TikTok’s Sunset Blush Trend Has Us Counting Down to Summer

POV: It’s the height of summer and you just got home from the beach. Next on your to-do list is to get ready for dinner at sunset with your friends. You know you want to do something fun with your makeup, but not too much. Enter: “Sunset Blush,” a new TikTok trend created by Alissa Janay. The pinky, bronzed, blush look is the prettiest new trend to try, and has us counting down the days until summer gets started.

Ahead, everything you need to know about the technique, and how to get the look.

What is Sunset Blush?

Though the name is super dreamy, sunset blush is pretty straightforward—it’s a blush look that takes inspiration from the setting sun. The look combines warm orange and pink hues to recreate a sunset on your cheek. 

The trend gained attention on TikTok, which is famously the birthplace of zany, over-the-top looks, but this one is legit. (It’s also not inspired by any sort of food or fruit, so feel free to let out a sigh of relief.) Although it pulls from Gen-Z’s love of a bold blush look, it’s not as in-your-face as you think. Plus, it’s easily attainable with products you probably already own. The best part? You have full control over how bright or subtle your sunset blush is, another positive aspect of the trend. 

How to do Sunset Blush

In her viral video, Janay first applies two pea-sized dots of hot pink blush on the highest point of her cheeks, almost where you would usually apply highlighter. Next, she applies two similar-sized dots of an orange shade directly underneath the pink dots. She uses E.l.f’s Camo Liquid Blush ($7) in Gorg Orange and Comin’ In Hot Pink, but the shades have since sold out. However, you can get the same effect with any pigmented cream blush—we recommend Rare Beauty’s Soft Liquid Blush ($23) or Iris & Romeo’s Ceramide Multi Balm ($29). Though a hot pink and bright orange will give you the most sunset-like effect, if you’re on the fair side or would prefer something more subtle, you can opt for a light pink and peach blush instead.

Lastly, Janay adds a swipe of Milani’s Liquid Gold ($14) highlighter, but any gold-flecked highlighter will work to provide a dose of bronzy shimmer. Janay taps it all together until it’s blended out completely. The result is a highlighted pink cheek with orange undertones that resemble a gorgeous summer sunset.

Even makeup minimalists can agree that the finished product is stunning. We expect that the sunset blush trend will have hot pink and orange liquid blush shades sold out all summer long, so run, don’t walk, to get your hands on them before things start heating up.