This is The Best Blush Placement for Every Face Shape

While applying blush seems like it should be pretty simple, there’s a lot to consider. You have to choose a formula and color, of course, but there’s also the process of determining where to put blush to best flatter your features—because grandma’s old trick of cracking a cheesy smile and dusting blush onto the apples of the cheeks doesn’t work for everyone.

So where does blush go? There isn’t a straightforward answer. To help you nail your blush placement, you need to identify your face shape—this will guide your application and help ensure a natural-looking finish. If you need guidance on that front, we’re here to help. Ahead, we’re breaking down how to identify your face shape—be it round, oval, diamond, or somewhere in between—and dishing out our best tips on where to apply blush for each. Plus, we’re sharing some of our favorite blush formulas to add to your makeup bag—because as far as we’re concerned, you can never have too much of a good thing.

What Is the “Two-Finger Rule” for Blush?

The “two-finger rule" is a popular technique for applying blush to enhance your natural features. The technique involves placing your first two fingers beside your nose, then applying blush to the remainder of your cheek area and blending it out toward your temples. This approach helps ensure you don’t place your blush too close to the center of your face and allows you to create a balanced, natural-looking flush without any of the guesswork. However, the viral technique may not work for everyone—applying blush according to your face shape remains the best way to ensure a flattering, natural-looking finish. 

Does Blush Go On Your Cheekbone or Under Your Cheekbone?

Typically, blush should be applied to the apple of your cheek rather than beneath your cheekbone. If you aren’t sure where the apple of your cheek is, crack a big smile. The round, fleshy part of your cheek is the “apple.” For a flattering look, you’ll generally want to apply your blush to this area and blend it outward, following the natural line of your cheekbone. This blush placement helps create a natural, lifted look and enhances your facial structure. If you want a more sculpted, defined look, you can use contour to carve out your cheekbones before (or after) applying your blush.

How To Identify Your Face Shape

We can’t answer the question “Where do you apply blush to flatter different face shapes?” without first explaining what the different face shapes are. Everyone’s face is unique, of course, but these are six of the most common face shapes: 

• Square: Those with square faces typically have strong, defined jawlines and angular features. This face shape is roughly equally wide around the forehead, cheeks, and jaw, and tends to be about as long as it is wide.
• Round: Round faces are widest around the cheeks and typically about as long as they are wide. People with round faces tend to have softer jawlines and more rounded (rather than angular) features.
• Oval: If you have an oval face shape, your face is likely longer than it is wide and your jawline, cheeks, and chin are softly rounded.
• Oblong: Oblong (sometimes referred to as rectangular) faces tend to be on the narrow side with a prominent forehead or chin. Like oval faces, this face shape is noticeably longer than it is wide, though the features tend to be sharp and angular rather than rounded.
• Heart: Heart-shaped faces are widest around the temples and typically boast a narrow jawline and pointed chin.
• Diamond: Diamond-shaped faces feature prominent cheekbones and a somewhat narrow forehead and chin. Like oval faces, diamond-shaped faces tend to be longer than they are wide.

Where To Put Your Blush Based on Your Face Shape

Once you determine your face shape, you’re almost ready to pick up the blush brush. But before you do, find out where to apply blush to flatter your features below. 

Blush placement for square faces

The square face is one for which the “apply blush to the apples of your cheeks” trick does work—and well. Focusing your application here will help draw attention toward the center of your face and help balance out your more angular features. Be sure to blend your product thoroughly—the goal is to create a soft, naturally-flushed effect (and obvious lines of demarcation can disrupt that).

Blush placement for round faces

When applying blush for round faces, you can skip the apples of your cheeks altogether. Instead, apply your blush along the tops of your cheekbones, blending the color toward your temple. This targeted blush placement for round faces will help accentuate your cheekbones, which can give your face a more angular, sculpted look.

Editor’s tip: Round faces have a natural youthful quality, thanks to their full cheeks. Swapping out your shimmery blush for a matte option can help prevent your cheeks from looking overly cherubic (we’ll get into some of our favorite picks shortly).

Blush placement for oval faces

Oval faces are pretty well-balanced, so where to place blush for this face shape really depends on what you’re hoping to achieve. A flush of color on the apples of your cheeks can give your look a coquettish, youthful vibe, while a swipe of blush on top of your cheekbones can help create the illusion of a more sculpted face.

Just make sure to avoid applying blush under your cheekbones, as that’s where you should apply contour. When you apply blush under your cheekbones, you can end up looking like you have windburn instead of a rosy glow.

Blush placement for oblong faces

Similar to oval faces, oblong faces can handle various blush placements. That being said, we suggest applying your blush in a straight line or slight semicircle and not blending out too far in either direction. This technique can help visually lift your face and help create balance.

Blush placement for heart-shaped faces

Heart-shaped faces are unique in that they have both angular and round features. As such, finding the balance between softening and sculpting is key. We suggest applying your blush in a “C” shape from the tops of your cheekbones to just above the tail of your brows. This will help soften your sharper angles without making your face appear too round or soft. You may also want to consider adding a touch of blush to the center of your forehead—it’ll help make your forehead appear slightly narrower, visually balancing out the width of your forehead and chin. 

Blush placement for diamond faces

Knowing where to put blush in order to flatter a diamond face is important, as the right blush placement can create balance between your facial features. For this face shape, we recommend applying blush to the tops of your cheekbones and blending the color outward toward your ears. This technique can help soften sharp angles and create harmony between your facial features.

Our Best Blush Products To Use In Your Routine

Now that you know where to put blush to complement your face shape, we can get to the extra fun part: nabbing yourself a new blush or two so you can start applying. Here are the blushes we recommend adding to your makeup bag ASAP.

L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush

Liquid blush is an excellent option for anyone seeking a glowy, naturally-flushed look. This option is among our favorites, as it’s buildable, blendable, and incredibly easy to apply. Choose your favorite shade from the lineup (there are six to pick from), and use the doe foot applicator to dot the product onto your cheeks. Then, use your fingers, a sponge, or a brush to blend out the pigment for a radiant wash of color. You can add more product as needed, to dial up the intensity of your flush.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush

If bold blush is what you’re after, this lightweight, soft matte blush is a can’t miss. The waterproof and transfer-resistant formula comes in four vivid shades that apply smoothly and stay put for up to 24 hours.

Editor’s tip: While some makeup products can be applied with your fingers, powder blush isn’t one we recommend smudging on with your hands. Instead, use a fluffy makeup brush to sweep the product onto your face.

L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Blush

This lightweight, buildable blush comes in 10 skin-flattering shades designed to complement your skin’s undertones. The oil-free powder applies smoothly and blends evenly, delivering a truly natural-looking flush of color perfect for softer makeup looks.

Next Up: Why Red Blush Is Trending Right Now

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris