I Tried the '80s Blush Trend, and I Shockingly Was Totally Into It

POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Siegel
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Siegel
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This Fall, as I've been scrolling through Instagram and watching my favorite celebrities on the red carpet, I noticed that many of them have started wearing blush high on their cheekbones and around their eyes. In fact, Glamsquad artistic director and makeup artist Kelli Bartlett previously told POPSUGAR that this was one of the season's biggest makeup trends and that pairing it with a similar lip color would enhance the look.

Despite the trend looking terrific on celebrities like Lucy Liu, I was not convinced it would work in real life. The first few times I spotted the trend, my mind instantly went to images of Whitney Houston's video for "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" and decided it wasn't for me. A few weeks later, however, I decided to challenge myself to go outside my comfort zone and wear the look at work.

Using Bartlett's advice to go for cream formulas, I mixed together a Nudestix Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Color ($32) and a Chanticalle Aqua Blush ($44) and swiped them across my cheekbones and up past my eyes onto my temples. I blended out the edges with my fingers, making sure my cheeks didn't look like I had drawn mirror images of Nike swooshes on my face.

While I'm used to a statement berry lip or a bold graphic cat eye, this was the first time I had made my blush the standout portion of my makeup look. While it was a huge departure from my usual, I was shocked that I actually really liked it. Despite the cold weather making my skin look rather dull lately, the extra dose of color made my complexion look vibrant and healthy.

This might not become my daily work look, but I fully intend on wearing this again the next time I go out to dance to Houston and Kygo's version of "Higher Love." Ahead, check out some cream blushes to help you try out this look.

Chantecaille Aqua Blush
chantecaille.com

Chantecaille Aqua Blush

Swipe the Chantecaille Aqua Blush ($44) across your cheeks, and you'll feel a chilly sensation and see a Popsicle-like stain that will add a fresh-looking color to your cheeks. Keep it in your purse for touch-ups and cooldowns.

Glossier Cloud Paint
glossier.com

Glossier Cloud Paint

We're seeing the Glossier Cloud Paint ($18) everywhere. This formula is lightweight and has buildable coverage. It features four shades for a variety of skin tones. Buy two and mix them together to create your own personalized hue if you want.

Kaja Mochi Pop Bouncy Blush
sephora.com

Kaja Mochi Pop Bouncy Blush

Press your fingers lightly into the Kaja Mochi Pop Bouncy Blush ($19) before spreading on your cheeks for a pop of color.

Paul and Joe Gel Blush
amazon.com

Paul and Joe Gel Blush

The Paul and Joe Gel Blush ($27) feels silky-soft on your skin and blends out like a cloud. It contains 80 percent water, giving your skin a dose of hydration with every application.

Nudestix Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Color
sephora.com

Nudestix Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Color

I instantly look more awake when I apply the Nudestix Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Color ($32) to my cheeks and blend out with my fingers. I love how quickly and effortlessly it diffuses into a rosy glow.

'80s Blush Trend on Lucy Liu
Getty | Amanda Edwards

'80s Blush Trend on Lucy Liu