Blush Blindness: When Did Too Much Blush Become An Issue?

Introduction

When it comes to beauty trends, we’re often eager to jump on the latest looks and techniques. However, with blush, the line between on-trend and over-the-top is easily blurred. Recently, the term “blush blindness” has emerged, describing the overwhelming application of blush that leaves people looking like they’ve gotten too carried away. But how did this trend come to be? And when did too much blush become an issue?

The Birth of Blush Blindness

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In beauty, looks and trends come in waves. Some, such as pencil-thin eyebrows and brown lip liner, are tied to an era. Others are more intimately linked to the seasons – think the sea of spring and summertime blush looks. At the height of a trend’s popularity, it’s not uncommon to go overboard to create the ultimate look. In the moment, it feels right, until regret sinks in. We’ve seen it happen before with brows, whether it was regretting overly-tweezed eyebrows or extra-bold and dark arches. Of course, TikTok had the perfect term for it, eyebrow blindness, and as it swept the beauty world by storm, other forms of “beauty blindness” began to emerge. However, the latest, blush blindness, is one we never saw coming.

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The Science Behind Blush Blindness

According to Yarden Horwitz, co-founder of Spate, “The concept of ‘blindness’ in makeup trends, particularly with blush, humorously critiques makeup extremes of both the past and present.” Celebrity makeup artist Beau Nelson chimes in, “Put simply, blindness is the inability to gauge how something looks to other people. When it comes to blush, the issue comes as a result of overapplication of the product, and is less about the color choice, as vivid and subtle colors can be worn on every skin tone.”

Featured Experts

* Yarden Horwitz is the co-founder of beauty trend forecasting site Spate.
* Beau Nelson is a celebrity makeup artist.

What is Blush Blindness?

Blush trends are inevitable when the temperatures rise. This summer alone, we’ve seen several emerge, and they’ve all rocketed to viral fame. Though each is different, there is one common thread between them: heavy application. Boyfriend, Baby Doll, sunburnt, and sunset are just a few that rely on layers and layers of blush. So, when did too much blush become a problem? In an era where social media influences our choices, it’s no wonder the line between on-trend and over-the-top is easily blurred.

Where Did Blush Blindness Come From?

According to Horwitz, the conversation around blush blindness began on TikTok. “On the platform, there’s a trend of self-reflective—and sometimes self-deprecating—nostalgia,” she says. “When it comes to blush blindness, creators take either a critical or tongue-in-cheek approach, with those in the latter camp explaining how they don’t mind participating in the blindness.” Beyond social media, brands are also embracing the blush blindness wave in their recent blush campaigns. “Using it as a central theme shows that it doesn’t always carry negative connotations,” she says.

Conclusion

Despite the controversy surrounding blush blindness, the trend is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. As Nelson notes, “If it makes you feel beautiful and you love it, then it’s no one else’s business.” In the end, it’s essential to remember that beauty is about expressing yourself, not about pleasing others.

FAQs

Q: What is blush blindness?
A: Blush blindness is the trend of applying too much blush, resulting in an overwhelming and often unintentionally funny look.

Q: Who are the experts behind this trend?
A: Celebrity makeup artist Beau Nelson and Spate co-founder Yarden Horwitz provide insight into the rise of blush blindness.

Q: How can I avoid blush blindness?
A: Take Beau’s advice and stick to cream and stick blush formulas, which are more blendable and adaptable. You can also tone down bright blush with a small amount of foundation or by using a clean brush.

Q: Will blush blindness trend fade away?
A: Unlikely – the trend has already gained widespread attention on social media, and brands are embracing it in their campaigns.