How To Try The Stunning Sunset Blush Trend

TikTok has done it again: created a gorgeous makeup trend that will be everywhere in 2024, even for those of us who don't usually wear makeup. Known as sunset blush, the technique takes the traditional sun-kissed look and gorgeously amplifies it by adding gold, orange, and pink to the equation. If layered correctly, your cheekbones won't just look like they're reflecting a stunning tropical sunset, but as if your cheeks are the sunset.

Although this look probably isn't new to some, it took TikToker and beauty creator Alissa Janay and her April tutorial video to really draw attention to just how gorgeous and seasonally appropriate this blush technique is. "It's a beautiful way to experiment with different bright shades and gold to create a unique gradient effect that we mostly only see on eyes," makeup artist Joseph Carillo told Allure.

While Janay starts her video with heavy bright pinks and bold oranges, before adding gold to soften the entire appearance, it doesn't mean you can't experiment with your own version of the sunset blush trend. After all, not every sunset looks the same, so you have lots of room to explore the look and make it work for you.

Although gold is part of the sunset blush trend, it doesn't mean you have to include it when doing your own version. Focusing on just the pink, orange, and yellow tones as they subtly blend into one another is a great way to give each color its own space, while creating a slow gradient appearance that adds dimension to the cheekbones, making them pop at all the right angles. 

Whoever said that sunset blush needed to stay on the cheeks was severely mistaken. Here, we see cheekbones that are rocking the pink-orange shades in a one-dimension, low-key sort of way. Where things get intense is around the eyes, and it totally works. It's also done in such a way that this is one of those very coveted day-to-night makeup looks. Whether it's makeup or an outfit, day-to-night options never go out of style.

Although there's no right or wrong way to capture the sunset blush trend, this full cheek that's wrapping up toward the temple really achieves that ethereal look. It's intense, yet breathless enough to make the wearer look like an angel who was delicately smacked in the face with a perfect sunset — and not just your usual sunset, but the kind that's often found over the ocean.

If you love the sunset blush trend but can't commit to doing a heavy cheek — either because your profession won't allow it (fierce looks can be distracting in the office, apparently) or it's just not for you —then this is the version you want to get. This subtle look still nails the trend perfectly, but in a more realistic way that's giving off serious sophisticated vibes.

As we've already seen this year with the butter nails trend, yellow is really big this season. It's perfect for both spring and summer, and adds some positive energy even on those inevitable cloudy and rainy days. If you love yellow and the sunset blush trend, then this is your chance to lean into the yellow end of things and give yourself a perfectly sunny vibe.