Spicy "Sunburn" Blush Is Taking Over TikTok—14 Products to Help You Try It

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

It's no secret TikTok has become one of the best sources of beauty trend inspiration for Gen Z. Trends come and go in record time on TikTok, often serving as the driving force behind creators, consumers, and brands. One of the most recognizable and longstanding beauty trends on TikTok is the "sunburn" blush look that consists of sun-kissed skin and warm-toned makeup. 

For tips on achieving this viral look, I spoke to celebrity makeup artist Edward Cruz, whose star-powered client list includes the likes of Anna Wintour, Brooke Shields, Danai Gurira, and Busy Philipps. "It's a fun look that is going strong, three summers in a row," Cruz says of the sun-soaked makeup look. "I think people love it because it's easily applied, and anyone can wear it." According to Cruz, the focus has to be on the glow, and using a bronzer (Cruz's favorite is Charlotte Tilbury's Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter) or warm blush is the key to bringing the look to life.

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Cruz is partial to using Smashbox's Sheer Powder Brush, which is part of the brand's Camera Ready Face, Eye, Brow, & Lip Brush Collection, to apply highlighter or blush. For a sun-kissed look, he recommends beginning with gentle brush strokes at the highest point of one cheekbone and then sweeping the product across the face to the other cheekbone. This quick-and-easy process also includes gently touching the bridge of the nose with the brush. Remember, you want to bring attention to the points of your face that normally receive the sun's rays to achieve that effortless just-lifted-my-chin-to-the-sun finish.

If you're looking for inspiration, I highly recommend scrolling through the trend's hashtag on TikTok or Instagram or watching viral makeup tutorials created by users Rachel Shea and Lakeya Simone. Pay special attention to the areas of the face that feature added warmth or highlight. The "sunburn" blush trend looks good on everyone but is especially gorgeous on deeper skin tones. Ready to find out which powder and cream blushes I'll be using to create the "sunburn" blush look this summer? Keep scrolling.

My Go-To Picks for Cream Blush

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(Image credit: @mexicanbutjapanese)

My Favorite Powder Blush Products

Next, Your Makeup Isn't Reaching Its Full Potential Unless You Know This Primer Trick

Maya Thomas
Assistant Beauty Editor
Maya Thomas is Who What Wear's assistant beauty editor based just outside of Seattle, Washington. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.