Draping

Using blush as contour, bringing it from the cheeks up to the temples and brow bone.

Draping is a striking, retro-inspired makeup technique that utilizes blush instead of traditional bronzer to contour and sculpt the face. Originating in the 1970s and 1980s, this method involves sweeping vibrant color along the cheekbones and up toward the temples and brow bone to create a lifted, high-fashion flush. It is ideal for those who want to make a bold, editorial statement while softly framing the eyes and cheekbones.

To create Draping, start by lightly setting your base to ensure an even blend. Sweep a deeper matte blush along your natural contour lines, then apply a brighter satin blush slightly above it. Blend the colors upwards in a C-shape wrapping around the temples and brow bone, finishing by seamlessly diffusing the edges.

Face/Base Retro Bold Colorful Party Editorial

~12 min 4 steps 6 products

The Kit

Translucent Setting Powder
Powder Brush
Deep Matte Powder Blush
Angled Blush Brush
Bright Satin Powder Blush
Fluffy Blush Brush

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How to Create Draping

Set the Base

Lightly dust translucent setting powder over the cheeks and temples to ensure a smooth, patch-free canvas. This prevents the heavy blush application from clinging to wet foundation.
Apply Deeper Blush

Using an angled blush brush, sweep a deeper matte blush along the cheekbones where you would traditionally apply contour. Blend it upwards toward the hairline to sharply sculpt the face.
Drape the Temples

With a fluffy blush brush, sweep a brighter satin blush slightly above the deeper shade. Blend it upwards in a continuous C-shape around the outer eye area, connecting the cheekbones to the temples and brow bone.
Diffuse the Edges

Take a clean powder brush to softly buff the outer perimeter of the color. This creates a seamless gradient into the skin while maintaining a bold, retro intensity.

Pro Tips

For a truly cohesive editorial look, lightly sweep whatever blush is left on your brush through the crease of your eyelids to tie the cheek and eye areas together.
Always tap the excess powder off your brush before applying; it is much easier to slowly build up the intensity of a bold blush than it is to aggressively blend out too much pigment.
If your edges look too harsh, take a beauty sponge with a tiny amount of leftover foundation and bounce it gently around the perimeter of the blush to melt the color seamlessly into your skin.

Common Questions

What is the draping makeup technique?

Draping is a method of contouring the face using blush instead of bronzer or contour powder. It creates a sculpted, lifted look by sweeping color from the cheekbones up into the temples.

What products do I need to try the draping technique?

You will need two shades of blush—a deeper matte shade for sculpting and a brighter satin or matte shade for highlighting. An angled blush brush and a fluffy blending brush are also essential for achieving a seamless, diffused gradient.

Is draping good for everyday wear or beginners?

While traditional draping is quite bold and editorial, it can easily be adapted for everyday wear by using softer, monochromatic peach or pink shades. It requires a medium skill level to blend correctly, but beginners can succeed by applying the blush in light, sheer layers.

What is the difference between draping and standard blush application?

Standard blush is typically concentrated on the apples of the cheeks to mimic a natural flush. Draping, however, pulls the color significantly higher and wider, wrapping around the temples and brow bone to physically sculpt the face's structure.

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