Feeling Inspired: '80s Blush

Beauty lessons from the past

As someone who works at Rare Beauty HQ, I have access to makeup… so much makeup. (Have I mentioned I love my job?)

I’ve been spending a lot of time with our new Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush, a personal favorite. Now, let me preface this by saying I’m no makeup artist. I’m just a girl. A girl who loves blush. And as a girl who loves blush, I’m always looking for makeup inspo. The ’80s seem like a great place to start.

Let’s get in the mood with an appropriate soundtrack, shall we?

Look 1: Cherry Cheeks

Yves Saint Laurent S/S 1980

Paired with pastel shadow and a glossy red lip, cheery cheeks are quintessentially ’80s. We love a throwback, so feel free to replicate this runway look as is. If you want something a little more understated, let crimson cheeks be your focal point and keep the rest of your makeup minimal. I like Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Grateful for this one, especially because it has a fresh, dewy finish. (Just note that model Mounia Orosemane’s blush is blended. There are no shortcuts here—be prepared to put in some elbow grease.)

Look 2: Goddess Glam

Jerry Hall on an unknown (to me) runway in 1985

The soft pink flush. The touseled hair… It’s like Botticelli’s Venus sprung to life in a bolero jacket. Though a true pink blush suited Jerry Hall, this look is less about the color and more about the finish: matte and diffused. It’s exactly what Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush was made for. Pick a shade and apply it with your fingers or a blush brush to get the same effect. This formula is impossible to mess up, trust me (have I mentioned I’m not a makeup artist?).

Look 3: Nearly Nude

Chanel Runway S/S 1989

A nude hue is the little black dress of blush. It’s a wardrobe staple you don’t have to think too much about, and it goes with anything. I’ve never been a minimalist, so I don’t have one little black dress—or one nude blush. I think of Soft Pinch Liquid Blush as my little black cocktail dress (never the wrong choice), Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush as my little black slip dress (effortless, weightless), and Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush as my little black sequin number (flattering and fabulous). You could pick one, but why would you?

Look 4: Berry Basics

Halston S/S 1984

It’s hard to tell the finish on this berry blush from the runway photo, but it’s 1984 so I’m going to assume matte. It’s stunning. If that’s is the look you’re after, try Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Faith (blackberry) or Lucky (raspberry). Or—hear me out—you could take inspiration from that Halston dress and its light-reflecting finish and opt for Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush in Truth.

That’s it for now, I’m off to find more summer inspo. I’ll let you know what I find.