Red Blush Is Making a Comeback

Becoming a lover of red blush was an unexpected transition for me. A few months ago, I found myself sitting in the chair of makeup artist and brand educator Stevie Nelson at Saie headquarters. When she reached for the brand’s popular Cherie shade Dew Blush (described as a cherry red), I visibly tensed, thinking the color would look too intense on me. I’ve never tried a color like this before – dusty rose and peach are my comfort zone. Despite my reservations, Nelson assured me that it would fit perfectly with my bass. A few selfies and lots of compliments later, I understood the appeal—I instantly looked more energetic. Right now, the shade Cherie is my all-time favorite blush that wakes up my complexion even on the dullest day; I’m still blown away by the versatility (and wearability) of red. In hindsight, it feels obvious. After all, the word rouge means blush—derived from the French word for red.

“You can create different types of looks with red blush, especially a blush-from-within look,” says Nelson Fashion. “It really mimics your body’s natural response to the elements—literally, imagine the blood rushing to your cheeks.” Professional makeup artist Claudia Neacsu couldn’t agree more. “Red blush is definitely a universally flattering color, just like red lipstick,” says Neacsu Fashion. “Everyone can wear red blush, regardless of skin tone, age or style.”

fashion magazine Favorite red blush

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Image may contain: cosmetics and lipstick

Meanwhile, for professional makeup artist Nency, the appeal isn’t just about a believable blush. “Red blush is the perfect shade to sculpt the face, rather than a traditional bronze shade, and it enhances bone structure without looking muddy,” she says. “Furthermore, it allows us to recreate the Victorian or medieval effect seen in classic gallery portraits – a timeless symbol of health, vitality and aristocratic purity.”

Celebrity makeup artist and Chanel ambassador Kara Yoshimoto Bua adds that red blush can change your mood based entirely on texture and placement. “For a soft, romantic blush, I like to apply red blush to the apples of my skin,” says Yoshimoto Bua Fashion. As you sweep higher up just below the eye, the effect becomes more editorial. “It can also feel very modern and directional, almost cyberpunk or anime-inspired.” Their versatility depends not just on the application, but also on the source colors that make up each red hue. “Red is made up of multiple pigments, and when mixing bright or dark shades, sometimes one color magically becomes more prominent,” adds celebrity makeup artist and Chanel ambassador Kate Lee. “For example, with blue-red tones, it will often filter down to a pretty bright pink. With orange-red tones, that baseline will tend to be more of a coral or a bright peach.”

Turns out I’m not the only one who’s been late to the red blush revival. But what makes red blush so popular right now? “Color trends are often cyclical and driven by the looks artists create for the models and celebrities we love to follow,” says Lee. She mentioned Pati Dubroff’s look for Margot Robbie for the world premiere of Emerald Fennell “Wuthering Heights”— Use N°1 de Chanel Lip & Cheek Cream (Red Camellia) — as a major catalyst for the growing demand for red blush. But the fascination with crimson cheeks predates today’s fashion cycle. Neacsu mentioned legendary makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift, who was famous for her use of red blush on Victoria’s Secret models during her VS Angels heyday.

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