Pro Makeup Artist Shares The Simple Blush Hack That Can Make Your Face Look More ‘Lifted And Healthier’: Higher Placement

Blush is one of the most underrated beauty tools—but when used correctly, it can do much more than add a pop of color. Celebrity makeup artist Nina Ubhi, who has worked on hundreds of faces for royalty and A-listers over the past two decades, explains that the placement of blush can dramatically change how youthful your face looks. The wrong placement, she warns, can actually add years.

“Most people apply blush to the exact same place every time, and it ends up actually adding years to their face,” Ubhi says. “But if you just shift it very slightly and think about the shade that you’re going to use, it can actually take off years. Your face is going to look more lifted. It’s going to look more fresh, youthful, and generally a lot healthier.”

Read on to get the details and watch her YouTube video below for the full breakdown!

The secret lies in understanding how your face changes over time. In your 20s, cheeks are naturally higher, and applying blush on the apples is often flattering. But as we age, collagen production drops, skin loses volume, and cheeks begin to sink. Applying blush in the same spot as before only emphasizes sagging instead of lifting. “Applying blush on the apples of the cheeks might work in your 20s,” Ubhi explains, “but as you get older, applying it in the same spot enhances what’s dropped instead of lifting it.”

Ubhi’s recommended placement is higher on the cheekbone, starting from the top of the apple and sweeping upwards toward the peak of the cheekbone, stopping before you reach the temples. A helpful trick is to imagine a line from the corner of your mouth to the top of your ear—your blush should sit above this line, never below. “Always blend outwards, never inwards,” she advises. “And don’t smile while applying. Your face should be in a neutral, poker-face position, otherwise you create gaps and uneven placement.”

The type of blush also matters. Ubhi prefers cream or liquid blushes, which melt into the skin for a natural, lifted finish. Powder blushes can work for longevity, but overly matte formulas can flatten the face. “Cream blushes give you a fresher, more youthful look, while powders are great if you layer lightly on top,” she notes.

Shade selection is equally important. Ubhi recommends choosing a color that mimics your natural flush, like the soft, just-back-from-a-walk glow, rather than anything too bold or muddy. She also emphasizes pairing blush with bronzer just below the area to act as subtle scaffolding, giving even more lift and structure to the face without harsh contour lines.