‘Backlit Blush’ Is the Soft Way to Sculpt—And I’m Obsessed

Backlit blush proved me wrong. I thought I knew everything. To backtrack, I like to consider myself a scholar of blush (a colleague just referred to one of my recent articles on the product as a “dissertation,” so I’m not really exaggerating here). At any given time, you can find more than 20 different blushes on my vanity—I’ve been known to bring three different formulas for a two-day trip. Plus, I was an early adopter of the “face-lifting” blush hacks that went viral last year, and I have a back stash of both the Dior Rosy Glow Blush and Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm blushes that have proven impossible to get your hands on. 

Needless to state, I’m often surprised by a new product, or application method. Backlit blush was a term I learned about while discussing One/Size’s new Cheek Clapper palettes, Kerry Cole, the brand’s director for education. Of course, the name is what drew me in, but the technique itself is equally as intriguing—instead of layering a shimmering blush over a matte shade, Cole suggests applying a shimmer first, and then going back in with a matte one overtop. 

“When your blush is backlit, it adds a soft-focus glow, a bit of shimmer, and lift behind that blush,” Cole tells Glamour. “It creates the most beautiful three-dimensional shimmer to the cheeks. The skin is left feeling smooth, glowing, and healthy. This look is great for anyone who wants to lift the cheeks and add some light. It also helps to filter, smooth texture, and illuminate the cheeks.”

Because of the mix of textures, you get tons of dimension without having to rely on a contour or a highlight shade, hence that “lifting” effect we’re all chasing. Backlit blush is also a way into the shimmer blush trend that feels a little more toned down, and with zero chances of looking overly glittery—just lit from within. 

It’s also very easy. “Start by applying your favorite shimmering blush to the upper cheekbone area, this will add light, lift, and glow behind your blush,” says Cole. “Next, apply a matte blush to the apples of your cheeks and diffuse upward and over your shimmering blush.”