When it comes to blush, most people’s goals are this: cheeks that look like you’ve just come home for a long run on a cold day. Using a sheer cream blush and blending it in does a good job at doing that, but the stained glass blush hack (coined by makeup artist J Brandon Correa) serves as a fun level up.
The stained glass blush hack or technique creates a beautiful, sheer, and luminous flush of color on the cheeks, reminiscent of the light shining through a stained-glass window. This technique usually involves layering sheer or transparent makeup products to create depth and glow.
How to do the stained blush hack
To create it, you will need three different shades of blush: a light shade, a medium shade, and a dark shade. You can use cream, liquid, or powder blush, depending on your preference. The method is straightforward: Start by applying a small dot of vibrant blush to the high points of your cheekbones, almost where you'd apply highlighter. Then, choose a darker blush shade and dab a similar-sized amount just below the first color to accentuate your cheek's innate shadow. Finally, pick a blush hue that mirrors your natural glow and apply a third dot to the roundest part of your cheeks.
When you’re choosing shades, you'll want to select multiple blush shades that can blend well. Consider shades like rose, peach, lavender, and even light bronze or gold, depending on your complexion. When you’re blending, use a blush brush so you get the most control. Where two colors meet, blend them slightly so there's a soft gradient between them, similar to the way colors in stained glass might bleed or blend at their edges. However, make sure not to overblend—the idea is to still see distinct sections of colour (just no sharp boundaries).
Hacks to keep in mind
● If you fancy looking natural...blend shades from one colour family with your fingers
● If you like to make a statement… try using brighter and more contrasting shades
● If you crave a bolder finish… reach out for a synthetic-haired blush brush to blend with
● If you want easier diffusion… opt for cream or liquid formulas in your choice of product
Cover Image: Instagram/aliaabhatt
