Did you know that with just a few small changes and adjustments to your blush and bronzer placement, you can achieve completely different makeup effects? Whether you're after lift, softness, warmth, or definition, professional makeup artist, Alex Bronwyn (@alexbronwynmua) shares her different techniques, revealing how each placement works, the effect it creates and the best tools to achieve it.

As the social calendar fills with festive celebrations, end-of-year soirées and special occasions, spend the season glowing, no matter the invitation.

Blush placement for a soft, flushed look

For a fresh-faced look that is perfect for those festive, daytime lunch events, Alex focuses the product on the centre of the face. Start by using a flat brush and a cream blush to sweep colour over the apples of your cheeks. Then with a fluffy brush, dust a powder blush across the bridge of your nose and cheeks to create a diffused and effortless, rosy glow.

Blush placement for a lifted and defined finish

Heading to an evening event and want a more lifted and defined look? Alex recommends placing blush higher on the cheekbones and blending upwards towards the temples. This creates the illusion of lift and further defines the face. To get the best result, opt for a smaller, angled brush to give you more control over the placement. This also lets you build up the product gradually and blend it out more to keep the finish natural.

Bronzer placement for warm and subtle definition

For added warmth and some subtle definition, Alex suggests applying your bronzer higher up around the temples and cheekbones, as this helps to frame your face and complements the lifted blush placement. A medium-sized angled or tapered brush will help you place the product precisely and allow you to blend out any harsh edges.

Bronzer placement for an all-over glow

To achieve an all over sun kissed glow, you can use your bronzer with a large fluffy brush to lightly brush the product around the perimeter of the face, including the hairline, temples, and jawline. This mimics where the sun naturally hits, wrapping your face in warmth for a seamless complexion.

Pro-tip: You can bring your bronzer down either side of your nose for a snatched and contoured effect.

Placement Cheat Sheet

Here’s a helpful guide for a quick refresher when you’re getting ready.

• Blush: fluffy brush + apples of cheeks + nose = soft and subtle.
• Blush: angled brush + high on cheekbones + temples = lifted and defined.
• Bronzer: tapered brush + high on cheekbones + temples = warm yet subtle definition.
• Bronzer: fluffy brush + product on perimeter of face = sun-kissed and glowy.

You can find blushes and bronzers in a range of shades and formulas, plus makeup brushes of all shapes and sizes, at Priceline, Big W or Kmart.

Of course, there is no single "correct" method when it comes to makeup. Every blush and bronzer combination will create a different look and experimenting with placement allows you to tailor your makeup to every invitation on your calendar this festive season.

For a Christmas spent merry, visit Ellenbrook Central to explore blushes, bronzers, and application tools to help you recreate the look that will have you feeling confident at every holiday event.