TikTok Is Bananas for Purple Blush—Here’s How to Wear It

Are we surprised that TikTok has practically reinvented our makeup routine this year? (Think: Monolid eyeliner trick, foundation save hack and reverse cat eye style.) Not even a little. More interesting is how the platform has also made us fall in love with classics again, but in a modern way. Case in point: Blush. See, while we’re already reaching for the pinks and browns in our collection (or the occasional peachy tones for the summer), there’s an underdog shade that’s rising to the TikTok top: Purple blush.

We reached out to Sandra Saenz, KVD Beauty global veritas artistry ambassador, to learn more about how to add it to your next look.

Blush brightens your skin and shows off your best features. So, how can you specifically wear purple blush? Saenz suggests the classic route, which is applying it directly on the apples of your cheeks. “It gives the complexion a really pretty and flushed effect,” she adds.

Still, you need not stick to this traditional application method. Instead, try applying purple blush on your lids, nose and even going above your cheekbone (and blended into your hairline) where highlighter or bronzer usually goes. “This application style lends a cool, snatched look with a slight 80’s vibe and really can make cheekbones pop,” she says.

A few more tips? Start with a small amount of blush and continue to build on it using a fan or powder blush. You'll want to add three or more dots of the blush and start blending if you’re going for a bolder look. But if a natural style is your thing, consider a cream or liquid blush, which are easier to apply and not only diffuse the pigment, but create a light, subtle finish.

You’re finally on the purple blush train (welcome), which means it’s time to find the right blush for you. The good news? Everyone can rock the hue and we have good ‘ole color theory to thank for that. (TikTok creator @color.nerd explains that purple is a cool color which corrects warm tones like oranges, yellows and reds.) In beauty terms, a swipe of purple blush can also turn dull skin brighter. Still, there are some guidelines:

• If you have light to fair skin: Reach for purple pastels, especially shades with a hint of pink. Our favorites are Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Pansy Pop, Melt Cosmetics in Blush Light and Lorac in Aura.
• If you have medium to tan skin: Reach for violet or mauve shades. Our favorites are Glossier Cloud Paint in Haze, Nars in Aroused and Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle in Drama Cla$$.
• If you have dark skin: Reach for deep purples (like plum or berry). Our favorites are Nudestix’s Nudies Matte Blush & Bronze in Moodie Blu, Tower28 Beauty BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush in Sun-Kissed Berry, KVD Beauty ModCon Liquid-Gel Blush in Glasscade and Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Matte Deep Berry.