By Becky Raspe
As spring arrives, new makeup and beauty trends usually aren’t far behind.
And this year, makeup looks are trending rosier due to the popularity of wearing blush. Meant to mimic and add to the natural flush we all have, blush can be used in a multitude of ways, says Merideth Polarinakis, principal artist and owner of Cleveland-based Makeup by Merideth.
Blush perfectly complements the clean girl aesthetic trending right now, which typically points to a “no makeup” makeup look, complete with hydrated and healthy-looking skin, Polarinakis says.
Photo / Makeup by Merideth
“After a surge of heavier, glam looks dominating the 2010s, the fresh, au naturel makeup movement made its way back to the mainstream in the 2020s,” she says. “After that, during the height of COVID many of us began to wear little to no makeup, and reevaluated our everyday beauty routines. We all naturally blush, so adding a little enhancement in the form of makeup is perfectly on trend.”
Polarinakis says rose-toned blushes are a great beginner color for those unsure what flatters them most.
“If you’re still unsure what shade is most flattering on your skin tone, pinch your cheeks a couple times to determine your most natural blush tone,” she says.
For a fresher application, Polarinakis suggests mixing your blush with your daily moisturizer or serum for a “watercolor blush look.”
Photo / Makeup by Merideth
“Sweep on with a stippling brush from the apples of your cheeks up towards your temples,” she says. “Applying blush is the quickest way to ‘wake up’ your face for a healthy flush and glowing complexion.”