If you prefer a bolder finish, Correa recommends using a synthetic-haired blush brush and softly blending the shades (reach for vibrant pinks and bright oranges) in a figure-eight motion. “This will give a seamless blend but allow the three shades to still be seen individually,” says Correa. For a more natural look reach for shades within the same color family— like all slightly-different shades of pink, berries, or corals — and use your fingers to blend them out, says Correa. Either way, he recommends sticking with a cream or liquid formula because it’s easier to diffuse the product compared to powder.

Correa prefers YSL Nu Lip and Cheeky Balm Tint (he is an ambassador for the brand) in shades Pinch (on the cheekbone), Flush (on the apples), and Chills (on the contour). But any trio of shades will do the trick. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, for example, comes in a wide variety of shades and its creamy texture makes it perfect for this technique. We also love Charlotte Tilbury Matte Blush Wands for their sheer but buildable coverage and vibrant color range.

I decided to try a mix of brands: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Lucky went high on my cheekbones, I dabbed Rare Beauty Liquid Blush in Love closer to the contour of my cheeks, and stamped Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand in Dream Pop on the apple of my cheeks.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Lucky

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Love

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand in Dream Pop

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand in Peach Pop

After blending with a fluffy brush in a figure-eight motion (per Correa’s instructions) I was left with a pretty flush of pink that lifted my face… although I can’t say my cheeks were replicas of stained glass windows. If you hadn’t seen me apply it, you wouldn’t be able to tell I was wearing multiple colors. I found that tapping the shades in with your fingers is a better method if you want to see the distinction between all three blushes.

Associate special projects manager Talia Gutierrez also gave the technique a try using Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand in Dream Pop above her cheekbone, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand in Peach Pop where she would typically apply a dot of cream contour, and Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Worth directly on her cheekbone. Though she won’t be ditching her contour anytime soon in favor of blush, Gutierrez says she did find it fun to combine three shades of blush and create a new punchy color.