Redness on the cheeks has for a long time now been a crucial part of any makeup routine as it helps to give the skin a natural rosied look. Nevertheless, the mince is constantly changing and new tendencies appear, and so does the role of blush in makeup. The latest and perhaps the most popular trend that has recently gained popularity is the blush draping also known as the contouring with blush. This new way of applying blush is ideal for those who want to enhance their face structure while at the same time adding some color to their skin.
In this blog, I will be explaining to you what blush draping is, how you can do it and why this trend is so popular and has been widely embraced by many people who love applying makeup.
What is Blush Draping?
The concept of blush draping is one of the techniques where blush is applied on the face in a manner that gives the illusion of contouring without overdoing it. While the conventional contouring involves the use of bronzer or contour powder to chisel the hollows of the cheeks, the blush draping involves the use of blush to contour the face. It is aimed at contouring cheeks, highlighting temples and even forming the jawline while using different shades of blush and techniques.
This method was introduced in the 1980’s by the famous makeup artist Way Bandy who came up with a technique that involved the use of blush to contour the face and make it look more toned and defined. The technique has been reinvented in the contemporary makeup art with a new approach that involves the use of multiple blush colors to produce a polished and contoured look.
How to Do Blush Draping: A Step-by-Step Guide
Achieving the perfect blush draping look involves a few simple steps. Follow this guide to master the technique and sculpt your face with blush:
1. Start with a Base
Before applying any blush, make sure your face is properly prepped. Begin by applying your foundation and concealer to create an even canvas. You can set your base with a light dusting of translucent powder to help prevent the blush from slipping throughout the day.
If you want to further define your face, you can lightly contour the hollows of your cheeks and around your temples with a subtle contour product. However, keep in mind that the focus of this technique is on blush, so don’t overdo it with contouring.
2. Choose Your Blush Shades
For blush draping, it’s essential to choose blush shades that complement your skin tone and create a seamless transition from one area of your face to another. Opt for a combination of blush shades with different intensities: a lighter blush for the apples of the cheeks and a deeper, more intense shade for the temples and along the jawline.
- Fair skin: Opt for soft pinks, peachy tones, and soft corals.
- Medium skin: Look for rose, mauve, and warm peach hues.
- Deep skin: Rich berry, plum, and deep coral shades will create a beautiful effect.
The key is to use blushes that have enough pigment to show up on your skin but aren’t so intense that they’ll overpower the look.
3. Apply Blush to the Cheeks
The first step in blush draping is to apply a lighter blush shade to the apples of your cheeks. Using a fluffy blush brush, sweep the blush across the apples and blend it upwards along the cheekbones. This technique will create a natural flush while also lifting the face. Avoid placing the blush too low, as this can drag the face down.
4. Sculpt with Deeper Shades
Now comes the sculpting part of blush draping. Take a deeper blush shade and apply it to your temples, starting at the top of your forehead and blending downwards toward the top of your cheekbones. This will help to define and contour your face while creating a lifted, sculpted look. You can also apply a touch of this deeper blush along your jawline for added definition.
5. Blend, Blend, Blend
One of the most important aspects of blush draping is blending. You want to create a seamless transition between the blush colors, so take your time to blend the blushes into your skin. Use a clean makeup sponge or a large fluffy brush to diffuse any harsh lines and ensure a smooth, natural finish.
6. Highlight and Set
To complete your blush draping look, add a touch of highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and on your cupid’s bow. This will help to enhance the lifted, glowing effect that blush draping creates. Finally, set everything in place with a setting spray to ensure your makeup lasts all day.
Why Blush Draping Works
Blush draping has become so popular for several reasons. Here’s why it’s taking the beauty world by storm:
1. Adds Dimension to the Face
Traditional contouring can sometimes create harsh lines, but blush draping provides a soft, more natural way to add dimension to the face. By using blush to sculpt the face, you get a youthful, radiant look without the heavy, overdone appearance of traditional contouring.
2. Lifts the Face
One of the main goals of blush draping is to lift the face. Applying blush higher on the cheekbones and temples creates a lifted effect that accentuates the natural structure of your face. This technique can be especially helpful for those with round or fuller faces who want to create the illusion of more angular features.
3. Versatile and Customizable
Blush draping can be customized to suit any face shape and skin tone. Whether you want a soft, natural look or a more dramatic sculpt, you can adjust the intensity of the blush shades to achieve your desired effect. It’s also a technique that works for both everyday looks and more glamorous makeup styles.
4. Simple and Easy to Learn
Unlike traditional contouring, which can sometimes be tricky to master, blush draping is much simpler and easier to execute. With a few basic blush shades and blending tools, anyone can achieve a beautifully sculpted look. Plus, it’s a great technique for beginners who want to experiment with face shaping without using complex contouring products.
Blush Draping: A Trend for Everyone
Blush draping is more than just a makeup trend—it’s a revolutionary way to use blush to enhance the natural contours of your face. Whether you’re a makeup novice or a beauty pro, this technique is accessible and versatile, allowing you to achieve a lifted, youthful appearance with just a few blush shades.
So, the next time you want to try something new with your makeup, give blush draping a go. It’s a fantastic way to sculpt your face and bring a fresh, modern twist to your blush application. Whether you’re looking for a subtle contour or a bold sculpted look, blush draping is sure to be your new go-to makeup technique.
