Is It Boyfriend Blush Or Flustered Blush? Why Not Both

On the other side of TikTok’s BRAT-heavy algorithm is a blush trend that we bet will melt its way down from the Northern Hemisphere just in time for spring. 

It’s Sabrina Carpenter coded, by way of overstated blush that’s soft and subtle enough to look like a natural flush. It’s all to do with the shades of pink. And the placement. 

The Internet calls it: Boyfriend Blush. We call it: Flustered Blush. 

Let’s unpack the what, where, how right now. 

What is Boyfriend Blush?

A natural flush of colour, in the raspberry to near-translucent baby pink realm (a lá Rhode pocket blushes) (I NEED to get my hands on Piggy), that sits below the cheekbone. Not high up and neighbouring the orbital bone. And not with the intent to contour or sculpt. 

The beauty of this blush trend is there is no real definition to its beginning or end. On the face, that is. Boyfriend Blush is unique to you, your face, your boyfriend’s face - should he be your actual muse. 

The overall aesthetic plays into a much more natural look, meant to mimic a man's flustered or ruddy cheeks after a game of rugby or polo. And I say polo because the initial inspiration is rumoured to have been a young Prince Harry and Prince William. See below.  

@malloryosses Replying to @Thanksbuddy What is Boyfriend Blush? 💕 #boyfriendblush #blusher #oblongface @Mallory Osses @Mallory Osses ♬ original sound - Mallory Osses

You’ll also hear Mallory Rosses confirm this is very much an existing trend, or blush technique, repackaged for the girls (see: Clean Girl Makeup, Glass Skin, and Slugging). “...I heard about this trend years ago…It’s all over high-fashion, runway, editorial types of looks, but I’ve never really heard people talk about it like this.”

How to wear Boyfriend Blush.

Colour should bloom across the cheeks in a triangle(ish) shape. Start in the centre of your face and spread out toward the top of the ear, as well as down toward the edge of your jaw. You can tweak this application, of course, depending on your bone structure, features, and the shape of your face. 

Pulling the overall blush placement down slightly makes the skin look more naturally healthy, youthful, and outdoorsy. All the compliments we’re craving amidst the wrath of winter. 

Our go-to products.

The key to perfecting Boyfriend Blush or Flustered Blush very much lies in the formula. A cream blush is easier to work with, more blendable, melts into the skin for a realistic and dewy finish. 

Westman Atelier: Baby Cheeks Blush

A versatile cream blush stick that delivers a natural flush of flattering, buildable colour, whilst working behind the scenes to soothe and protect delicate skin. Select one of eight shades. Or all. You do you. 

Violette FR: Bisou Blush

A marbled matte cream blush with a swirl of two shades (one sheer, one richer) that blend together to create a multidimensional wash of colour. Like a true-to-life flush after an unexpected compliment. 

Mecca Max: Off Duty Blush Stick

Deliciously buttery (yet dry to touch) cream sticks that melt into the cheeks for a your-skin-but-better vibe. They come in six vibrant shades that suit literally every face. Subtle or saturated colour.