It's no secret TikTok has become one of the best sources of beauty trend inspiration for Gen Z. Trends come and go in record time on TikTok, often serving as the driving force behind creators, consumers, and brands. One of the most recognizable and longstanding beauty trends on TikTok is the "sunburn" blush look that consists of sun-kissed skin and warm-toned makeup.
For tips on achieving this viral look, I spoke to celebrity makeup artist Edward Cruz, whose star-powered client list includes the likes of Anna Wintour, Brooke Shields, Danai Gurira, and Busy Philipps. "It's a fun look that is going strong, three summers in a row," Cruz says of the sun-soaked makeup look. "I think people love it because it's easily applied, and anyone can wear it." According to Cruz, the focus has to be on the glow, and using a bronzer (Cruz's favorite is Charlotte Tilbury's Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter) or warm blush is the key to bringing the look to life.
Cruz is partial to using Smashbox's Sheer Powder Brush, which is part of the brand's Camera Ready Face, Eye, Brow, Lip Brush Collection, to apply highlighter or blush. For a sun-kissed look, he recommends beginning with gentle brush strokes at the highest point of one cheekbone and then sweeping the product across the face to the other cheekbone. This quick-and-easy process also includes gently touching the bridge of the nose with the brush. Remember, you want to bring attention to the points of your face that normally receive the sun's rays to achieve that effortless just-lifted-my-chin-to-the-sun finish.
If you're looking for inspiration, I highly recommend scrolling through the trend's hashtag on TikTok or Instagram or watching viral makeup tutorials created by users Rachel Shea and Lakeya Simone. Pay special attention to the areas of the face that feature added warmth or highlight. The "sunburn" blush trend looks good on everyone but is especially gorgeous on deeper skin tones. Ready to find out which powder and cream blushes I'll be using to create the "sunburn" blush look this summer? Keep scrolling.
My Go-To Picks for Cream Blush
This cream-based blush will always be the perfect shade of terracotta for me. One sweep of it across my cheekbones, temples, and the bridge of my nose adds so much life to my face. In warm-weather months, it's a must-have step in my makeup routine.
Sheer yet buildable blushes are a fun way to add a natural-looking punch of color to any makeup look. Rush is my favorite shade for Nars' Air Matte Sheer Cream Blush because it's not quite pink or orange but more of a dusty tangerine.
When I'm in the mood for a pop of color, you'll catch me reaching for Glossier's Cloud Paint Gel Cream Blush in Dawn, a vibrant orange shade that looks beyond gorgeous on my skin. It's super pigmented and easy to blend, so a little goes a long way.
I always love a good multitasking product that gives my makeup the perfect finishing touch while cutting down on time. Jouer Cosmetics' recently released a blush and lip duo as part of their French Riviera line, and it has been one of my favorite products lately.
When has Bobbi Brown ever let us down? The brand's Pot Rouge Blush has been one of my go-to products for a while; but I'm especially drawn to the shade Fresh Melon when creating an effortlessly sun-kissed look.
One easy way to bring a wash of warmth to the skin? Choose a cinnamon-red shade for the cheeks and the lips. Ilia's Multi-Stick in Dreamer is truly what dreams are made of since it goes on semi-sheer but is also buildable.
Olive skin tones look sublime in this shade of Glossier Cloud Paint Gel Cream Blush. It's a dusty rose color that appears almost mauve, and if you're going for a makeup look that leans more pink than orange, this is the blush for you.
My Favorite Powder Blush Products
Jouer Cosmetics' Powder Blush Duo Palette has everything you need to recreate the viral TikTok look. It comes with two blushes. One is a rose-pink hue, and the other is a spicy orange. Feeling bold? Try layering the two shades together.
According to Cruz, a warm-tone blush can add just the right amount of glow. This bareMinerals product is a bronzer and blush in one, which makes adding a wash of sun-kissed color and a hint of shine easier than ever.
Add dimension to your look with this blush from RMS Beauty. While I think all of the shades would work well to recreate the blush trend, the shade Maiden's Blush is the perfect blend of soft cinnamon and pink.
Pat McGrath's powder blush in Desert Orchid is my pick for the best orange-pink powder blush shade. I love using it as a blush and a highlighter, focusing my attention on my cheekbones and the tip of my nose to add color.
While I've always considered myself partial to cream blushes, Haus Labs' Color Fuse Talc-Free Powder Blush may have changed my mind. Not only is every shade super pigmented, but they're easy to blend for the sweetest natural-looking color.
Whether you're attempting the viral TikTok blush trend or searching for an orange-hued blush that works well with dark skin tones, this Nars blush should be on your radar. The Savage shade is a cinnamon hue that brings both sparkle and color wherever it's placed. Melanin-blessed people, this is our Holy Grail!
I'll never pass up an opportunity to wear a peachy cheek. The Gen Nude Powder Blush in That Peach Tho looks beautiful on all skin tones. It will keep your cheeks flushed and your look fresh. It's a win-win!
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