This TikTok-Favorite Blush Hack Dominated Met Gala 2024

If there’s one thing we’ve learned this past year, it’s that blush placement makes all the difference. Whether it’s delicately dusting it on the nose for the sun-kissed glow or precisely contouring the cheekbones for a sculpted effect, where you apply your blush can redefine your entire glam routine. Best believe we thought we had already seen (and mastered) it all. But what’s this you hear about a new blush trend taking TikTok by storm? That’s right, there’s a new beauty trend in town, and it’s called the “Boyfriend Blush.” It even made its way to countless Met Gala red carpet looks this year. 

The boyfriend blush is directly inspired by that post-exercise rosy glow. Think Prince Harry’s natural flush, except turned into a makeup hack. It’s all about achieving that effortlessly flushed look as if you’ve just come from a brisk run or an invigorating game of tennis. So, yes, in a lot of cases, the blush will extend beyond just the cheeks, with a subtle sweep close to your lips and even a hint on the temples, mimicking the natural flush that spreads across your face during intense physical activity. Just take a look at the glam of supermodels like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid at this year's Met Gala. 

But like many trends, the latest TikTok fixation isn’t actually all that new. In fact, it’s already been a staple at runway shows for decades. It was even Devon Aoki's signature look in the '90s. Still, its resurgence on socials has breathed new life into the technique, making it accessible to beauty enthusiasts everywhere and prompting fresh interpretations and applications. You know exactly what that means: you don’t need to be a professional celebrity makeup artist to be able to achieve this. 

Why the sudden interest? In a now-viral TikTok video, content creator and makeup artist Mallory Osses notes, “If you have an oval-shaped face, boyfriend blush is definitely for you.” “The great thing about oval-shaped faces is that you are more proportioned, [...] so most of the time your forehead and your chin are about the same length, but you still have a lot of cheek space,” Osses explains. So, while you can adjust how you create the trend to your facial structure and, of course, your preferences, this makes oval faces particularly suited to the boyfriend blush technique, as it allows for strategic placement to enhance and elongate the face's natural contours.

It wasn't just the of-the-moment style icons who sported the Boyfriend Blush at the Met Gala. Even rising talents like Tyla and established stars like Jennifer Lopez recreated the trend with subtle interpretations that elevated their makeup game to new heights. 

Ready to hop onto the latest beauty trend? L'OFFICIEL's beauty editors have compiled some of the best inspo photos so you can recreate the viral look, stat. Whether you're a beauty guru or just starting out, these images will guide you in achieving that coveted glow with precision and flair. We've also made your search even simpler by adding a few products and tools to our list of recommendations, ensuring you have everything you need to nail the Boyfriend Blush trend effortlessly. 

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