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How to Contour Using Blush (and Only Blush)

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Between contouring, highlighting and strobing, it can be exhausting to try to make up your face in a flattering way. Which is why 2018’s latest trend of blush contouring has more than piqued our interest. Using only one blush compact, it involves strategically dusting on a rosy hue to help contour and flatter your face shape. The best part? You don’t have to spend a whole paycheck stocking up on products to achieve this look. Scroll down to see the easy, breezy blush looks for every face shape.

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chrissy teigan round face shape
Steve Granitz/Getty Images

For A Round Face Shape

Your blush should be all about creating angles, which give structure to the softer edges of your face. Simply sweep blush from the top part of the apples of your cheeks toward the outer corners of your eyes to define cheekbones.

Get the look: Tarte Cosmetics ($29)

sarah jessica parker oblong face
Lars Niki/Getty Images

For An Oblong Face Shape

Wear the same shade across your face by dusting blush along your cheekbones, across your eyelids and along the bottom of your chin. This will brighten up your face and give you a little bit more dimension. (Just be sure to avoid shimmer since you’re putting it all over.)

Get the look: Mac ($23)

olivia wilde square face shape
Taylor Hill/Getty Images

For A Square Face Shape

The idea here is to brighten up the hollows of your cheeks. Start right below the apples and swipe out to the ears, following the natural indentation of your cheeks. It will help balance out the sharp angle of your jawline.

Get the look: Too Faced ($26)

lupita nyong o oval face shape
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

For An Oval Face Shape

Since this shape usually has a wider forehead and narrower jaw, contouring can help to balance out the two. Sweep blush from the outer corners of the cheekbones (think by ears) and down into the hollow of cheeks to create the illusion of cheekbones.

Get the look: Nars ($30)

kerry washinton heart shaped face
Jason Merritt/Getty Images

For A Heart Face Shape

You’re probably used to using bronzer for contouring here, but blush can help soften your angles and bring attention to your cheekbones instead. Swipe blush into the hollows of cheeks, parallel to your jawline.

Get the look: Kevyn Aucoin ($37)

reese witherspoon heart shaped face
Steve Granitz/Getty Images

For An Inverted-triangle Face Shape

With a thinner chin and jawline, your cheekbones are likely an already prominent feature. Use a soft blush to subtly highlight and, without adding more pigment to your brush, swipe again along jawline to help give that some extra definition. 

Get the Look: Estée Lauder ($34)


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