Blusher is undeniably one of the most transformative products in any makeup bag. A swirl of powder or a dot of cream can instantly enliven the skin, giving the complexion a healthier, more energised appearance. But where you place it – and the texture you choose – determines the overall effect. Apply it high on the cheekbones for lift and structure or sweep it slightly lower to create a more natural, outdoorsy flush. This spring, it's the latter – a windswept, just-in-from-the-cold cheek – that’s taking centre stage.
Recently spotted on Margot Robbie in her role as Catherine Earnshaw in Wuthering Heights, the look has been dubbed 'the Brontë blush' – a nod to the era's romantic aesthetic. Historically, bright rouge was layered over powdered skin for a more obvious flush, but today's interpretation feels softer and more wearable. "It's not entirely matte," says makeup artist Keeley Wilson, "There's a slight sheen to the skin that you’d expect after a brisk walk across the moors."
© WireImageThe blush itself is diffused, imperfectly placed and blended lower on the cheeks to create a believable, wind-bitten effect. "Margot Robbie's 'Brontë blush' feels raw and romantic," says Jamie Genevieve, makeup artist and founder of VIEVE. "The modern look is less structured and sculpted; there's less focus on carving out cheekbones or going overly glossy. It should look like it belongs to your complexion, not like it's sitting on top of it."
It marks a healthy departure from the impossibly glassy complexions that have dominated our feeds in recent years. "There's a rawness to this trend," says Wilson. "It looks real, as if warmth has naturally risen to the surface of the skin."
Off-screen, Margot has embraced a similarly windswept blush on the red carpet, while the Spring/Summer '26 runways have confirmed the shift. At Rabanne, lead makeup artist Diane Kendall swept colour across the cheeks and over the bridge of the nose for a sun-kissed, almost sunburnt effect inspired by Marilyn Monroe on the beach. Meanwhile, at Chloé, baby-pink blush was diffused low on the apples of the cheeks, pepping up the models' skin.
How makeup artists are creating spring's windswept blush
In an Instagram tutorial breaking down Margot's Wuthering Heights premiere look, makeup artist Pati Dubroff explained that "it's all about the blush." The rest of the complexion was kept deliberately minimal with "not too much foundation at all," so the colour could take focus.
Dubroff began by layering two cream blush shades (No.1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Red Camellia and Berry Boost, £42 / $50), blending them together on the back of her hand before taking a brush to press the colour onto the apples of the cheeks and slightly below, "flushing it outwards." She then cleans up the edges to get rid of any harsh lines.
"I'll take a foundation brush and brush around the edges to clean it up. I want it really diffused." To finish, a "whisper" of loose powder was tapped over the top before a coordinating powder blush was added in short, feathery strokes to build dimension without heaviness.
Layering is key, agrees Genevieve. "The trick is layering lightly," she explains. "Start with a sheer base and build blush gradually on the tops of the cheeks and slightly across the bridge of the nose. Keep coverage light so the blushy tones and 'real skin' shine." Try Jamie's Vieve Sunset Blush in Malbec, £27 / $32.
When it comes to texture, matte and satin finishes work best. "I'd lean more into matte and soft satin, as too much glow can make it feel editorial," she says. To avoid patchiness, apply cream formulas before setting the complexion, ensuring the product melts into the skin rather than sitting on top.
Cream blushes I rate include Refy's Cream Blush in Cherry, £18 / $22, and Merit's Flush Balm in Beverly Hills, £26 / $30.
Shade choice is what makes this look convincing rather than costume-like. You want tones that mimic a real flush," says Genevieve. "It's about warmth with a hint of depth rather than a bright, sugary pink."
© FilmMagicShe suggests opting for soft rosy or peach tones on fair skin, warmer coral hues for medium complexions and richer berry, brick or warm red tones for deeper skin.
Why windswept blush works for spring
While ultra-glowy complexions aren't going anywhere fast, this feels like a shift towards something softer and more real. "It's a slightly updated version of the 'boyfriend blush' movement we saw last year," says Wilson, referencing the trend that looked akin to a naturally rosy, post-exercise flush.
© Getty ImagesFor Genevieve, the seasonal appeal is clear. "Spring is all about that fresh, just-stepped-outside energy," she says. "Compared to winter's heavier makeup, this feels lighter, freer and more romantic."
That balance is key. Instead of heavy sculpting or glassy sheen, the look offers believable colour – the kind of flush that suits transitional weather, when skin is emerging from winter's matte layers but not yet bronzed for summer.
