COLOUR SURGE
Swipe cheeks with dreamy sunset shimmers or pat on a punchy pearlescent pink for a statement-making flush. With the ability to add instant warmth and glow, it’s understandable why dewy blushes are having a moment. On TikTok alone, the liquid blush category has amassed more than 180 million views.
It’s a trend Armani Beauty’s national face designer Jason Branigan can get behind. “I hope it’s here to stay,” he says. “Blush is the perfect partner for enhancing a luminous complexion and giving that touch of colour for beautiful radiance.” With a multitude of formulas at your disposal, take cues from Branigan and experiment with brighter shades and texture for a vibrant, glossy cheek.
BOLD SPLASH
Branigan predicts strong doll-like blush will be even bigger this year, thanks to the Barbie craze. “Saturated pink, coral and red hues centred on the apple of the cheek and fading upwards across the cheekbone give a lifting effect,” he says. Try layering a powder formula on top of cream for increased colour intensity, or drape upwards into the temple and cheekbone for added drama.
GO LIQUID
Liquid, cream and gloss formulas have become mainstays, beloved for their versatility. “They can feel intimidating but once you master working with them they’re great,” says Branigan. “They last a little longer on the skin and are ideal for building colour intensity.” He suggests using a dense fluffy brush for application because “this will allow you to apply a small amount of product at a time and build your colour. Use a combination of stippling and buffing motions to build your blush. For a softer finish, use your fingertips to press the product into the skin.” Liquid formulas tend be best for achieving a lit-fromwithin, glass-skin look.
SUN-KISSED LAYERING
In warmer months, Branigan likes to layer his usual warm peach shade with “a brighter orange shade, like Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Blush in shade 30, and apply across the centre of the face for a sun-kissed finish.” To master the technique, start by applying product across the bridge of the nose and diffuse outwards (and upwards).
FROSTY FINISH
For those married to the “clean girl aesthetic”, glimmering blushes that add more sheen than colour can achieve a barely-there finish. Try pairing high-shine cheeks with glossy lips and shimmer finishes on the eyes. “A great multi-use product for achieving this look is Armani Beauty Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer,” says Branigan. “Shades 5, 8 and 11 offer an easy-to-blend colour-boosting glow.”
“SWEEP A TOUCH OF BLUSH ACROSS EYELIDS, BUFFING OUT TOWARDS THE TEMPLE, TO ADD A SUBTLE LIFTED EFFECT”