How Rose-Marie Started The Red Blush Trend

Have you noticed red blush trending on Instagram and TikTok? It’s no secret blush is having a major moment: It’s become the cornerstone of makeup routines online, with creators, influencers, and celebrities all centering their looks around blush. But red blush in particular is stealing the spotlight, and its rise to fame is attributed to our very own Rose-Marie. In a viral TikTok video, she reveals that the secret to a natural flush is actually red blush.

“When I did makeup for Victoria’s Secret, the models always had to look very natural,” Rose-Marie explains. “They had a beautiful flush of color, and a lot of people think it’s pink, but it wasn’t—it was red!” Which red blush specifically? Our very own Lip2Cheek in Beloved. "It’s the perfect shade of red because It’s neither blue nor yellow based—It’s almost like a neutral, right in the center of the red spectrum. That’s why it works on everyone!" (P.S. It’s been in our lineup since 2009!)

@rmsbeauty Replying to @cinphotos Lip2Cheek in shade Beloved is the secret for a natural sun kissed glow ☀️💋✨ Shop at @sephora, @Bluemercury and on our website! Use code TIKTOKRMS for 20% off! #RMSBeauty #IYKYKrms #cleanbeauty #makeuptipsandtricks #rosemarieswift #makeupartist #celebritymakeupartist #redblush #creamblush #victoriassecretmakeup ♬ original sound - RMS Beauty

Why Is Red Blush Trending? 

In June of 2023, RMS Beauty shared a video on TikTok of Rose-Marie applying Lip2Cheek in Beloved onto a model's cheeks and explaining why she used red blush on the models when she did makeup for Victoria's Secret. This video has over five million views, and it has created a red blush frenzy online. Search red blush on TikTok, and you’ll find thousands of videos with countless comments. Marie-Claire has even named Rose-Marie’s red blush trick the biggest makeup trend of 2024.

Why Is Red Blush So Popular?

When you think of blush, you likely imagine something pink. While pink blush adds a pretty pop of color to the cheeks, red blush does something else entirely. Red blush may look intimidatingly bright in the packaging, but it looks incredibly natural and flattering on the skin. 

"I think people love this trend because it's so surprising how good it looks,” Rose-Marie says. “Pink is too soft, the red just gives that pinch of color as if the blood was drawn to your cheeks." It’s true: Many of the videos flooding the internet right now show people completely shocked at how good red blush looks on them. If you’re on the fence about testing this bold color, consider this your official sign to try red blush.

How to Apply Red Blush

Want to try the trend yourself? We collected advice from Rose-Marie, the expert herself, so you can rock a gorgeous red blush flush.

Choose Your Blush

First, select your red blush. Our Lip2Cheek in Beloved is Rose-Marie’s go-to and the exact shade she uses in the video! The true red color flatters every skin tone and works with any kind of look. Lip2Cheek is a creamy multitasker that subtly enhances the lips and the cheeks. It’s made with nourishing ingredients like buriti oil and cocoa butter to deliver natural, buildable color. 

Not into cream blush? Our ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush is a nourishing, lightweight powder blush that delivers lots of pigment with just one swipe. Try it in the shade Pomegranate Fizz, a sunny, effervescent red-pink.

Apply Lightly

When it comes to applying red blush, less is more. “Just take it easy on the application and use a light hand,” Rose-Marie advises. “Obviously if you go overboard it can end up looking too much like a clown, so go slow and keep it light—you only need a little bit." Remember: You can always build it up if you want more color!

If you’re using a cream blush, tap the color lightly onto your cheeks and blend it out. The warmth from your fingers will help melt the product into your skin for an ultra-natural effect. If you don’t want to use your hands, use a damp sponge (like our Skin2Skin Beauty Sponge) to gently blend the color into your cheeks. Using a brush? Apply the product to the back of your hand and swirl the brush in the blush. This will help disperse the color evenly onto the bristles so it goes on subtly.

If you’ve opted for a powder blush, use a brush to apply. We recommend our Skin2Skin Powder Blush Brush, which was created specifically to deliver a natural flush of color to the face. Swirl the brush into the pan and tap the excess powder off before swiping across your cheeks. This will ensure your blush applies softly and smoothly.

Set Your Blush

Make sure your blush stays put after applying. If you’ve opted for a cream blush, it’s especially important to set it with a powder so it doesn’t slide around or transfer throughout the day. Try dusting our Hydra Setting Powder over your blush for a smooth, long-lasting look. The unique formula will also hydrate your skin so that your blush won’t look dry or patchy.

@rmsbeauty Beloved Lip2Cheek is the exact shade you need for that perfect sun-kissed flush of color. #rmsbeauty #rms #rmsblush #redblush #vsangelmakeup #vsangel #victoriassecretangel #redblushtrend #redblushtrend ♬ original sound - RMS Beauty

How to Wear Red Blush

So you want to try red blush, but you’re not sure exactly how to wear it. Not to worry—here are a few makeup artist-approved ideas.

Barely-There Beauty

Like Rose-Marie says, red blush looks extremely natural, like you’ve gone for a light workout or come in from the cold. Because it’s so effortlessly gorgeous, you can wear it with very minimal makeup to give your complexion a boost. Pair it with our SunCoverup Super Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen, Uncoverup Concealer, and Hydra Setting Powder for a your-skin-but-better look.

Bronzed Babe

Going for something more glam? Try rocking our Lip2Cheek in Beloved with a bronze smokey eye. Brown eyeshadow flatters every skin tone, works with every eye color, and leans into the natural-glam nature of red blush. Use our Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow in Supernova, Straight Line Kohl Eye Pencil in HD Black, and Straight Up Volumizing Peptide Mascara. 

Monochromatic Moment

We love monochromatic makeup because it looks polished and pretty—and it’s a major timesaver. Whether you’re on-the-go or just prefer a simple makeup routine, this look is for you. Use our Lip2Cheek in Beloved on your cheeks for blush and tap into your lips for a cohesive, cool effect. Finish off the look with our Ultimate Brows Kit, complete with our Back2Brow Brush, Back2Brow Powder, and Back2Brow Pencil (plus a sharpener!).

Still unsure about trying the trend? Book a free, virtual one-on-one artist consultation with one of our Artist Experts to help. Our experts can advise on color selection, application tips, or makeup tutorials so you can rock the red blush flush.