TikTok’s latest viral makeup trend is perfect for summer, looks beautiful on all skin tones, and only needs three products. Sunset Blush is an application technique that mimics the colors and gradient of a sunset on your cheeks. Beauty influencer and TikToker Alissa Janay started the viral trend in April with her makeup demo (which has since gotten more than 8 million views) showing how to create the look.
The technique—which requires only two shades of liquid blush and one liquid highlighter, strategically placed and carefully blended to achieve a seamless, ombre glow—has racked up more than 22 million posts on TikTok. It’s no wonder this trend took off as everyone wants that perfect sunkissed, luminous glow for the season. This look is easy to apply and universally flattering on all skin tones, making it user-friendly and wearable, but best of all, it is totally customizable: Punch up the look for high drama or tone it down for natural minimalism.
The cheeks are the most effective area to display a healthy complexion. Their central location, wider surface area, and that they are typically the softest and smoothest skin on the face makes cheeks the ideal location for a golden hour glow.
As we move into summer, many of us are inspired to change up our look by experimenting with different colors, techniques, and products. Sunset blush is the perfect place to start due to its simplicity, versatility, and stunning results.
So how are these stunning results achieved? It’s very simple: by blending shades of pink, orange, or reddish blushes with a golden highlighter creates a twilight lit-from-within glow.
Start by choosing a vibrant pink or rose liquid blush with warm undertones that suit your skin tone. Apply only one or two pea-size dots along your upper cheekbone, under the temple, and near the hairline.
Next, choose a warm-toned liquid blush with hues of orange like coral, peach, or apricot and dab one or two more pea-size dots along the upper cheekbone. Keep them inline with the pink ones, but closer to your nose. Both blush colors should run along your upper cheekbone (where you would typically place highlighter) and form a straight diagonal line.
Above both blush colors (near the outer and lower corners of your eyes), add a small swipe of a golden or champagne liquid highlighter. Always start light with makeup because you can always blend out and add more product to obtain the desired vibrancy.
Blending three colors at once can be tricky and quickly get muddy if not done properly. I recommend blending each color separately using a damp Beauty Blender. Rotate the sponge to a clean section to blend each shade, tapping gently until they are muted but separate. Then go in with a dry fluffy blush brush to gently soften the edges, meld the colors, and create that gorgeous gradient effect.
Finally, you want to set your masterpiece so it lasts all day. You can achieve this several ways: add a spritz of setting spray, dust it down with a light veil of translucent setting powder, or set it using a powder blush. If you go with the latter, be sure to use a hue that matches the liquid blush shades to give your sunset blush an extra pop of vibrancy.
Pair this look with a swipe of eyeliner and a glassy lip, and you’re good to go! Here are some of my favorite picks when you want to give the sunset blush trend a try:
Liquid Blush
NARS Liquid Blush
This highly pigmented, silky fluid blush glides on and blends in effortlessly and seamlessly to provide a natural, luminous, long-lasting glow that suits all skin types. The weightless formula is buildable from sheer to medium to full coverage color payoff and is dispensed from a fool-proof pump. Monoi and tamanu oils hydrate and nourish skin.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Liquid Blush
A lightweight, long-lasting liquid blush from e.l.f. has a buildable formula that delivers high-pigment color with a dewy finish. Infused with the skincare benefits of hyaluronic acid, rose flower water and hibiscus flower extract to moisturize, soothe and help skin retain moisture. The rounded, grooved applicator wand is perfect for dotting on the optimal amount of product for the sunset blush effect. Vegan and cruelty-free.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
This lightweight liquid blush formula is easily buildable for a soft flush or bold splash of long-lasting color. Glides on, blends evenly, stays in place and wears comfortably all day. A botanical blend of lotus, gardenia and white water lily help soothe, calm and nourish skin. The doe-foot applicator places ideal sized dots for sunset blush. Vegan and cruelty-free.
Giorgio Armani Beauty A-Line Liquid Blush
Get up to 12 hours of wear with this liquid blush from Armani that combines vibrant color with lightweight blendability. Skin-fusing technology provides a unique texture that stretches into an ultra-thin film that won’t disturb makeup and builds infinitely from a natural to more intense flush with a luminous finish. The doe-foot applicator provides precision placement and distribution of product.
Grande Cosmetics Grandepop Plumping Liquid Blush
A plumping liquid blush from Grande that has a silky, weightless and buildable formula that benefits skin as you wear it. VinupLift visibly plumps, lifts and hydrates skin for a smooth, supple appearance. Gatuline Radiance boosts skins luminosity while fighting dullness and improving texture. The dab n’ go cushion applicator is perfect for creating sunset blush. Cruelty-free.
M2U NYC Hydrating Liquid Blush
This skincare-infused liquid blush delivers a natural, sun-kissed glow while soothing and nourishing the skin for a more radiant complexion. Vitamin E hydrates and calms skin while protecting it from environmental free radical damage. Rosehip oil promotes elasticity and reduces the appearance of acne scars for younger looking skin. Available in four sunset blush appropriate shades that can be applied with precision thanks to the doe-foot wand. 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Liquid Highlighter
Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand
This liquid highlighter in Spotlight is a beautiful rose-gold that illuminates the complexion with a soft-focus luminosity. Treated pearls boost brightness with light reflecting particles that deliver a natural glow. Oleogel has a high gloss finish that provides a highlighted effect with no visible glitter. The soft cushion applicator pad makes dispensing, distributing and blending a breeze.
Laura Mercier Roseglow Liquid Highlighter
The best-selling, superior liquid highlighter from Laura Mercier that provides a radiant lit-from-within glow to every skin tone. Infused with a unique mix of pearls inspired from rose gold metals, each shade self-adjusts to best compliment individual complexions. The lightweight, long wear formula delivers the optimal balance of color and shine, coverage and comfort. The sponge tip allows for accurate application.
Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer
A silky, second-skin liquid highlighter with soothing and nourishing skincare benefits. The weightless formula blends seamlessly, leaving an instant wash of light that flatters all skin tones. Superfine, light-catching pearls allow buildability from soft sheen to glowing strobe. Layers well over makeup and lasts all day without creasing, fading or settling. Doe-foot applicator for precise placement. Vegan and cruelty-free.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Glow
This weightless liquid highlighter offers an intense glow with metallic and luster finishes. The full-pigment formula seamlessly blends into skin and dries down to a multidimensional, luminous finish. The tapered, fine point tube opening allows for perfect small dot application required for sunset blush. Cruelty-free.
J. Cat Beauty Aura Glow Liquid Highlighter
J. Cat Beauty’s Liquid Highlighter creates an instant multidimensional glow that is designed to work with all skin tones. Infused with argan oil to hydrate skin. Blends effortlessly into skin and leaves a beautiful luminous finish. The liquid dropper applies the perfect amount of product exactly where you want it. Shake well before use.
*Sunset blush can also be applied using cream blush and cream highlighter. Just be sure to use like formulas together. Use liquids with liquids and creams with creams rather than mixing the two. This will ensure cohesive blending and yield the most effective results.
For questions, concerns, or article ideas, feel free to reach out to our eCosmetics Beauty Editor directly at beauty@ecosmetics.com