Maura Higgins' Under-Eye Blush Technique Obsession Unveiled

Maura Higgins has long captivated beauty enthusiasts with her razor-sharp winged eyeliner and dramatically sculpted contouring, reminiscent of her quick-witted persona from her time on Love Island. Following her compelling appearance on The Traitors, the Irish reality television personality's hairst

Maura Higgins has long captivated beauty enthusiasts with her razor-sharp winged eyeliner and dramatically sculpted contouring, reminiscent of her quick-witted persona from her time on Love Island. Following her compelling appearance on The Traitors, the Irish reality television personality's hairstyles and makeup choices are now drawing significant interest from American audiences as well. A particularly noteworthy change has emerged in her recent post-show press appearances: she's innovatively transforming her blush application in a fresh and captivating manner.

This distinctive style first caught widespread attention during her hosting duties on the red carpet for the premiere of A24's newest release, The Drama, featuring stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. Observers noted that her blush placement was positioned remarkably high, seemingly directly beneath her eyes, which contributed to an ultra-defined and lifted facial appearance—enhancing her already striking features even further. Upon closer examination, it became evident that this is a technique she's been exploring extensively in recent outings, often collaborating with renowned makeup artist Patrick Ta, celebrated for his passion for blush and his creative, non-traditional methods of application.

The concept of under-eye blush, which involves beginning the application right under the eyes and sweeping it outward toward the elevated areas of the face, is not an entirely novel approach in the beauty world. Makeup artist Andrew Denton explains that when applied beneath the eyes and blended toward the temples, it effectively "sculpts and highlights the most prominent points of the mid-face." He further elaborates, "The closeness to the eye area creates an illusion of broader upper cheeks thanks to the elevated positioning, and the seamless link between the outer eye corner and the peak of the cheekbone generates substantial lift and dimension."

Beyond sculpting, this method offers practical benefits for concealing under-eye concerns. Denton points out, "For those who rely on color-correcting concealers, layering a soft pink-toned powder blush over it not only secures the product in place but also effectively counters any lingering blue undertones that the concealer might not fully address." This innovative use has spurred several cosmetic brands to introduce specialized pink-hued setting powders, such as the One Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder, Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Powder, and Catrice Bright and Blur Setting Powder, all of which have earned high praise from beauty editors for their performance.

In a recent get-ready-with-me video, Patrick Ta showcased his signature layered blush routine using Maura Higgins as his canvas, providing viewers with detailed insights. He starts by applying a liquid blush in a vibrant bubblegum-pink hue—possibly hinting at an upcoming product from Patrick Ta Beauty—directly onto the center of the under-eye area, then diffusing it outward using a soft, fluffy brush for a natural blend. Subsequently, he layers liquid concealer over the inner and central under-eye zones, deliberately leaving the outer portions untouched to let the blush subtly show through. While he opted for his own Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer, alternatives like the Armani Beauty Perfect Glow Concealer, a previous Best of Beauty Award recipient, are equally commendable. To finish the base, he dusts translucent loose powder to lock everything in, then enhances with his Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duos in shades She's Seductive and She's a Doll.

Ta describes this as his "Transition Blush Technique," designed to produce a flawless gradient effect where the blush integrates seamlessly into the skin instead of appearing as a harsh overlay. "This method is ideal for individuals who notice their blush looking uneven or isolated from the surrounding makeup," he shares. The versatility of this look makes it suitable for daily routines, as Denton affirms it's particularly useful on fatigued days when you desire an instantly refreshed, elevated, and vibrant appearance. He advises selecting a blush shade that suits your preference, maintaining high placement on the face, and avoiding full coverage of the under-eye region to prevent any downward visual pull from improper positioning.

Since partnering with Ta on this technique, Maura Higgins has fully embraced it, incorporating under-eye blush into approximately four or five subsequent appearances. This consistent adoption suggests she's wholeheartedly committed to this ingenious blush strategy—at least for the foreseeable future.