By Jia Lissa 
Maura Higgins, a prominent figure in reality television who first captured the public’s attention on Love Island and more recently captivated audiences on The Traitors, has consistently set beauty trends for her legions of fans across Ireland and the United Kingdom. Her signature sharp winged eyeliner and expertly contoured features have long served as a source of inspiration. Now, the Irish star’s evolving makeup approach is making waves in the United States, particularly her innovative application of blush. During her recent press tour following her Traitors appearance, Higgins has been showcasing a refined and strategic placement of blush, drawing significant attention from beauty enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
The most notable shift in Higgins’s makeup artistry was observed during her hosting duties at the red carpet premiere of A24’s highly anticipated film, The Drama, which features a star-studded cast including Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. On this occasion, Higgins sported a blush application that was noticeably higher on the face, appearing to be strategically placed just beneath her eyes. This technique created a remarkably "snatched" and lifted effect, enhancing her already striking facial structure. A deeper dive into her recent appearances reveals this is not an isolated experiment but a deliberate exploration of blush placement, often in collaboration with renowned makeup artist Patrick Ta. Ta is celebrated for his distinctive approach to blush, frequently employing unconventional techniques to achieve his signature looks.
The Rise of Under-Eye Blush: A Sophisticated Technique
The practice of applying blush beneath the eyes, extending upwards towards the high points of the face, is a sophisticated makeup strategy gaining increasing recognition. Makeup artist Andrew Denton explains that when applied in this manner and swept outwards towards the temples, the technique "sculpts and accentuates the highest points of the mid-face." He further elaborates on the aesthetic benefits: "The proximity to the eye adds width to the upper cheek due to the high placement, and that connection between the outer eye and the highest part of the cheekbone creates a lot of lift." This strategic placement not only sculpts but also serves a dual purpose by potentially counteracting the appearance of under-eye darkness.
Denton highlights the practical advantage of this technique for those utilizing color-correcting concealers. "If you’ve used color-correcting concealer, adding a pink-y powder blush on top will not only help set the concealer, but will also help neutralize any blue tones your concealer is struggling to tackle," he states. This functional aspect of under-eye blush has influenced product development, leading to a surge in pink-toned setting powders designed to complement this application method. Products such as the One Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder, Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Powder, and the Catrice Bright and Blur Setting Powder, all of which have garnered acclaim from Allure editors, are now favored for their ability to support this trend.
Chronology of a Trend: From Red Carpet to Everyday Glamour
Maura Higgins’s recent public appearances provide a clear timeline for the adoption and refinement of this under-eye blush technique. While the initial impactful display was at the The Drama premiere, her engagement with this method predates this event. She was observed at the 19th Annual Women In Film Oscar Nominees Celebration on March 13, 2026, where her makeup showcased a more subtle, yet still elevated, blush placement. Subsequently, at Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 34th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 15, 2026, Higgins continued to experiment with blush, hinting at a developing preference for higher cheekbone and under-eye application.
The deliberate and artistic application was further illuminated in a recent "Get Ready With Me" (GRWM) video featuring Higgins and Patrick Ta. In this behind-the-scenes glimpse, Ta meticulously demonstrated his layered approach to blush. The process begins with a liquid blush, often in a vibrant bubblegum-pink shade, applied directly to the central area of the under-eyes. This is then blended outwards using a fluffy brush. Following this, liquid concealer is applied to the inner and mid under-eye areas, strategically avoiding the outer regions to allow the underlying blush to remain visible. Ta’s preferred tools for this include his Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer, though other high-performing options like the Armani Beauty Perfect Glow Concealer, a past recipient of an Allure Best of Beauty Award, can achieve similar results.
The next crucial step involves setting the liquid and cream products with a translucent loose powder. This is then followed by a masterful layering of blush and highlighter shades drawn from multiple Patrick Ta Beauty blush palettes. This multi-palette approach allows for the creation of a custom-blended hue, tailored precisely to Higgins’s skin tone and desired aesthetic. The sheer number of palettes utilized – reportedly four – underscores Ta’s dedication to achieving a nuanced and flawless finish.
Expert Analysis and Broader Implications
Andrew Denton emphasizes that this under-eye blush technique is not merely about aesthetics but also about psychological impact. "It’s a look that can be easily adapted for everyday wear," he notes. For individuals seeking to appear "lifted, bright, and energized," particularly on days when fatigue might be a concern, this method offers a potent solution. Denton provides essential guidance for replicating the look effectively: confidence in one’s chosen blush shade is paramount, the placement must remain consistently high on the face, and it is critical to avoid covering the entire under-eye area with blush, as this can inadvertently draw the eye downwards and detract from the intended lifting effect.
The strategic integration of this blush technique by a personality as influential as Maura Higgins carries significant implications for beauty trends in the US market. Her consistent adoption of this method, reportedly appearing in four or five subsequent looks after her initial appearances, signals a genuine commitment to this style. This sustained endorsement is likely to inspire a wider audience to experiment with under-eye blush, moving it from a niche celebrity technique to a more mainstream beauty practice. The trend aligns with a broader movement towards more sculpted and lifted facial aesthetics, often achieved through strategic application of contour and blush. Furthermore, the emphasis on using pink-toned products to brighten and counteract darkness under the eyes offers a practical and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional concealer-heavy approaches.
The collaboration with Patrick Ta, a makeup artist whose work is highly sought after and influential, further legitimizes this technique. Ta’s involvement suggests a considered and artistic approach, rather than a fleeting trend. His willingness to share his methods, as demonstrated in the GRWM video, empowers consumers to attempt the look themselves, potentially driving sales of specific product types, such as liquid blushes and pink-toned setting powders.
The continued embrace of under-eye blush by Higgins suggests that this trend is poised for longevity. It offers a sophisticated and adaptable way to enhance facial features, providing both cosmetic lift and a radiant appearance. As more individuals discover the transformative power of this technique, it is expected to become a staple in many makeup routines, solidifying Maura Higgins’s status not only as a reality television star but also as a significant influencer in the global beauty landscape. The adaptability of the technique, from dramatic red carpet looks to more subtle everyday applications, ensures its broad appeal and potential to become a lasting beauty staple.