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Royal Flush
The history of blush is as rich as your most pigmented rouge.
by Isha Fojas
Published Jun 27, 2024
"Blushing is the most peculiar and the most human of all expressions."
Did you know that humans are the only species on this planet capable of blushing? Blushing happens whenever our blood vessels dilate to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery, causing the vessels in our cheeks, which are wider and closer to the surface, to redden. It tends to happen whenever we're embarrassed, overexerted, or exposed to harsh weather. It's an involuntary and uncontrollable phenomenon, but it's also the most human and vivid sign of life.
For centuries, people have been using red pigment to recreate this flushed look. Adding color to the cheeks mimics this natural sign of vitality and achieves that sought-after rosy glow. More than just a sign of health, throughout the years, blush has played many roles with various cultural significance, from being a status symbol to altering facial proportions. Its history is as rich as your most pigmented rouge.
JOSH TOLENTINO JANA JODLOMAN
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"Royal Flush" for Preview The Trend June 2024
Produced by Isha Fojas and Reg Rodriguez. Written by Isha Fojas. Photographed by Josh Tolentino. Creative Direction by Jana Jodloman. Makeup by Raffy Mendiola. Hair by Carlo Roblico. Set Design by Rocket Sets. Nails by Extraordinail. Modeled by Marga Cortez.
A Brief History of the Blush
Like many beauty practices, the use of blush can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where ground ochre mixed with animal fat was used to tint the skin. Ancient Greek texts also reference women using rouge made from crushed berries to achieve a youthful flush (a trend we still see on TikTok today).
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On Marga: Unlimited Blush 01 Coral Rose, P900, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Smart Colour Blush in 08 Bright Red & 04 Bright Pink, P630, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Unlimited Double Touch in 109 Strawberry Red, P950, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Universal Stick Concealer in Ivory, P850, KIKO MILANO, Lazada.
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On Marga: Gown by Job Dacon
During the Middle Ages, blush became associated with peasants and prostitutes, leading the upper class to favor a more pallid complexion. Some went as far as using leeches to drain their blood and applying egg whites to achieve the more favored ghostly appearance. The Elizabethan era, on the other hand, witnessed a revival of rosy cheeks, continuing into the Georgian era where it became a symbol of wealth and status. During this time, blush became essential to the look of a "proper" lady.
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On Marga: Weightless Perfection Wet And Dry Powder Foundation, P1300, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Unlimited Blush in 01 Coral Rose & 04 Metallic Rosy Biscuit, P900, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Smart Colour Blush in 04 Bright Pink, P630, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Eyebrow Multitasker 3-in-1 in 05 Deep Brunettes, P1050, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Water Eyeshadow in 232 Silver, P800, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Unlimited Double Touch in 109 Strawberry Red, P950, KIKO MILANO, Lazada.
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When the Victorian era came, wearing obvious blush (and makeup in general) became taboo. To Queen Victoria, the use of makeup was only meant for two things: thespians and prostitutes. But that didn't stop her subjects from wearing rouge; rather, it made them good at hiding it.
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On Marga: Corset by Job Dacon, Dress by Ha.Mu
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Unlike their Georgian predecessors, the Victorians favored a more natural look: blush that mimicked a natural flush, lightly plucked and naturally darkened eyebrows, subtly bitten lips, and zero eyeliner—essentially, the original no-makeup makeup look.
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On Marga: Weightless Perfection Wet And Dry Powder Foundation, P1300, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Unlimited Foundation, P 1350, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Universal Stick Concealer in Peach, P850, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Unlimited Blush in 1 Coral Rose, P900, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Smart Colour Blush in 08 Bright Red, P630, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Unlimited Double Touch in 120 Rosy Mauve, P950, KIKO MILANO, Lazada.
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On Marga: Top and Bottom by Ha.Mu
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Women went to great lengths to keep their cosmetics in the Victorian era. Makeup was bought in secret, with businesses having hidden back doors for VIP clients. Many women hid their makeup in old prescription bottles. Those who couldn't afford makeup would simply pinch their cheeks—a cheeky trick you can try next time you forget to apply blush.
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On Marga: Weightless Perfection Wet And Dry Powder Foundation, P1300, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Unlimited Blush in 5 Mauve, P900, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick in 38 Golden Taupe, P750, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Water Eyeshadow in 209 Olive Green & 232 Silver, P800, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Eyebrow Multitasker 3-in-1 in 05 Deep Brunettes, P1050, KIKO MILANO, Lazada. Unlimited Double Touch in 103 Natural Rose & 120 Rosy Mauve, P950, KIKO MILANO, Lazada.
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On Marga: Dress by Ha.Mu
As cycles go, the Edwardian era witnessed another surge in makeup's popularity, which persisted well into the 1920s. Vibrant blush became a trend, extending to other parts of the body—flappers, for instance, colored their knees pink to highlight their legs.
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From then on, blush would become a mainstay in every makeup kit. Today, the love for a flushed look is well and alive. Case in point: The #blush tag on TikTok alone hosts hundreds of thousands of videos where beauty enthusiasts share their favorite products to achieve a rosy glow, as well as their newest discoveries and application techniques for achieving the perfect flushed cheeks.
Mastering the Art of Blush
Blush holds great power: Too little and you risk looking pale, too much and you might resemble a clown. But finding the perfect balance of shade, technique, and product can effortlessly enhance your natural radiance with a rosy glow.
1. Choosing the right shade.
Back in the day, blush options were pretty limited—mostly reds, berries, or pinks, often colored with whatever natural (and sometimes toxic) materials they had on hand. Thankfully, today we have a wide array of safe and high-quality blush shades to choose from. Selecting the right blush shade is key, just like with any makeup decision, and it begins with understanding your skin tone and undertones.
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If you have fair skin, go for gentle pinks and peaches to keep things fresh.
KIKO MILANO
Unlimited Blush in 08 Universal Peach & 10 Warm Mauve, P900, KIKO MILANO, Lazada.
For medium skin tones, warm corals and rosy hues add a vibrant touch.
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Unlimited Blush in 01 Coral Rose & 05 Mauve, P900, KIKO MILANO, Lazada.
Deep skin tones shine with deep berries and bronze shades that bring out your natural radiance.
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Unlimited Blush in 03 Golden Coral & 06 Brick, P900, KIKO MILANO, Lazada.
The key is to find a blush color that enhances your complexion with a subtle, natural-looking flush.
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2. Identify your face shape.
Knowing your face shape is key to getting your blush just right. Here are some blush placements to try to help bring out your best features:
LIFTED BLUSH
For those with round and oval face shapes, a diagonal blush placement is one of the easiest ways to create sculpted cheekbones and make your face appear more lifted. Simply apply your blush above the apples of your cheeks, then blend it diagonally toward your temples. This method not only enhances your cheekbones but also adds definition, giving your face a beautifully sculpted look.
BOYFRIEND BLUSH
The rise of "boyfriend blush" on TikTok has completely flipped the script on traditional makeup techniques. Inspired by the naturally flushed cheeks of the young Prince William and Harry, this trend encourages placing blush lower on the cheeks than the usual high cheek bone or apple of the cheek placement to achieve that fresh, post-exercise flustered look. Flattering on round, heart, square, and oval faces, skip the overly shimmery stuff and use a matte and sheer powder blush to keep it real and youthful.
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C-SHAPED BLUSH
A go-to technique for a fresh, lifted appearance is the C-shaped blush method, great for enhancing a natural glow and adding subtle contour without needing traditional contouring products. To achieve this, start by applying blush in a “C” shape from the tops of the cheekbones up to just above the outer brows. For those wanting to elevate their makeup game, lightly blend the blush into the outer corners of the eyelids for a stylish, monochromatic look that ties everything together seamlessly. Best for diamond-shaped faces, but it can easily be modified to suit other face shapes, too.
APPLE CHEEK BLUSH
To achieve fuller cheeks, apply blush directly to the apples, focusing on the plumpest part–ala Marie Antoinette! Blend in a circular motion to create a radiant gradient, enhancing the roundness and adding a natural, youthful, dolly-like glow to your cheeks. This is best for people with square face shapes.
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3. Pick the right tools
When it comes to applying blush, you've got options: brushes, sponges, and even using your fingers. The trick is finding what suits you best. Fluffy, dome-shaped brushes give that soft, blended look—think airbrushed perfection. If you want more control and a bolder pop of color, go for denser brushes. Play around with different tools to see what technique feels just right for you.
While these tips can kickstart your journey to finding the perfect blush look for you, remember that there are no hard rules in makeup. Embrace experimentation, explore freely, and discover what makes you blush.
SHOP: The Exact Kiko Milano Makeup Products That Were Used to Create the Looks for "Preview The Trend: Royal Flush"
KIKO MILANO
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Weightless Perfection Wet And Dry Powder Foundation, P1300, KIKO MILANO, Lazada.
KIKO MILANO
Unlimited Blush, P900, KIKO MILANO, Lazada.
KIKO MILANO
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Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick in 38 Golden Taupe, P750, KIKO MILANO, Lazada
KIKO MILANO
Unlimited Double Touch in 103 Natural Rose & 120 Rosy Mauve, P950, KIKO MILANO, Lazada.
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