bronte blush trend ysl berry bang

How to Get the Bronte Blush Look at Escentual

Written by: Chelsey Edmunds

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Time to read 4 min

If your social feeds are anything like mine, you’ve seen it: the Brontë Blush. It isn't a new character, but it’s officially the biggest thing in beauty right now. Inspired by Emerald Fennell’s 2026 adaptation of Wuthering Heights, the trend is all about that specific, weather-beaten glow Margot Robbie wears as Catherine Earnshaw.

It’s a look that feels timeless and slightly tormented, like you’ve spent the morning running through the cold English moors. But how do you pull off windswept without looking like you’ve just got a cold?

The Rules of Brontë Blush

Forget everything you know about lifting the face with contour. To get that Margot-inspired glow, you have to play by different rules:

Forget the Lift: Instead of sweeping colour upward to sculpt the face, apply it to the apples of your cheeks and blend it across the centre of your face.

Don't Skip the Nose: A little bit of colour across the bridge of the nose is the secret to that authentic, "pinched by the wind" finish.

Keep it Real: We’re looking for dewy, lived-in textures that look like skin, not a heavy layer of powder.

1. The Gothic Statement

YSL Make Me Blush Liquid Blush in Berry Bang

If you want to go full "Cathy Earnshaw," this is the product you need. Berry Bang is a deep, dramatic red berry that looks exactly like a natural reaction to intense emotion or a biting Yorkshire wind.

Don’t let the pigment in the bottle scare you- it’s a liquid-to-powder formula that blends out into a soft, blurred finish. It’s incredibly lightweight and stays vibrant for up to 12 hours. I like to dot a tiny bit on the apples of the cheeks and blend it out with my fingers for that raw, "I’ve been wandering the heath" intensity.

2. The Soft But Statement Blush

Clarins Joli Blush in Cheeky Pink

To add a bit more soul and "timeless" depth to the look, the kind Margot’s artist, Pati Dubroff, is famous for, I love layering in this Clarins favourite.


It’s a powder, but it certainly doesn't feel like one. It’s infused with hazelnut oil, so it keeps the skin feeling soft and comfortable. I find the berry tones in 'Cheeky Pink' are ideal for creating that slightly moody, romantic depth that defines the Brontë aesthetic. It blends beautifully, so you never have to worry about harsh edges.


3.The 'Mist-Kissed' Glow

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Blonzer in Rose

A huge part of the Wuthering Heights look is skin that looks a little bit damp, like you’ve been out in the mist. To get that without using chunky glitter, this illuminator is a must-have.


This Blonzer is a blush-bronzer hybrid that mimics that specific sun-and-wind flush. Instead of a flat pink, the Rose shade gives you that deep, blood-rushing-to-the-surface glow.


It’s a cream-gel, so it stays dewy and avoids that overdone look. Dab it across your nose, too. It’s the golden rule of the Brontë look.

4. The High-Fashion Finish

GIVENCHY Prisme Libre Blush in Flanelle Rubis

To replicate the complex reds seen in the Wuthering Heights palettes, the Givenchy Prisme Libre is a masterpiece. It adapts to your skin tone and environment, keeping that flushed, emotional look vibrant and natural-looking all day long.


Final Thoughts

What I love most about the Brontë Blush is that it’s inherently imperfect. It’s a trend that celebrates life's messy bits, the wind, the cold, and the genuine feeling behind a flush.


If you’re worried about the red tones looking too much, my best tip is to keep the rest of your makeup very minimal.

A groomed brow and a bit of clear balm on the lips are all you need to keep the focus on that poetic, moor-misted glow. It’s about looking like yourself, just perhaps a slightly more dramatic version.


Are you ready to embrace a bit of gothic romance? This trend is such a breath of fresh air, it’s all about letting your skin breathe and leaning into that natural, healthy flush.

FAQS

Is the Brontë Blush suitable for oily skin?

Yes, but the key is in the layering. While the trend loves a dewy finish, you can use a powder like the Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose or Pressed Powder to set the look in place. It keeps the colour vibrant without letting your T-zone get too shiny.

How do I prevent the red tones from looking like a skin irritation?

It’s all about the base. Make sure you’ve evened out any natural redness around the nose or chin with a bit of concealer first. By concealing, the blush looks like a deliberate, healthy glow rather than an allergy.

Can I wear this look for the office?

Absolutely. Just dial down the intensity. Start with a light layer of the bareMinerals Blonzer and skip the nose-bridge application for a more traditional, "awake" look that still feels fresh.

What lip colour works best with this trend?

Keep it simple. You want the cheeks to do the talking. A tinted balm or a "your lips but better" nude works best. If you want to go full gothic, a sheer berry stain on the lips is a lovely way to tie the whole look together.

Chelsey Edmunds Escentual Author

Chelsey, Escentual Beauty Editor

With over 18 years of working in the beauty industry, I'm here to bring that experience directly to you, offering expert advice to achieve your personal beauty goals.

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