After a few seasons at the back of our beauty cupboards, blush is finally back – and arguably the makeup product of the moment. While we all got caught up in the contouring craze for the past few years, today’s makeup look is far more subtle. Instead of applying legions of bronzer, the 2021 beauty aesthetic involves ‘your skin but better’ tinted moisturisers, brown winged liner, soft cream highlighters – and lots and lots of blush.

Makeup artists have been exasperatedly insisting to us for years that blush is a shortcut to a fresh complexion, but we’ve mostly refused to listen. Now blush, particularly that of the cream persuasion, has experienced a revival as we all once again covet a healthy flush on the cheeks. Celebrities like Madison Beer and Nicola Peltz have also recently begun dabbing a decent amount of colour across the bridge of the nose for a youthful, faux sunkissed effect.

But given that most of us are a tad rusty when it comes to application, it’s easy to mess up your blush by putting on too much, putting it in the wrong place or not blending it out properly. That’s where this classic makeup technique comes in called ‘underpainting’, which has been around for some time but recently experienced a revival on TikTok.

The hashtag #underpainting has now received more than 7 million views on the platform, with users swearing by it for a natural finish that makes the skin look as if the flush is subtly emanating from within.

@lysbeautyofficial

Have you tried blush under your foundation? Check out our Higher Standard Satin Matte Cream Blush. #cleanbeauty #makeuphacks #blackownedbusiness

♬ Do It – Chloe x Halle

As demonstrated by @lysbeautyofficial, it involves applying your blush – a whole lot of it, really pack it on – underneath your base. That’s right, before foundation and concealer. You then use your foundation to blend over the top, buffing in the colour for a seamless finish. You then apply a small amount of powder over the top to set, and your blush should stay put all day.

Try underpainting your blush next time and see for yourself!