Derek Deng

There's a formula to TikTok: The more clickbait-y a video is, the more likely it is to go viral. BeautyTok is no different, with two-minute face masks that promise to erase your pores and nose contouring with a fork racking up views.

And yet, despite all the clickbait, TikTok has improved our beauty routines drastically. The platform has introduced us to cult-favorite products like Maybelline Sunkisser blushes, and given us behind-the-scenes glimpses into Sofia Richie's sleek lazy bun and Hailey Bieber's strawberry makeup. 

So it's unsurprising that sometimes, TikTok makeup hacks really can be game-changers. Luckily, it's my job as a content creator for Byrdie to sift through them, so you don't have to. As someone who can't function without blush, I took it upon myself to scour TikTok for the blush hacks that actually work. Read on for my top five.

01 of 05

Underpainting

Derek Deng

• What it is: Popularized by Mary Phillips, the celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, underpainting is the it-girl-approved technique that inverts your base routine and leaves you with an "I-woke-up-like-this-but-not-really" sculpted glow. Many people restrict their underpainting to contour and highlight, but underpainting works just as well with blush, providing a subtle but multidimensional flush that seamlessly blends into your skin. 

• What you'll need: Your favorite liquid blush, a sheer foundation, and a fluffy brush. 

• How to do it: Apply your favorite liquid blush with a heavy hand (the Em Cosmetics Color Drops Serum Blush, $28, never fails me) and blend—it might look a little intense, but this is one of those trust-the-process moments. With a fluffy brush, like Real Technique's Ultra Plush Powder Brush ($8), buff in a sheer layer of foundation. The key is using light, circular strokes that provide coverage without washing out your blush.

02 of 05

Sunset Under-Eye Blush

• What it is: TikTok has already convinced us that under-eye blush is cool again, but with the sunset blush technique, you can elevate the look even more with an ombré effect. If you, like me, have an embarrassing amount of liquid blushes, now is your time to shine: More really is more with the sunset under-eye blush trend. A bonus—peach tones help neutralize dark circles, so this look is a two-in-one. 

• What you'll need: A brightening concealer, three gradient shades of liquid blush, a fluffy concealer brush, and translucent powder.

• How to do it: Dot a brightening concealer (I love Kosas' Revealer Concealer, $30) under your tear duct. Working outward from the inner corner, follow with three dots of liquid blush: The lightest blush, a slightly darker blush, then the darkest blush. In the same order that you applied the product, gently blend with a fluffy concealer blush—the tricky part is blurring out the different colors without mixing them all. Go over everything with a damp beauty sponge to diffuse the lines, and set with a translucent powder, like the ONE/SIZE Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder ($34).

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03 of 05

Learn Your Blush ABCs

Derek Deng

• What it is: Blush isn't one-size-fits-all. I'm ashamed to say that it took me a TikTok to realize this, but where you apply your blush can completely change up the vibe of your makeup look. This hack uses the alphabet as a guide for different blush placements. For a sunburnt, summery flush, try a W-shape; for a coquette, doll-ish vibe, give O-shaped blush a spin; for a polished, editorial look, consider C-shaped blush. I have a soft spot for the O-shaped option, which adds plumpness for a youthful, Marie Antoinette-esque puffiness that screams, "Let them eat cake." 

• What you'll need: Grab your favorite blush—liquid, cream, and powder all work! For a budget-friendly soft flush, I love Lottie London’s Ombré Blush in Exposed ($7).

• How to do it: To replicate sunkissed W-shaped blush, apply a line of blush going from the high point of your cheek to the apples of your cheek to your nose bridge, and repeat on your other side. For O-shaped blush, concentrate your blush slightly above the apples of your cheeks, blending in small circular motions. C-shaped blush, on the other hand, goes from above your eyebrows to the apples of your cheeks. 

04 of 05

"Blighlighting"

• What it is: If Selena Gomez does it, it has to be legit. This Gomez-approved blush hack, known as "blighlighting," combines the best of both worlds—blush and highlighter—for a hypnotic, glistening pop of color. 

• What you'll need: Liquid blush and liquid highlighter

• How to do it: Pop one dot of liquid blush and one dot of liquid highlighter on your cheeks, then blend. One plus one equals the ultimate rosy glow.

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05 of 05

The Patrick Ta Method

Derek Deng

• What it is: When I saw Patrick Ta apply cream blush on top of powder blush on Alix Earle, I audibly gasped. It might sound like a faux pas, but Ta knows what he's talking about. "It just brings the skin back to life," Ta says in a TikTok. "And when you layer two textures together, it's going to allow the blush to last that much longer." In Patrick We Trust. 

• What you'll need: You'll need a powder blush, a cream blush, a makeup sponge, and a blush brush. For a two-in-one flush, Ta's Crème and Powder Blush Duo in She's Giving ($36) always gives.

• How to do it: Concentrating on the apples of your cheeks, apply powder blush with a brush. Dip a makeup sponge into your cream blush and gently dab it over your powder blush in rolling motions for a diffused skin-like glow.