Blusher, once garish and alarmingly pink, is now they key to creating a fresh face.

Love it or loathe it, bronzer has firmly been in the spotlight thanks to carved out faces and the sculpted Instagram cheekbone trend that’s dominated makeup of the previous decade.

But now, for perhaps the first summer in the while, bronzer is on the backseat thanks to a modern take on blush that feels pretty, whimsical, and clean.

Dominic Skinner, global senior artist at MAC Cosmetics, tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Unlike bronzer, blush can not only add warm and a hint of sunkiss, but it can also add extra dimension through colour.

‘A flush is positive and refreshing and that’s what we need right now.’

Once again, makeup tends prove to be a reflection of the times.

Thankfully, there is no risk of looking ‘muddy’ in the way that a bad bronzer can leave you, and blusher now is available in a multitude of tones and textures.

From a gentle peach to a popsicle red and a finely-milled powder to a runny cream, there’s something for everyone.

The way you choose to take your blush is varied too, be it alongside barely-there lips and eyes kept simple with a coat of mascara, or a statement that’s part of bolder and unapologetic makeup look.

MAC, the brand behind many trends that originate on the runway and filter down to the everyday, says all ways of applying blush go, ‘from an eccentric flush to painterly stains’.

‘The direction for blush this season is unstructured definition; deliberately undone edges which are blown out and seamless,’ it adds.

Focus blush on the apples of the cheeks or take it higher up on the face, almost where you’d apply highlighter for a ‘draping’ effect that can give the illusion of a ‘lifted’ bone structure.

You can also gently connect blush to the eyes to unify a look by using just the tiniest amount of product. There are no rules.

Terry Barber, MAC’s director of makeup artistry, says: ‘Blusher is definitely the beauty detail of the moment, whether it’s simply fresh, healthy or boyish or used as gesture of something more theatrical.

‘A shot of colour on the cheeks is once more a symbol of being effortlessly cool.’

While we rediscover pots of rouge, these are the ones we’re adding to cart.

Morphe 2 Wondertint Cheek & Lip Mousse in Amaze

Get it for £12 from Boots.

Amaze is a rich berry shade that will work across a range of complexions, and the bouncy mousse texture blends in with ease.

Glossier Cloud Paint in Dawn

Get it for £15 from Glossier.

Get arty with the product that put Glossier on the map (that and Boy Brow, of course).

Dawn is a bright orange red that sounds scary but pat on the tiniest amount for a summery flush.

MAC Cosmetics Powder Blush in Harmony

Get it for £20 from MAC.

Harmony is an unsung hero from MAC – the unusual rosy brown tones translate differently on fair skins as opposed to medium skins.

If you’re ambivalent about blush, this safe choice gives neutral warmth.

Danessa Myricks Vision Flush in Ballet Slippers

Get it for £18 from Cult Beauty.

If gentle terracotta pinks are your vibe, drape this across the cheeks, lips and even on eyelids (it’s safe for use there too).

It’s a one-and-done product, but work quickly as it dries down soon after touching skin.

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Daiquiri Dip

Get it for £19 from Boots.

Fenty’s creamy formula blends out surprisingly sheer, so this red is nowhere near as bold as it appears in the pan.

Rather, it departs a rosy glow that makes a great alternative for those adverse to pinks.

Nars Blush in Orgasm X

Get it for £26 from SpaceNK.

Everyone loves Orgasm, Nars’ bestselling blush shade – Orgasm X packs more power with a touch more depth in tone and shimmer.

Skip out on highlighter with this one.

Daniel Sandler Watercolour Fluid Blusher in Hot Toddy

Get it for £16.50 from Lookfantastic.

There’s nothing medicinal about Hot Toddy, which will work as a subtle neutral shade on deeper skin tones.

Daniel Sandler’s unique formula is truly fluid and watery, meaning that going overboard with your blush is virtually impossible.

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Poppet

Get it for £44 from Selfridges.

Everything in Westman Atelier’s line is the epitome of luxury.

Poppet, a bright pink, adds an energetic flush while the stick format makes it easy to dab on directly.

Or to diffuse the colour down, gently move a brush back and forth over the stick then take it onto cheeks.

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