Emily Ratajkowski’s 30-Second Blush Hack to “Look More Alive”

If you have 30 seconds and a little blush, you have everything you need for Emily Ratajkowski’s look-alive, sun-kissed beauty hack. Get the just-in-the-sun glow without the skin damage, and pay homage to the 90s while you do it.

In a brief clip for Vogue, Ratajkowski admits she has a penchant for blush.

“I use a lot of blush,” she says, while lightly blending blush on the apples of her cheeks with her finger. “And even when other makeup artists do my makeup, I’m always like, ‘More blush! More blush!'”

The Method

Dabbing just a touch onto the bridge of her nose, she notes that this technique is an over 30-year-old beauty hack.

“I might go a little bit on the nose, which is like a ’90s trick to really make it look like you got sun,” Ratajkowski says. “That’s where the sun hits.”

Notably, Ratajkowski points out her blush application is slightly higher than where most would focus on. This more accurately mimics sun-exposure, which makes her overall glow look more natural.

“I also put my blush a little higher than most people because, again, I think it looks a little bit more natural,” she explains. “So, I almost bring it up to like the under eye.”

Ratajkowski finishes blending in less than 30 seconds, stepping back to reveal her light flush. “You can already see how much more alive I look, I would say,” she says.

Get The Look

The only way to mimic Ratajkowski’s glow is with a good blush. We’d recommend the 2023 NewBeauty Award winners for Best Cream Blush and Best Powder Blush. You can’t go wrong with either of these excellent choices.

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Summer Fridays Blush Balm Stick ($28)

Formulated to keep moisture locked in, this cream blush won its category in the 2023 NewBeauty Awards for its straightforward, easy application and its skin care–minded ingredients. A combination of hyaluronic acid and glycerin lock moisture in and won’t leave your skin feeling tacky or weighed-down.

Available in four shades, this blush can also double as a lip tint. The color wash is vibrant and long-lasting, which is perfect for anyone trying to replicate Ratajkowski’s look. Just a little will go a long way, and the compact packaging makes re-application easy on-the-go.

As bold blush looks continue to trend, these warm tones are perfect for that sun-kissed glow. Check out the Awards page here.

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MAKE Beauty Skin Mimetic Microsuede Blush ($28)

Winning the 2023 NewBeauty Award for Best Powder Blush, this compact offers the kind of finish you thought was only achievable with cream-based products. Incredibly vibrant and available in 10 shades, you’re sure to find your perfect match for that summer glow. Once you do, the blend of hyaluronic acid and peptides will deliver long-lasting moisture with a smooth, matte finish.

Follow the trending purple blush that brings an ethereal edge to any skin tone, or stick to tried-and-true light pinks and roses. No matter what you choose, the ultra-smooth powder will feel luxurious going on and blend seamlessly.

This blush won its category for its moisturizing ingredients, its refillable compact and its perfectly blendable formula. Check out the Awards page here.