Blush stacking has been floating around the beauty scene for a while now, but calling it a “trend” feels slightly off. Yes, it’s a technique that’s currently having a moment – but layering blushes isn’t new, and if you’ve ever swept a powder blush over a cream or liquid one to intensify the colour or make it stick around a bit longer, you’ve already done it.
What is new, though, is the intention behind it. This isn’t just about making your blush last longer. It’s about playing with colour, layering different formulas and building a flush that looks fresh, modern and dimensional. It’s quick and easy to do, too.
First, how you prep your skin is important. Your make-up will only ever be as good as the skin it’s sitting on. Think thinnest to thickest when it comes to applying your skincare: watery, lightweight serums first, followed by moisturiser, then sunscreen. If you can spare the time, give each layer a minute or two to settle – especially sunscreen. This will help everything absorb properly and, more importantly, avoid the horror of “pilling” (when your make-up and skincare band together and start rolling off your face. We’ve all been there).
Base comes next – and your choice here is important, too. If you’re layering blushes – and want that fresh, flushed skin finish – you want something light and dewy underneath. Tinted moisturisers, skin tints, or serum-like bases work best here. Some of my favourites include Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint (€28 from Sculpted by Aimee), Poco Beauty Skintuition (€32 from Brown Thomas) and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Dewy (€50 from Space NK).
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And now, finally, we’re on to blush – but blush that does so much more.
The general idea is this: start with a light liquid or cream blush formula – something sheer, easy to blend, that ticks the “barely there” category. Like Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush (multiple shades, €39 from Brown Thomas) or Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash (three shades, €51 from Brown Thomas). This type of formula, almost water-like, creates an underpainting effect, like your skin is naturally that rosy.
My preference for applying is to swipe the product directly on to the skin and then blend in with a dense buffing brush. This spreads it evenly and ensures it’s really worked into the skin. I really like Victoria Beckham No. 12 Buffing Brush (€67 from Brown Thomas) for this, or Poco Beauty Base Perfector 04 Brush (€28 from pocobeauty.com).
Over this, you can apply a slightly thicker cream blush to build colour and glow. Something pigmented and creamy like Rhode Pocket Blush (multiple shades, €33 from rhodeskin.com) or Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush (multiple shades, €52 from Brown Thomas).
I nearly always apply these with fingers as they melt easily into the skin. To set and go, add a light dusting of your powder blush of choice over this for serious staying power. My go-to most days is still Nars Powder Blush (multiple shades, €39 from Boots). It layers beautifully, and never cakes, no matter how heavy-handed you are. I’m quite picky about the brush I use for this step, too, as the goal is a light, even dusting, not a heavy deposit. I’m a big fan of Shiseido Multi Face Brush (60 from cultbeauty.com) as it’s dense, but not too firm, so the dome-like shape spreads the product nicely.
If you’re not into powder blush, and want more of a radiant, glossy finish, add a cream highlighter over your cream blush instead of powder.
Whatever way you choose to do it, the key thing is to build your blushes from thinnest to thickest, so each layer sits happily on top of the last. You don’t need to use the same shade throughout either. Soft pinks go beautifully over peachy bases. Burnt terracotta is stunning over a rose hue, etc. The only real rule is that the formulas need to get along. If you apply something very matt, and then something very luminous and fluid, you can end up in patchy territory.
As for placement, I’m firmly a high-on-the-cheekbones-sweeping-up-towards-the-temples kind of gal. It’s a look that’s flattering on everyone. But if you prefer a softer, rounder flush, go for the apples of the cheeks. And I always finish with a whisper of blush above the brow arch. It sounds unnecessary (and probably is), but it pulls the whole look together in a really lovely way.
And another great thing about blush stacking? You finally get to use all those blushes you’ve bought, used once or twice, and forgotten about. Liquid, cream, powder – none will be left behind.
This week I’m loving ... TheraFace Depuffing Wand
Skincare gadgets can sometimes feel a bit gimmicky, but the TheraFace Depuffing Wand (€149 from Brown Thomas) is one that holds its own. This dual-mode hand-held device uses both hot and cold settings to help reduce puffiness and brighten dull skin in a jiffy. For me, the cold setting is the standout – not only does it feel instantly refreshing, but the angled design allows it to reach areas of the face that cryo globes can’t get to. The heat function has its place too, particularly as a pre-step before applying serums or moisturiser.
