The hack
Applying blusher in a W-shape for a sun-kissed look.
The test
Traditionally, blusher has been applied to the cheeks, the part of your face where you are most likely to look naturally flushed.
But this hack involves creating a W-shape across the face, starting at the top of the cheekbones near the temple, continuing down the cheeks, up along the bridge of the nose, then recreating the same on the other side, in a W-shape.
Interestingly, there is some logic here: adding a little blusher to other parts of the face can help it look more harmonious, and less “doll-like”, but does this specific technique – beloved of Victoria Beckham – actually work?
I took a cream blush stick and drew the W-shape, before blending it in with a foundation brush.
Honestly I didn’t love it: it was too close to my undereye area and made my eyes look red. Instead of looking glowing, I looked sunburned – the ultimate insult as I wear SPF 50 every day. However, I did add a little to my chin in the way Beckham suggests, which helped tie together my look.
The verdict
If you use blusher regularly, it’s worth experimenting with where you place it; it can make a huge difference. Better still, the next time you’re at a makeup counter, just ask an artist for their advice.
