What is The Watercolour Blush Technique?

Blush is reigning supreme right now, with techniques like sunset draping and cloud skin pushing it far beyond a simple flush of colour. This iconic makeup staple is no longer limited to a supporting role; it has main character energy — being able to sculpt, soften, and set the entire mood of a look. The latest technique TikTok’s swooning over? The watercolour blush technique, which embraces a sheer, soft, and diffused approach that seamlessly blends into the skin.

A touch of blush

“Watercolour blush is a makeup technique using light, buildable liquid or cream blush to create a soft, diffused flush, mimicking a natural, watery look on the skin,” explains Dubai-based hair and makeup artist Ben Biton. This TikTok trend draws inspiration from Alberto Vargas’s watercolour pin-up girls, mimicking the effect where colours melt seamlessly into one another, leaving no harsh lines — just a delicate, ethereal glow instead.

Think romance and elegance wrapped in subtle shades of pink, orange, and red. According to Dubai-based makeup artist, Gigi Gill, it’s a ‘glow from within’ blush technique that gives a very blurred effect, whilst still letting your skin shine through. “It would literally look as if you were ‘blushing’,” she says.

What makes watercolour blush so popular? Beyond fitting neatly into the current skin-forward beauty narrative, it taps into the your skin but better philosophy that continues to define modern makeup — a stark difference from the full-face, heavy coverage glam that dominated the last decade. Unlike dense formulas and pigments from the past, watercolour blush offers a fresh, fluid alternative that allows for adaptation, from skin tones to textures, making it perfect for everyday routines too.

Experts’ guide to the watercolour blush technique

It’s simple. “Start by prepping the skin with a moisturiser and primer,” says Biton. “Apply a liquid or cream blush lightly to the apples of the cheeks, and blend with your fingers or a sponge until it’s seamless.” The expert recommends building up to the desired intensity and finishing with a setting spray, if necessary.

Breaking this technique down even further, Gill suggests using a hint of powder blush to map out exactly where you want the flush. “Take this up to your under eye, so when you blend your concealer, you’re not able to tell where it begins and ends,” she adds. “Dab your beauty blender into the cream blush to ensure an even amount and in dabbing motions, push the cream formula into the already applied powdered blush to give it a more skin-like finish.”

To achieve this technique flawlessly, experts recommend applying blush with a light hand, gradually building up the colour, and using a damp sponge for softer, more natural blending. Mixing shades to customise your perfect hue is also key. Remember, less is more — start with a small amount of product and build up to your desired finish for a truly effortless look.

Besides appealing to those who prefer a natural, fresh, and glowing flush with light to medium coverage, the watercolour blush technique is also ideal for dry or mature skin types.

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Patrick Ta