Everyone's Obsessed With Sabrina Carpenter's Watercolor Blush β Here's How to Actually Do It
## Part 1: The Blush Trend That Took Over My FYP π±
Okay, can we talk about how Sabrina Carpenter's blush has basically become a cultural phenomenon? Like, I'm scrolling through TikTok at 11 PM (as one does), and EVERY other video is someone trying to recreate her signature rosy, glowy cheeks. The comments are always the same: "How does she get that look?!" "My blush never looks like that!" "I need a tutorial NOW!" π
I'll be honest β I was in the same boat. I'd been watching her performances and interviews thinking her makeup artist must be using some kind of witchcraft because her blush looked SO dreamy and natural, like she'd just come in from the cold but make it GLAM. It wasn't harsh, it wasn't patchy, and it definitely didn't look like she'd applied it with a heavy hand. β¨
Turns out, there's an actual name for this technique: **watercolor blush**. And it's not just Sabrina rocking it β Gigi Hadid, Dua Lipa, Kendall Jenner, and basically every celeb who wants that effortlessly flushed look is doing it. The technique was pioneered by celebrity makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez (who does Sabrina's makeup), and once I understood HOW it works, everything clicked. π¨π
The whole concept is inspired by actual watercolor painting β you know, those soft, blended washes of color that don't have harsh lines? That's exactly what this blush technique creates on your face. The goal is a diffused rosy tint where you can't see where the blush starts or ends β it just melts into your skin like you were born with perfectly flushed cheeks.Β
And honestly? Once I figured out the technique, I became OBSESSED. Let me break down everything you need to know so you can stop doom-scrolling tutorials at midnight and actually recreate the look yourself. π
## Part 2: The Watercolor Blush Technique (Step-by-Step) π¨
After watching probably 50+ TikToks and reading every article I could find, here's what I learned about how to actually do watercolor blush the RIGHT way:
**Step 1: Start With a Smooth Canvas π§΄**
This is crucial. The technique involves working in layers with malleable formulas, so your skin needs to be properly prepped. I start with a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer β nothing too heavy or matte because the whole vibe is DEWY and fresh.Β
Apply your base makeup as usual, but keep it light. The goal is to let your natural skin texture show through. Watercolor blush works best on skin that looks like... well, skin. Not a full-coverage mask. β¨
**Step 2: Choose Your Blush Formula (This Matters!) π**
Here's where a lot of people mess up. Makeup artists work with cream or liquid blushes and build until hitting the desired effect of intensity. Powder blush can work too, but liquid and cream formulas give you that seamless, melted-into-skin effect that defines watercolor blush.
For this technique, you want a blush that's:
- Buildable (so you can layer without it getting cakey)
- Blendable (because harsh lines are the enemy here)
- Slightly dewy or luminous (matte finishes don't give that watercolor effect)
I've been experimenting with different formulas, and honestly, liquid blushes with a slight shimmer work BEST for this. They give you that lit-from-within glow that makes the whole look come together. The key is finding something that melts into your skin instead of sitting on top of it. π
I recently picked up the **YOUNG VISION Shimmer Liquid Blush Wand**, and it's been perfect for practicing this technique. The liquid formula is super blendable, the shimmer is subtle (not chunky glitter), and the wand applicator makes it easy to control how much product you're using. Plus, it's light-reflecting, which is exactly what you want for that dewy watercolor effect. The 25ml size is also generous, so you're not running out after three uses like some other liquid blushes I've tried. π
**Step 3: The Application Technique ποΈ**
This is THE most important part. Start in light layers and layer to hit the desired intensity using fingers or sometimes a sponge. Here's my exact process:
1. **Use the back of your hand as a palette** β Swipe some blush onto the back of your hand first. This sheers out the product and prevents you from applying too much at once.Β
2. **Use your ring finger** β I know it sounds specific, but your ring finger naturally uses less pressure, which helps with that soft, diffused application.Β
3. **Focus on the apples of your cheeks** β Keep the placement towards the apple of the cheek. Smile slightly to find where your cheeks naturally lift, then start dabbing the color there.
4. **Stipple, don't swipe** β Use a gentle tapping/bouncing motion to press the color into your skin. No dragging or swiping! This is what creates that watercolor effect instead of harsh streaks.
5. **Blend outward in circular motions** β Once you've built up color on the apples of your cheeks, use soft circular motions to diffuse the edges. The goal is for the color to fade seamlessly into your skin with no visible line where it stops.
6. **Build gradually** β If you want more intensity, add another thin layer. It's way easier to add more than to remove excess product. Trust the process! π
**Step 4: Add Dimension (The Secret Sauce!) β¨**
Accentuate the blush with a dewy highlighter on top. This is what takes it from "nice blush" to "OMG is that Sabrina Carpenter's makeup artist?!"Β
I dab a liquid highlighter or illuminating balm on top of my blush, focusing on the highest point of my cheekbones. This creates that glossy, light-catching finish that makes the whole look POP in photos and videos. Don't skip this step β it's literally the difference between good and STUNNING. π
Some people also add a tiny bit of blush to the tip of the nose, chin, and forehead for extra dimension, but I usually keep it just on the cheeks unless I'm going for a really editorial look.
**Step 5: Set (Or Don't!) πΈ**
After building up the desired effect, set it with a setting spray or with a powder blush. I personally just use a light setting spray to lock everything in while keeping that dewy finish. If you're worried about longevity or have oily skin, you can lightly dust a powder blush in a similar shade on top β but go LIGHT because too much powder will kill that watercolor effect.
## Part 3: Common Mistakes (And How I Fixed Them) π«
After trying this technique for a few weeks, here are the mistakes I made (so you don't have to!):
**Mistake #1: Using Too Much Product at Once** π
I got excited and went in heavy on day one. Big mistake. The whole point of watercolor blush is that soft, gradual build-up. When I dumped too much product on at once, it looked patchy and intense instead of dreamy and diffused.
**Fix:** Sheer out your product on the back of your hand first, and build up slowly. It takes an extra 30 seconds but makes ALL the difference.
**Mistake #2: Wrong Blush Formula**
I tried this with a super matte cream blush and it just... didn't work. The finish was too flat, and it didn't give me that glowy, watercolor effect no matter how much I blended.
**Fix:** Stick with formulas that have at least a slight sheen or luminosity. Dewy > Matte for this technique.
**Mistake #3: Forgetting the Highlighter**
The first time I tried this, I skipped the highlighter step because I thought the shimmery blush would be enough. WRONG. The highlighter on top is what creates that dimensional, light-reflecting finish that makes watercolor blush so special.
**Fix:** Always finish with a dewy highlighter on the high points of your cheeks. Non-negotiable! β¨
**Mistake #4: Using a Brush Instead of Fingers**
Brushes can work, but honestly? Fingers and sponges work best for this technique. The warmth from your fingers helps the product melt into your skin in a way brushes just can't replicate.
**Fix:** Embrace the finger application! Your hands are your best tool here.
**The Results? Worth The Hype π―**
After mastering this technique, I genuinely get compliments on my blush now. People ask if I "just got back from a workout" (in a good way!) or say my skin looks "so healthy and glowy." That's the magic of watercolor blush β it looks like a natural flush, not makeup. πΈ
The best part? It photographs BEAUTIFULLY. No more harsh blush lines showing up in photos or that weird patchiness under certain lighting. It just looks soft, romantic, and effortlessly pretty from every angle. πΈβ¨
**Real Talk: Is This Technique For Everyone?**
Honestly? I think so! Whether you're into minimal makeup or full glam, watercolor blush is incredibly versatile. You can go super subtle for everyday or build it up more dramatically for events. The technique works on all skin tones β you just need to find the right shade for your undertone (cool pinks for cool undertones, peachy tones for warm, etc.). π
The only people who might struggle are those who prefer VERY matte makeup looks, since this technique is all about that dewy, luminous finish. But if you're into the whole "glowy skin" trend that's been dominating beauty for the past few years? This is YOUR technique. π
**Bottom Line:**
Watercolor blush isn't just another TikTok trend that'll disappear in three weeks. It's a technique that actually makes sense β it enhances a natural flush while softly brightening the complexion and diffusing imperfections. It's flattering, it's forgiving (goodbye harsh blush lines!), and it gives you that coveted "I woke up like this" glow that we're all chasing.Β
So if you've been watching Sabrina Carpenter's makeup from afar thinking "I could never," I'm here to tell you: YES YOU CAN. It just takes the right formula, the right technique, and a little practice. Your cheeks (and your Instagram feed) will thank you. ππ
**Product Link<<<**
*Have you tried watercolor blush yet? What's your go-to technique? Drop your tips and favorite products in the comments! π¬π*
