush, use your fingers—the warmth of your skin helps it melt in seamlessly.
Whether you’re using cream or powder blush, always start light and build up—you can add more, but it’s tricky to take away. If you want to set a cream blush without dulling the glow, dust a little translucent powder around the edges only. When using powder blush, always tap your brush to remove any excess before applying, and use a brush specifically designed for cheeks to get the most even result.
Remember—you can always add more, but it’s harder to tone it down once it’s on.
I’ve searched around for blushes and found some really great ones in gorgeous shades!
