I thought I knew everything about blush, but a new technique called backlit blush just proved me wrong. To backtrack, I like to consider myself a scholar of blush. At any given time, you can find more than 20 different blushes on my vanity—I’ve been known to bring three different formulas for a two-day trip. Plus, I was an early adopter of the “face-lifting” blush hacks that went viral last year, and I have a back stash of both the Dior Rosy Glow Blush and Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm blushes that have proven impossible to get your hands on.
Needless to say, when I’m introduced to a new product or application method, I’m a little taken aback. This was the case with backlit blush, a new term I heard while discussing One/Size’s new Cheek Clapper palettes with the brand’s director of education, Kerry Cole. Of course, the name is what drew me in, but the technique itself is equally as intriguing—instead of layering a shimmering blush over a matte shade, Cole suggests applying a shimmer first, and then going back in with a matte one overtop.
“When your blush is backlit, it adds a soft-focus glow, a bit of shimmer, and lift behind that blush,” Cole tells GLAMOUR. “It creates the most beautiful three-dimensional shimmer to the cheeks. The skin is left looking texture-free, glowing, and flushed. This look works for anyone looking to add a little light and lift to the cheek area. It also helps to filter, smooth texture, and illuminate the cheeks.”
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Because of the mix of textures, you get tons of dimension without having to rely on a contour or a highlight shade, hence that “lifting” effect we’re all chasing. Backlit blush is also a way into the shimmer blush trend that feels a little more toned down, and with zero chances of looking overly glittery—just lit from within.
It also couldn’t be easier. “Start by applying your favourite shimmering blush to the upper cheekbone area, this will add light, lift, and glow behind your blush,” says Cole. “Next, apply a matte blush to the apples of your cheeks and diffuse upward and over your shimmering blush.”
I’ve been trying backlit blush since I learned about it, and I’m hooked. It’s such a pretty way to wake up my face, and I love the luminosity and dimension. My cheekbones look lifted in such a subtle way, and as someone with texture issues, I love the soft-focus effect that layering the blush gives me. Plus, it allows me to use double the amount of blush, which is always good news to me.
Bella Cacciatore
Bella Cacciatore is the beauty writer at GLAMOUR US. Follow her on Instagram @bellacacciatore_.
This feature originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.