Wave goodbye to pale pink summer flush! Now, we're setting our sights on autumnal brick red blush. Call it terracotta, rust, or burnt sienna – we've confirmed that this universally flattering hue is the best building block for glow-getters this season
If you’ve been scrolling through beauty content on social media lately, you’ve likely noticed that blush has become the star of our routines. From 'blush blindness' (coined to describe when you've dipped into the pigment pot one time too many times) to lively debates about which shades can truly be called 'universal', our feeds are awash with a bounty of blush.
Arguably, the most memorable blush moment in recent months came from Rose-Marie Swift, founder of RMS and Victoria's Secret's go-to makeup artist. In a June TikTok video, she revealed why she used red blush backstage at the iconic runway shows (now having made its return). "Pink is too soft," she explained, "but red gives that perfect pinch of colour, like blood naturally rushing to your cheeks."
The red blush revival carried onto the runways at Copenhagen Fashion Week, with brick red blush seen backstage at most spring/summer '25 shows. "Earthy tones like brick, terracotta, or burnt peach are almost considered a new neutral in fashion and makeup," says Sidsel Marie Bøg, the makeup artist behind Lovechild 1979's terracotta touch. It's a sentiment shared by Jenny Jansson, who led the makeup team at Rolf Ekroth, and Vilde Feste, the global senior artist at Mac Cosmetics behind Baum und Pferdgarten's flushing faces.
Joao Maraschin SS25. Photo: Tonya Matyu
Rolf Ekroth SS25. Photo: Bryndis Thorsteinsdottir
Baum und Pferdgarten SS25. Photo: Tonya Matyu
As with any red, brick blush is easily adaptable to different skin tones. "For lighter skin tones, I’d recommend a peachy brick hue, while for darker tones, a deeper red works best," says Jenny Jansson. Bøg adds, "Even the same brick blush can look stunning on a variety of people. It might ‘pop’ on darker skin, while adding contrast and depth to fairer complexions."Bøg notes that brick shades are ideal for warming up the skin. "It’s almost like blush and contour in one," delivering that coveted "sun-kissed" effect.
When it comes to application, Jansson advises, "Think about where the sun naturally hits the face first – apply the colour to the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and a light dusting on the highest part of the forehead." Bøg suggests placing brick blush across the centre of the face in a W-shape for a youthful, glowing look. "It gives that ‘I just got back from vacation’ vibe," she says. Feste adds, "The 'boyfriend blush' effect [where the blush is draped lower on the cheeks] is a great option for a more laid-back finish," with Bøg noting that this approach can also serve as a way of contouring with brick blush.
Clamouring for a crimson pinch on the cheeks this autumn? Then you're in luck, we've gathered the best brick blushes below:
