Sunset Blush: The Spring & Summer Makeup Trend Pushing Past Basic Pink

As the days grow longer and the weather finally gets warmer, it's time to embrace the beauty of a summer sunset with the latest makeup trend: sunset blush. This look effortlessly captures the warm, vibrant hues of a sunset, and it translates them onto your cheeks for a fun and unexpected look — one that will certainly make everyone do a double take. After all, why should eye makeup have all that gradient fun when cheeks can take over the spotlight, too?

Now, if you're skeptical, we don't blame you — mixing pinks with oranges and reds on your cheeks goes against everything traditional makeup is about, and it certainly sounds like it could end in a makeup disaster quickly. However, if you follow the right steps (we got you, don't worry), allow yourself to trust the process, and keep the rest of your makeup on the simpler side, this trend might just become your new favorite look this summer.

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Sunset blush first gained attention on TikTok thanks to beauty influencer Alissa Janay, who shared a mesmerizing tutorial showcasing this unique makeup look. "It's a beautiful way to experiment with different bright shades and gold to create a unique gradient effect that we mostly only see on eyes," New York City makeup artist Joseph Carillo told Allure of the trend. This also comes after many makeup brands have begun producing blush products in a variety of colors, no longer sticking to the most traditional pinks and oranges.

Creating the perfect sunset blush look is easier than you might think, and you can do it no matter your makeup skill level. With a few simple steps, you can achieve a radiant, sun-kissed glow that will have everyone complimenting you on your cheeks. First, start by selecting blush and highlighter shades that capture the warm, vibrant hues of a sunset. Opt for pink, orange, or red blush shades with warm undertones. For the highlighter, choose a golden shade to add a luminous finish to your look. It's also important to use cream or liquid formulas for this trend, as they blend seamlessly for a natural-looking finish. After all, with this trend, blending your products well is crucial. 

Begin by applying the pink blush closest to your temples, along your cheekbones. Then, add a layer of orange or red blush to the apples of your cheeks, ensuring you gently blend it upward toward the pink. This layering technique creates a stunning gradient effect reminiscent of a sunset. While blending is important, ensure you don't overblend — a difference between the two shades still needs to be noticeable. Finish off your sunset blush look by applying highlighter above both blush placements. This will add a radiant glow that mimics the sunlight hitting your cheeks. Don't skip this step — it's what gives the sunset blush its signature finish. If you want to set the sunset, use powder blush and highlighter in colors that match the ones on your face, and gently apply them with a fluffy brush.

Even though it might not seem like that at first, the beauty of the sunset blush trend lies in its versatility. Depending on how you like your blush, there are plenty of possibilities for customization, allowing you to take this trend and make it your own.

You can play around with the placement of the blush and intensity of the colors to find what works best for your face shape and personal style. You can create a subtle, faded sunset effect by blending the shades softly or go for a bold look by layering the colors for maximum impact. Try applying the sunset blush higher on your cheekbones for a lifted effect, or focus the color more toward the center of your cheeks for a youthful, flushed sunset. In fact, if you love applying blush to your nose, temples, and chin, feel free to extend the sunset blush to those areas, too. And even though this trend looks great with the pink on your temples and orange on your cheeks, switching the placement of the two could be extra fun — and there's no harm in trying it out. Oh, and if you're adventurous and have a yellow blush in your arsenal, add it to the sunset, too.