Purple Blush: The Unconventional Shade Youre Not Wearing (But Should!)

Wearing a plum lip or purple smoky eye is expected. Purple blush? Not so much. But wearing an unnatural shade on your cheeks doesnt have to wander into clown territoryit can be an easy way to refresh your look without a complete overhaul. Weve seen this surprising shade cropping up in different places, from the pastel versions that are so popular in the K-beauty world, to moodier tones on celebs known for their love of bold colors, like Lupita Nyongo. Heres how to make violets, lavenders, and lilacs work for a fresh flush.

Pick the Purple for Your Skin Tone

Pale, almost-pink purples are particularly flattering on fair skin tones. Lightly blend a buildable shade like Periperas Cushion Blusher in Lively Lavender directly on the apples of your cheeks so you can customize the intensity of the color as you go. Liven up medium skin tones, especially those with golden and olive undertones, by blending a middle-of-the-road violet, like Cynthia Rowley Beauty Creamy Lip Stain in Tulip (which doubles as a blush) on your cheeks. Deeper skin tones can pull off rich plums like Cynthia Rowleys Lip Stain in Dahlia.

Or Pair it With Your Usual Pink

You can also use rich purples to contour, adding even more dimension and drama to the usual rosy flush. Swirl your favorite pink shade on the apples of your cheeks, then sweep a rich purple like Laura Geller Beauty Baked Color True Blush in Bali or a pretty amethyst eyeshadow (we like Stilas countless color pigments in Indie) just underneath in the hollows of your cheeks, blending upwards toward your temples. Your cheeks will look highlighted and your cheekbones defined, no bronzer or illuminator required.