ComScore

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

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

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.

6 Ways to Wear Blush in 2021 (and 1 Look That Immediately Dates You)


how to wear purple blush cat
Getty Images

Why Is Purple Blush So Popular?

One word: TikTok. A quick search on the app and the #purpleblush hashtag has over 16.2 million views. Back in August, Tiktoker Rachel Rigler was the first to try out the hue. The results brought over two million views with commenters asking, “Does this mean I should try purple blush???”

Now, the platform often sees many trends come and go in the span of a week, maybe even a month. However, the search for purple blush continues to gain momentum with creators like Darcei, Yashora and Alessandro trying out the item well into the fall. This is hardly surprising, seeing how the past two years have taught us all to be more experimental with our makeup. Just take a look at the recent rise of neon shades, bright liners and Y2K comebacks.

How To Wear Purple Blush

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.

Finding The Right Purple Blush For Your Skin Tone

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:

how to wear purple blush
Chelsea Candelario/PureWow

Is It Editor Approved?

Now I have tried my fair share of TikTok hacks and viral beauty items in the name of journalism. But like many TikTok creators, I was skeptical about trying purple blush. (It was only last year that I even considered blush in the first place.)

As someone with medium to tan skin, I tried fan favorite Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle in Drama Cla$$. I started out with small swipes before building and blending until I was satisfied with the results. Let me tell you I was shocked at how amazing it looked on my skin. It looks like I have a natural glow, or like my crush (Chris Evans) just asked me if I have plans on Friday. This blush in particular has been coined a universal go-to for all skin tones and I can see why. The creamy texture blended well, and I didn’t look like bozo the clown for the rest of the day.

Still unsure whether or not to grab a purple blush? Here are some parting words from Saenz: “Life is short, experiment and play with your look!”

It looks like TikTok once again wins in the beauty department.



about face matte fluid eye paint review chelsea candelario

Associate Editor, Ultimate Fangirl, Aspiring Beauty Guru

Chelsea Candelario is an Associate Editor at PureWow. She has been covering beauty, culture, fashion and entertainment for over a decade. You'll find her searching the internet...