What Is Blush Blindness And Why It’s Not Always A Bad Thing

Have you ever finished your makeup, added a swipe of blush, then thought… maybe just a bit more? And then a bit more again? If so, you might just have a case of blush blindness. It’s the beauty phenomenon that’s having a moment, and you’re not alone.

With the rise of blush-heavy makeup looks and TikTok tutorials inspired by stars like Sabrina Carpenter, it’s no wonder we’re reaching for our blush brushes more than ever. But how much is too much? And is that even a thing? Let’s get into what is blush blindness.

What Is Blush Blindness?

Blush blindness is when you gradually become desensitised to how much blush you're applying. You get used to seeing yourself with that one extra dab... and then another... until before you know it, you're layering on far more than you used to, thinking it looks totally normal.

But this kind of “beauty blindness” isn’t new. Think back to the Cara Delevingne brow era - brow blindness had us all reaching for the darkest pomades. Remember the concealer lip phase? Or the ultra-thin 2000s brows? These trends are all examples of us collectively leaning into a beauty habit until it tips into excess… and then naming it later.

Right now, blush is firmly back in the spotlight. In the '90s and early 2000s, it was barely there or skipped altogether. And now everyone’s doing blush again thanks, in part, to the rise of soft, romantic makeup looks made popular by Sabrina Carpenter. Just search “Sabrina makeup” on social and you’ll be met with endless videos and tutorials. Blush sales are booming, too, with brands launching new formulas left, right and centre. Safe to say, blush blindness is a sign of the times.

Is There Such A Thing As Too Much Blush?

Yes… and no.

Makeup is entirely personal. There are no rules, only preferences. What feels like “too much” to one person might feel just right to another. If you love a bold cheek and feel confident wearing it, then who’s to say it’s overdone?

That said, most of us use makeup to enhance our natural features and feel a bit more polished. If that’s your vibe, then sure, here’s such a thing as balance. But again, it’s your face, your blush, your call.

Is Blush Blindness Really A Bad Thing?

Not necessarily. In fact, not at all.

It only really becomes a “thing” if you feel like you’ve lost control over how much blush you’re putting on, or you’re not happy with how your makeup’s turning out. But if a super-blushed look is what you’re going for and it makes you feel fab, then go for it.

The current trend is to embrace blush, so why not lean in and have fun with it? There’s something undeniably youthful, fresh, and joyful about rosy cheeks, and if that makes you feel good, that’s really all that matters.

How To Have A Balanced Blush Look

If you do want to avoid going full flush and want your blush to look more natural, here are a few handy tips:

• Lighting matters. It sounds obvious, but doing your makeup in natural daylight is a game-changer. Dim or overly harsh lighting can totally throw off how much blush you think you’ve applied.
• Start light and build slowly. It’s always easier to add more blush than take it away. A soft touch goes a long way.
• Tap off excess. Whether you’re using a brush, fingers or sponge, make sure to remove any excess product before going in; try the back of your hand to dab off extra pigment for better control and a more even application.
• Go for softer shades. If you're wary of going overboard, try lighter, more muted tones rather than punchy pinks or deep berries.
• Tone it down if you’ve overdone it. If you think you’ve applied more than you would like, grab the brush or sponge you use to apply foundation or concealer and dab lightly over where you applied blush to tone down the colour.

How To Embrace Blush Blindness

On the flip side… if you’ve decided to own the blush and lean into the trend, we fully support it. Want high-impact cheeks? Go for it. Want that flushed-all-over editorial look? We’re into it.

Top tips for high-impact blush lovers:

Layer it up. Start with a cream blush, then set your face with a translucent powder, and finish with a powder blush in a similar shade. The layering adds intensity, dimension, and staying power.

Even if you’ve opted to own the blush look, it’s still a good idea to start off little by little so you have the most control over the intensity of your blush. Embracing blush blindness doesn’t mean hastily slapping on layers and layers of blush.

And when it comes to colour, the world’s your oyster. From cool pinks to bold oranges, anything goes, it’s all about intention and application.

If you want my take, then I’m all for blush blindness. Makeup is the most fun when you experiment and realise there’s no wrong way to wear it, and at the end of the day, why should it matter if you’re sporting an excessive flush of the cheeks. If it feels good then it’s right.

For more on blush, check out our guide on The Best Cream Blush For A Floral Flush This Spring.