During the summer, the difference between looking like you're wearing makeup and looking like you just have really good skin comes down to a ridiculously simple two-step technique using liquid blush and powder bronzer. I’ve been doing it all summer and the results are game-changing.
The most common confusion when teaching makeup is around when and how to use liquids and powders. Liquid blush is beautiful, but it’s also the first thing to fade. Powder bronzer adds shape, but can look flat or obvious. This method solves both problems, and all you need is good timing and a fluffy brush.
YOU WILL NEED
No need for a Cult Beauty haul, you probably already own these:
• Any liquid blush (this works with everything from Glossier Cloud Paint to the £3 one from Primark)
• Your go-to powder bronzer
• A soft, fluffy brush
STEP BY STEP
Step One: Dab your liquid blush onto the apples of your cheeks, no precision needed. I always tell clients to smile so they can see where their natural flush would be.
Step Two: Before the blush dries, sweep your powder bronzer over the top using a fluffy brush. Blend lightly in short circular motions, working the colour upwards toward the temples and the outer corner of the eyelids.
Watch as the two melt together! No harsh lines, just that expensive-looking skin glow we’re all after.
WHY THIS WORKS SO WELL
It’s all about “open time" - that short window when your liquid product hasn’t dried down yet. Instead of sitting in layers, the blush and bronzer fuse together, locking in colour and creating a custom tone that mimics your own natural flush. The result is long-wearing, low-effort, and ridiculously flattering in real life and on camera. And because you're combining steps, you're using less product overall.
COMBINATIONS I LOVE
For light skin:
Glossier Cloud Paint in Beam + Benefit Hoola Lite
For medium skin:
Saie Dew Blush in Spicy + Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Powder Bronzer in 02
For deep skin:
L'Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush in 645 Glowy Cool Berry + Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth Bronzer in Mocha Mami
Try it tomorrow morning. Liquid blush first, bronzer over the top before it dries, blend quickly and watch how much fresher, glowier, and more natural your makeup looks.