By Amie Yansane
While scrolling through my TikTok last year, I found many videos of people showing their makeup
routines and occasionally rating their old makeup looks. A few videos displayed the creator’s cringing over
their previous makeup styles, often reminiscent of trends from the past. As it is expected to regret stylistic
choices from our junior years, many creators would diagnose their younger selves with “blindness”;
eyebrow blindness, foundation blindness, and my personal favorite, blush blindness.
Although this originally became a trend to laugh at what we once considered cool, I found the development of the trend to be quite alarming.
Like most trends on social media, this online term took quite a turn. Suddenly, it was no longer used to
poke fun at ourselves, but at random people.
It’s no surprise that people are mean online and give their unsolicited opinions, however, that doesn’t mean it
should be accepted. I was scrolling through my YouTube Shorts, and a woman proudly flaunted her bright
pink blush and stated it as her personal brand. Although I cannot see myself making that decision
stylistically, I applauded her through my screen because I love seeing people being experimental!
However, I saw that I was alone with the opinion, as most of the comments proclaimed that she had
“blush blindness”.
Maybe it’s because I like to have fun or have little knowledge of makeup, but I find that having “blush
blindness” is enjoyable. In the wake of the clean girl aesthetic taking over in the past two years, I find that
having a bit of blush blindness is brave. I believe that a little bit of blush is too conservative, and most
importantly, adheres to what is expected from the general public. This is of utmost importance for women,
as we’re expected to perform in ways that we may not enjoy.
So, for that very reason, I put on a bunch of blushes in spite of people hating the style. I wear my blush
blindness with pride in defiance of what is expected of me.
I hope you all embrace your blush blindness as well!