If you thought there was just one way to apply blush, you're far from alone — but you should also think again. Just like with lipstick and eyeliner, blush can be used to achieve different aesthetic effects depending on how and where it's applied.

For instance, let's say you're on holiday. You're (of course) slathering on the facial SPF, but you might still want that pinky sun-kissed hue. Said effect can easily be faked with liquid blush or powder, though you wouldn't apply it the same way you would if you were going for the classic apples-of-your-cheeks-only flush that most folks are familiar with.

The same goes for other techniques, too. Any makeup artist will tell you that application is everything. In fact, to demonstrate how dramatically blush placement can change a makeup look, I give you Zendaya, and some of her incredible makeup looks over recent years:

If that doesn't prove how blush can be used in many different ways, I don't know what does. So, we asked several makeup pros to find out exactly how and where to apply blush to get the specific results you're after.

Whether you want to create the illusion of high cheekbones, try a more editorial-leaning technique or just give a healthy flush, you're in the right place for all your blush needs – read on for five different ways to apply your blush, and the best tools to apply it with.

Filippo Fortis

For most makeup users, this is the most common method of applying blush. Its popularity stems from the fact that it gives an ultra-natural effect — a.k.a. where you'd naturally expect to see colour on the cheeks — and it couldn't be simpler to do.

"You can create a healthy, natural-looking glow by swirling a small dab of colour onto the apples of the cheeks and buffing it out in circular motions," says New York-based makeup artist Elisa Flowers, who adds that this ubiquitous technique both widens and brightens the face. Another helpful tip from Elisa is to place your blush two fingers away from your nose and two fingers away from the bottom of your eye. "This keeps it looking balanced," she explains.

Her favourite formula for this traditional approach? A liquid or cream, which she says melds beautifully with skin for the most seamless finish. These formulas are perfect for drier skin types, too.

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Rajdeep Kar

This is a trend that's seen its fair share of runways over the past few years, but draping looks cool in real life, too — and doesn't take as long or as much skill to execute as you might think. You might want to opt for a more subtle colour, rather than the bolder shades and textures we've seen at Fashion Week, though.

"I call draping 'side-eye blush,' says editorial makeup artist Ingeborg. "It can be done with a soft and fluffy, smaller-to-medium-size brush and simply involves applying it on the temple area, draping the colour downward across the cheekbones so that it frames the face," she explains. She favours Viseart's ultra-pigmented blush palettes (especially in Rose/Coral) for this approach.

Similarly, Flowers says you can sweep the blush from the top of the cheekbones to the hairline, wrapping it around the brow area in an arc. "This motion brings a beautiful brightness to the face," she says.

For this method, New York City-based makeup artist Joseph Carrillo cannot emphasise the importance of blending enough. He likes using two to three shades – a bold blush colour with the other(s) being a softer hue, typically within the same colour family. "The softer shade is to look like a wash of colour on temples, hairline, [and] cheekbones," he says, while the bolder colour is “buffed out around the temple and on the outer part of the eye and high points of the cheekbone.”

He recommends starting with the deeper shade at the end of the eye socket and buffing the pigment toward the temples and high points on the cheekbones using a dense brush and circular motions. Then, with a larger, fluffy brush, work in the second colour right on top and around the edges to ensure the shades flow into each other seamlessly.

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Amy Sussman

As far as we're concerned, a just-back-from-Barbados makeup look is never a bad idea. Just because we know you'd never slack off on using sunscreen doesn't mean anyone else has to know your faux glow happens to be courtesy of well-placed blush. Hailey Bieber is a famous fan of this technique, of course.

According to the pros, this technique works best when applied on top of bronzer; the bronzer acts as a base layer that helps to diffuse the blush's pigment so it doesn't look too harsh against the skin.

Makeup artist Carissa Ferreri says: "The trick is to create the right amount of dewy glow and apply the slightest bit to the top of the nose on the bridge — think where your sunglasses would hit. And for more staying power, sweep a powder blush on top of the cream."

Another great tip is to add a touch of colour to your eyelids, forehead, and chin. Ingeborg says that this helps to give the finished look a truly realistic, spent-the-day-in-the-sun effect, as these are the points of your face that the rays would naturally hit first.

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Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

Sure, no one enjoys being blasted in the face by wind or getting burnt on the slopes; that's how you end up with a raw, apple-red complexion that requires extra TLC for days. But faking it with blush? Now that can be extremely cute.

Ferreri favours using a gel or cream blush formula for this method. "I like this look to have no texture so that the colour looks like it's just coming from within," she says. "Focus the blush a bit higher on the cheeks, like right under the eyes, and then diffuse any harsh lines."

She adds that you can also take any leftover colour from your fingers or brush and apply the softest touch on top of your nose, just under the bridge. This allows it to look more realistic, which is ultimately what you're going for with blush.

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Marc Piasecki

Take it from our Patron Saint of Blush, Zendaya: if you want to create a definition without contouring, blush is an excellent alternative. According to Flowers, the best way to achieve this sculpted, sophisticated look is to buff your blush directly onto the cheekbones, and just above – almost where you would normally place highlighter. "Apply using small circular strokes, blending outward and upward," she explains.

Makeup artist Patrick Ta typically uses this technique to pat in powder blushes in an upward motion with his own Complexion Blush No 1 to lift the face. "I like to start mid on the cheekbone and work diagonally upward toward the outer corner of the eye," he shares. "I also love to diffuse blush under the eye to create a seamless look." But he makes sure to stop right before the hairline.

If all of this seems a bit overwhelming for you as a beginner, start by keeping it simple. Choose a subtle shade that flatters your skintone – start with something soft that matches the undertone of your skin (warm, cool or neutral).

Smile and place the product in the apple of your cheeks using a big, fluffy brush. Gently sweep the product outwards over your cheekbone towards your temples. Keep blending in this upwards motion until you've got a natural blush look. Pro tip: start with very little product on your brush — you can always add more later!

There are a myriad of tools you can use to apply your blush, from your very own fingertips to brushes and sponges. To keep it simple:

Large fluffy brushes – best for powder blush, for a diffused look

Small fluffy brushes – best for powder blush, for a concentrated look

Compact stippling brushes – best for blending cream or liquid blush (you can even use your foundation brush!)

Sponges – for a subtle look using a cream or a liquid