23rd February 2026, by Grace Marocco | Read time: 3 minutes
SHARE
TikTok has become the birthplace for a number of viral trends. From the tomato girl aesthetic to eclectic grandpa, most of these trends come as quickly as they go. But the newest trend to hit our screens has been around for a while. Enter, Boyfriend Blush. With 64 million posts on TikTok, Boyfriend Blush looks like it’s here to stay—at least for the summer. You don’t need a boyfriend to master this summer makeup look—all you need are the right products and techniques.
What Is Boyfriend Blush?
The aim of the game with this technique is to replicate blood-rushed cheeks, mimicking a post-exercise glow. Makeup artist, Mallory Osses uses images of young Prince William and Harry as key references for the technique. “Do you see how Harry and William, they both have that flush here [in the center of cheeks] and it goes down [toward the jaw]. It just looks youthful, sporty. It looks like boyfriend blush,” Osses said
It just looks youthful, sporty. It looks like boyfriend blush.
Essentially, the blush sits lower on the face, and may extend beyond just the apples of the cheeks. Instead of trying to sculpt the face with blush, this technique is much less precise and spreads further across the face. Think Prince William’s face after playing rugby (minus the sweat of course).
Rosses notes that the technique is particularly flattering on round or short faces, though anyone can wear it. “If you have an oval-shaped face, boyfriend blush is definitely for you,” she said.
While it may not be a new trend, it definitely is trending. Boyfriend Blush has more than 700 million views on TikTok. “The term boyfriend blush is not ‘new’… I didn’t just make this up… I heard about this trend years ago,” Osses said. “It’s all over high-fashion, runway, editorial types of looks, but I’ve never really heard people talk about it like this.”
I didn’t just make this up…It’s all over high-fashion, runway, editorial types of looks
Supermodel Devon Aoki’s blush placement in the 90s is a prime example of boyfriend blush. “I think that [’90s model] Devon Aoki is the epitome of boyfriend blush, she wears it so well, and I believe she has a heart-shaped face…She wears it so that it covers the whole side of her cheek,” Rosses said. Princess Diana in her early years is also a major inspo for the look. More recently at the Met Gala, stars like Gigi Hadid and Tyla participated in the trend.
How To Do It
To perfect the Boyfriend Blush technique, create a triangle shape starting from the centre of the cheek and spreading down the perimeter of the jaw. Do not be too concerned about precision, besides it is supposed to look natural. Avoid shimmers and glitters to achieve a more natural look.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however,
The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate
links.
Join our emails packed full of ideas of the best places to eat out, drink, and generally great lifestyle content for your chance to win.
Your entry has been successfully submitted!
Love What You're Reading?You've reached your 3 article limit - sign up to keep reading.
Join The Handbook's growing community of over 12 million across all channels
for access to full articles and our daily edit. It's quick, free, and keeps you in the know.
Get your free daily guide to the best food, fashion, beauty, culture and travel content,
delivered straight to your inbox.
Don't BeA Stranger
Did you know that 95% of first-time visitors land on a webpage and never come back?
If you’ve loved exploring our content today, don’t let this be a one-time thing. Subscribe now to keep the inspiration coming.
A Letter FromThe Editor
Want to stay in the loop with the absolute best in fashion, food, beauty, travel, and culture across London and beyond?
You don’t need to keep checking back here - let us bring the scoop straight to your inbox.
