The year of 2024 may as well have been the year of blush. Whether it was a new application method, a trendy look, or a fresh formula, there’s no denying that blush is bigger than ever. Outside of those elements, blush colors have also been trending this year. Orange and pink shades ruled summer’s makeup looks, while red hues helped us usher in the vampy looks of fall. The latest hue to covet probably isn't one you'd expect but it delivers a gorgeous flush. Enter brown blush. Unlike traditional former trends, brown blush isn’t about creating a bold, pigmented look. Instead, it adds warmth, embracing a more natural appearance. Ahead, we spoke with two celebrity makeup artists about what to know about brown blush, including how to wear it and the compacts to try.
Featured experts
- Ash K Holm is a celebrity makeup artist
- Emily Gray is a celebrity makeup artist
Who does brown blush work for?
Blush is a universal makeup staple, but some colors aren’t easy to master on all skin tones. However, brown blush is the exception. According to celebrity makeup artist Ash K Holm, brown blush is incredibly versatile and favors a range of different complexions. This shade of blush is meant to bring warmth to the skin and does so in different ways. “For medium and deep complexions, a brown blush enhances warm nuances, but on fairer skin, it adds a soft sun-kissed look,” says Holms.
You’re not totally wrong if you think the result sounds like a bronzer. Celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray notes that brown blush can read as a bronzer if the color is too deep. “Brown blushes that have a bit of color, such as a red undertone, can give a better-flushed appearance and have a more natural-looking color,” she says.
How to apply brown blush
Placement is key when it comes to applying brown blush. Unlike a soft peach or rose shade, brown can become muddy if placed on the wrong area of the face. To avoid this, Holm suggests focusing on the apples of the cheeks and blending up toward the temples for a lifted effect. If you’re opting for a more sculpted look, she notes that you can concentrate the color just below the cheekbones as a soft contour.
Blending is also an important step to keep brown blush from looking patchy. If you’re having a hard time getting your blush to look natural, Gray says that a little bronzer can help. “Brown blushes tend to look nice when blended into a bronzer.” She explains that this helps give the blush a seamless look and makes it more wearable.
Brown blushes to try
