'Boyfriend Blush' Is The Cheekiest Makeup Trend Of 2024

Ready for a totally cheeky 2024 makeup trend that will have you totally blushing? Good, because this one's all about a boyfriend. Boyfriend blush to be exact. But, of course, just like in real life, no one actually needs a boyfriend to get this look. The name instead refers to a more natural blush placement technique. It refers to the way a person's boyfriend, who doesn't wear cosmetics, may blush naturally, all over the cheeks in a rounder shape. Therefore, this trend relates more to creating a more natural, flushed effect, making it perfect for those who prefer a natural and low maintenance makeup look rather than those who like full glam, which can sometimes involve slightly harsher lines.

The method may differ quite a lot from the way you're currently applying your blush though because its purpose is to make your face look less angular and contoured. While many makeup artists recommend higher blush placement for a lifted, sculpted look, boyfriend blush is more about creating a more overall rounded (and therefore youthful) effect. Because the look is all about that natural-looking flush, the trend works particularly well with crème or liquid blushes. That's because these have a more natural look on the skin (powders, be them blush or for the whole face, can sometimes be aging and drying) and crèmes/liquids can also be easier to move around on your cheek, too.

Exactly how you do boyfriend blush will depend on your face shape. Makeup artist Mallory Osses shared a few tips for each face shape as there are a tricks to make sure you're getting the most flattering application. For an oval face shape, she recommended applying your blush a little lower down than you may be used to. Instead of taking it high and almost under the eye, Osses placed it slightly lower than the apple of the cheek and blended it outwards to make the hollows of her cheeks less severe and, therefore, more round (via TikTok). For those with a heart-shaped face, Osses explained you'll want to focus the product on the bottom parts of either side of the face from the jawline to the cheekbone, creating a triangular shape pointing towards the nose (via TikTok). This will help highlight the cheekbones, while still giving a flushed and round effect. 

But those with rounder faces will really benefit from the boyfriend blush look. If you're already blessed with a naturally round face, to enhance it, Osses suggested placing the blush super low on the cheeks so it almost meets the jaw line. She applied the shade on the apples of her cheeks and lower, as well as on her temple and chin to really highlight the roundness of the face. Think of it like anti-contouring, as angular is out and rounded is in.

What color blush will work best for you when it comes to the boyfriend method will depend more on your skin tone than the application method. Tonally, as a general rule, cool shades work best for people with cool undertones, while warmer tones work best for those with warm undertones. Those with neutral undertones can mix and match a little more.

When it comes to exact blush colors though, orange blush is universally flattering and can really help give some extra color. However, keep in mind that although it's stunning with the right placement, it can look unnatural (and more Donald Trump-esque, which is not a good thing) when applied all over the cheek. The same can be said for purple blush, which looks gorgeous on deeper skin tones. Seeing as we don't naturally blush purple, you may want to leave that in your draw when giving this trend a go. Instead, focus on classic pinks and corals or, if you want to change it up, give brown blush a go. Red blush may also work with a light hand. Equally, the depth of the shade you pick can also affect your overall look. If you want a dramatic boyfriend blush effect, go for a deeper tone as this will make it more obvious. Those who want a little more contour will also benefit from something deeper too, as it will pull double duty. Now, go forth and get your blush on!