Patrick Ta’s Latest Blush Drop Comes With Instructions

Spring may still be weeks away, but Patrick Ta is already ushering it in. The celebrity makeup artist and cofounder is expanding his Major Headlines Blush Duo collection with two new shades: Soft Launch, a soft coral, and Thank Me Later, a cool lilac (both $40).

The shades debuted January 14—a strategic move, considering Ta launched new blushes around this time last year as well. While the colors feel inherently springy, both additions join the brand’s matte lineup and reflect current blush trends. Thank Me Later sits between bubblegum pink and vivid lavender, while Soft Launch blends pink and peach undertones for a fresh flush. Used together in the duo compact, the matte powder formula creates a soft, diffused finish that aligns with viral looks like “cloud cheeks” and TikTok’s “snow angel” blush.

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If you follow the brand on TikTok, the launch tracks. Ta consistently taps into emerging trends, from his viral cream-over-powder technique to approachable, technique-driven education. Alongside the new shades, he’s also introducing The Power of Placement, a face-shape-specific guide to blush application, which we’re breaking down below. But first, a look at the new additions.

Patrick Ta’s Guide to Blush Placement

Lifted Placement

Ideal for round or oval face shapes, this technique is designed to sculpt and lift for a more defined look. The goal is to enhance natural bone structure while drawing focus away from roundness.

Start by loading the brush with powder blush. “Evenly coat the fluffy side of the brush, and not just one side. Then tap or swirl the brush on the back of your hand, so there’s even distribution,” says Ta. To apply, he recommends tapping or pressing the product directly onto the high points of the cheekbones (under your temple), and lightly diffusing it into the outer edge of your concealer.

Applying the cream blush follows a similar approach. After loading a dense brush with product, use tapping motions to add it to the skin. “Apply right in the center of where the powder blush was placed and slightly above the apples instead of on them,” he says. “Treat this [step] like part of your sculpting process, not a separate step.”

Rounded Placement

Best for elongated or oval face shapes, this technique visually shortens the face for a softer, more youthful effect.

The first step is mapping placement. “Smile to locate the highest point of the apples, then place the [powder] blush directly onto the apples of the cheeks, blending it slightly into the under-eye area,” says Ta. The cream blush should be applied along the outer edge of the powder blush and gently pressed into the skin. “Make sure the blush placement is not too high or too low. Keep it away from the temples and avoid applying too much directly on the apples,” he adds.

Diffused Placement

This technique works on all face shapes and creates a sun-kissed, glowy effect.

“The blush should be applied where the sun would naturally hit your face, such as the apples of the cheeks, the under-eye area and the highest points of the temples,” says Ta. Begin by placing the powder blush in these areas, then “use whatever is left on the brush to lightly tap across the nose,” he adds. For the cream blush, he recommends approaching placement the way you would a highlighter. “Applying blush to the high points of the cheekbones gives a beautiful, natural high-shine,” he says.

Transition Placement

This technique isn’t tied to a specific face shape and is meant to create a natural-looking finish.

“Press the powder blush onto the apples of the cheeks, where the cheek naturally lifts. Next, diffuse it upwards, then outward as the product begins to disperse off the brush,” says Ta. The celebrity artist notes that blending is key to achieving the natural effect of this look. “Blend into the undereye area and diffuse into the contour, but be sure not to drag the powder straight to the temples and never bring it below the nostrils,” he says.

When it’s time to apply the cream blush, gently press it into the center of where the powder sits. “Focus on the high points of the cheekbones and use light pressing motions to keep the products underneath intact. This adds a natural sheen without overpowering the base,” he says.