A nice pop of color on the cheeks can instantly enhance a complexion.

And spoiler alert: We’re among them.

Scroll on for our full tutorial for this face-lifting hack.

The author performing the L-shaped blush technique

Ashley Rebecca / Byrdie

Prep Your Canvas

You’ll want to start by applying all of your makeup except blush.

This means prepping your skin with the proper skincare, foundation, eye makeup, etc.

Since I want the blush to be the prominent feature, I’m skipping the bronzer for now.

the author with freshly applied makeup, without blush

Ashley Rebecca / Byrdie

The L Shape

This is where the fun comes in.

The part of the cheek within the L shape is where you’ll apply your blush.

The idea behind this technique is that the placement visually lifts the face.

model has fingers against the face in the shape of an L from the bottom of the nose up to the forehead

Ashley Rebecca / Byrdie

Apply Your Blush

you could use anyblush formulafor this techniquecream, powder, or both.

I started in the center of the cheeks, then brought the blush out and up.

For a more intense color payoff, apply a few swipes of cream blush before blending.

model is applying a stick cream blush to the cheek in an upward motion

Ashley Rebecca / Byrdie

Swirl the brush in a circular motion starting at the center of the cheek, working your way upward.

Continue to blend until you’re happy with the result.

Flushed Cheeks

This is how it looks afterapplying and blending a few layers of cream blush.

photo of model blending blush with a fluffy brush into the cheek

Ashley Rebecca / Byrdie

you’re able to start to see the lifted effect and how natural it is.

For more color, keep applying and blending.

It’s totally up to you.

model is posing smiling after just applying a soft peach pink cream blush to the apples of the cheeks

Ashley Rebecca / Byrdie

The Results

Love the results?

When it comes to the L-shaped blush hack, the hype is definitely real.

It’s now a permanent staple in my makeup routine.

model is applying powder blush with a fluffy brush to apples of the cheeks

Ashley Rebecca / Byrdie

My face looks lifted, and my skin is healthy and flushed with just the right amount of color.

What’s not to love?

model is wearing a natural makeup look with a peach pink blush as the main focus

Ashley Rebecca / Byrdie