Golden hour-themed beauty products are launching left and right, so it only makes sense that sunset blush is quickly becoming a top contender for beauty trend of the summer.
Vogue Arabia, March 2020. Photo: Nick Thompson
Two summers ago, we saw the rise of glazed doughnut skin, while last year brought us bronzy latte makeup and sunburnt strawberry girl makeup. This year’s top trend, however, is giving us a break from all the food-inspired beauty by taking inspiration from a beautiful summertime sunset.
Exactly as the name implies, sunset blush features a gradient of colors and highlighter to mimic the sun setting in the sky by blending shades like orange, coral, pink, and red. On TikTok, the hashtag #SunsetBlush has already racked up over 22.5 million posts.
As for why the look is trending? Makeup artist Clarissa Luna, who works with celebs like Megan Fox and Jennifer Coolidge, says warm temperatures can inspire us to go bolder.
“We are coming out of a long winter, where colors are muted and matte,” Luna explains. “This blush trend takes the winter blues and throws it out the window. It’s that time of the year where we gravitate to bold, bright colors. Spring has sprung and summer is right around the corner.”
Makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran cites beauty influencer Alissa Janay for helping the look go viral.
“It is absolutely stunning,” she says. “Alissa Janay, who started the trend, has heavenly skin, so there’s no reason why it wouldn’t have gone viral. I believe it brought beauty lovers together—those who already love color and those who are in their experimentation era.”
Best of all, sunset blush looks stunning on all complexion shades.
“Sunset blush is flattering on everyone,” Luna adds. “Use blush colors that suit your own hues. This trend is totally customizable for everybody.”
To get the look, Jaikaran recommends using a liquid or cream blush like E.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush in pink and orange, which is easier to blend out.
“Make one dot of each color wherever you prefer your blush placement — I aim right above the cheekbone,” she says. “Use a fluffy, medium-size brush to blend out one shade at a time, and try tapping the blush to blend to achieve the gradient finish. Use your fingers to buff out any edges without disturbing the rest of your makeup.”
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Luna suggests starting with a vibrant pink blush “closer to the temples,” and blending out about halfway to the apples of the cheek.
“Next, use a coral or orange blush and start applying it where you stopped with the pink blush and blend onto the apples of the cheek, creating an ombré effect,” she says.
For cream blush, Luna recommends Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Lucky and Joy, or Live Tinted Huestick Multistick in Free and Rise. If you’re more of a powder person, she also suggests Dior Rosy Glow Blush in 001 Pink and 061 Poppy Coral.
Both Luna and Jaikaran recommend topping things off with your favorite highlighter.
“For a real sunset glow, apply a golden shimmer blush or highlighter above the blush you already applied and lightly blend it all together, creating a seamless gradient sunset,” says Luna, who suggests Dior Forever Couture Luminizer Highlighter Powder in 04 Golden Glow and Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer in Outshine. Jaikaran is a fan of Milani Conceal + Protect Liquid Highlighter in Molten.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match your own favorite products, though—the look is meant to be personalized.
“I love how much it embraces color, especially as we approach the summer season,” says Jaikaran. “It also allows others to step into their own makeup artist capabilities, playing with mixing shades and color theory.”
Originally published in Glamour.com by Ariana Yaptangco
