RUBY REVEALS | THE POWER OF BLUSH PLACEMENT

Blush isn’t just makeup — it’s the quickest way to transform your whole face. With a single product, you can lift, sculpt, or refresh your features depending on how and where you apply it. But here’s the truth: there is no one way that works for everyone.

Traditional face charts are a useful guide, but they don’t account for the most important factor: your unique features. Your bone structure, face shape, skin tone, even your lifestyle — they all play a role in where blush should go. That’s why understanding the techniques and reasons behind placement is so powerful. Once you know the “why,” you can adapt the “how” to flatter you.

THE FRESH FLUSH

What it is: Blush placed on the apples of the cheeks, softly blended outwards.

Why it works: This technique mimics the natural rush of blood to the skin when you’re laughing, walking briskly, or out in the cold. It creates instant vitality and radiance.

Why not for everyone: If you have very round cheeks, too much colour here can overemphasise fullness. On a longer face, however, this placement adds balance and softness.

Pro Tip: Smile gently to find the apples — but avoid locking into a grin while applying, as blush can end up lower than intended once your face relaxes. Cream formulas are ideal because they melt into skin and move with your expressions.

THE SCULPTOR'S TOUCH

What it is: Blush swept along the tops of the cheekbones, angled toward the temples.

Why it works: This placement elongates the face and adds lift. It works almost like contouring — but softer, using colour to shape rather than harsh shadows.

Why not for everyone: On very angular faces, this placement can feel severe if not blended carefully. For fuller faces, however, it’s transformative, creating structure where it's wanted.

Pro Tip: Use a brush that diffuses so the line is soft and seamless. A gradient of colour — slightly more concentrated near the temple, fading toward the cheeks — gives elegance without looking “stripy.”

THE SUN-KISSED GLOW

What it is: Blush swept from cheek to cheek across the bridge of the nose.

Why it works: It mimics the natural flush of sun exposure, giving that carefree, outdoorsy look. It’s particularly flattering in spring and summer, or when you want to bring warmth to tired winter skin.

Why not for everyone: On very deep skin tones, this placement may need a brighter or more pigmented shade to avoid disappearing. On redness-prone skin, it can exaggerate uneven tones unless you prep with concealer first.

Pro Tip: Choose warm, peachy, red or terracotta tones to enhance the “sunlit” effect. Pair with a touch of bronzer and light highlight for a true holiday glow. My Nude Cheek Colour is perfect for this look... a subtle highlight that catches the light without being visible from outer space. Add a balm on the lips and minimal eye makeup for a fresh, undone look.

THE EVENING POLISH

What it is: Richer-toned blush, concentrated on the cheeks and blended outward.

Why it works: Deeper shades add depth and dimension, perfect under softer evening lighting. This placement gives a polished, finished look without the need for heavy contour or highlight.

Why not for everyone: If you already have strong cheekbones, use a lighter hand so it doesn’t overwhelm. For those with paler skin, choose softer berry or rose rather than deep wine to keep it elegant.

Pro Tip: Blush doesn’t need to compete with your lip or eye colour. Instead, it should harmonise — creating balance across the face. For example, pair berry blush with a nude lip, or soft nude blush with a statement red. This creates depth, sophistication, and that “finished” quality without feeling heavy.

TOOLS MATTER | BLEND, BLEND and BLEND AGAIN

Blush is only as good as its application. The right tool makes placement precise and blending seamless. A well-shaped brush ensures colour diffuses softly, letting you control intensity while keeping skin looking natural. When designed my Face Brush I wanted a tool that could work effortlessly to hug the contours of the face, whether applying blush, highlight, powder, bronzer or contour. Simply tilt to change the intensity of the product.

Pro tip: For cream or liquid blush, fingers work too — the warmth helps product melt into skin. For powder, always reach for a brush that’s soft, flexible, and easy to clean, building colour gradually. Always tap off excess pigment before applying, and remember - it's easier to add more than take away.

BLUSH IS POWER

Blush is one of the most transformative products in your kit. It can lift, soften, sculpt, or energise the face in seconds. But the real secret is understanding why you place it where you do. Once you master that, you can adapt to your unique features, your mood, and your moment.

Remember: beauty should enhance, not mask. Blush is there to bring out the life in you, not hide it.