Blush vs. Rouge: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on July 31, 2024
Blush refers to a reddening of the cheeks due to emotion, while rouge is a cosmetic used to color cheeks red.
Key Differences
Blush and rouge have distinct meanings yet are interconnected through the theme of reddening of the cheeks. Blush refers to the involuntary reddening of the face, typically as a reaction to emotions such as embarrassment or excitement. It is a natural response, signifying a sudden rush of blood to the face. On the other hand, rouge is a red cosmetic, traditionally used to color the cheeks and emphasize their rosiness, deliberately applied to create the appearance of a healthy, vibrant complexion.
Both blush and rouge are also associated with the idea of youthfulness and health. A natural blush is often perceived as a sign of well-being and is associated with youthful vigor. Similarly, rouge is applied to mimic this natural flush, projecting an image of youthful radiance and vitality, although it is artificially induced. The application of rouge can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was used as a beauty enhancement technique.
While blush is an inherent, spontaneous reaction, rouge requires a conscious effort to apply. The application of rouge can be varied, with some preferring a subtle hint of color, while others opt for a more vivid and pronounced effect. This contrast highlights the inherent spontaneity of blush as opposed to the deliberate and controlled application of rouge, reflecting the difference between natural reactions and conscious embellishments.
In summary, blush and rouge are related concepts centered around the reddening of the cheeks but differ in their origin. Blush is a natural, involuntary response, often triggered by emotions, while rouge is a cosmetic product, intentionally applied to achieve a similar effect of reddened cheeks, serving aesthetic purposes.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Involuntary reddening of the face due to emotion
Cosmetic used to color cheeks red
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Origin
Natural and spontaneous
Artificial, applied as a cosmetic
Purpose
Reflects emotions and physiological responses
Serves aesthetic and beautifying purposes
Association
Related to emotions and well-being
Related to beauty and enhancement
Application
Occurs naturally
Needs to be consciously applied
Blush and Rouge Definitions
Blush
A powder or cream cosmetic used to give a rosy tint to the cheeks.
She applied a touch of blush to highlight her cheekbones.
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Rouge
A red cosmetic for coloring the cheeks.
She dabbed a bit of rouge on her cheeks to look more lively.
Blush
A slight or fleeting appearance.
The sky had a blush of pink at sunrise.
Rouge
A red or pink color.
The leaves turned a beautiful shade of rouge in fall.
Blush
A modest or coy demeanor.
With a blush, she lowered her eyes and accepted the praise.
Rouge
A deceptive practice to present a false appearance.
His charm was nothing but rouge to win her favor.
Blush
To become red in the face, especially from modesty, embarrassment, or shame; flush.
Rouge
To apply a red cosmetic to the cheeks or lips.
She decided to rouge her lips to match her dress.
Blush
To become red or rosy.
Rouge
A red or pink cosmetic for coloring the cheeks or lips.
Blush
To feel embarrassed or ashamed
Blushed at his own audacity.
Rouge
A reddish powder, chiefly ferric oxide, used to polish metals or glass.
Blush
A reddening of the face, especially from modesty, embarrassment, or shame.
Rouge
To put rouge onto
Rouged her cheeks.
Blush
A red or rosy color
The blush of dawn.
Rouge
To color or prettify as if with a facial cosmetic
"Their job is to rouge up the war ... to turn the horror into cheering press releases" (Richard Corliss).
Blush
A glance, look, or view
Thought the painting genuine at first blush.
Rouge
To use rouge.
Blush
Makeup used on the face and especially on the cheekbones to give a usually rosy tint. Also called blusher.
Rouge
Of a reddish pink colour.
Blush
An act of blushing; a red glow on the face caused by shame, modesty, etc.
Rouge
Red or pink makeup to add colour to the cheeks; blusher.
Blush
A glow; a flush of colour, especially pink or red.
Rouge
Any reddish pink colour.
Blush
(figuratively) Feeling or appearance of optimism.
Rouge
(Canadian football) A single point awarded when a team kicks the ball out of its opponent's end zone, or when a kicked ball becomes dead within the non-kicking team's end zone. Etymology uncertain; it is thought that in the early years of the sport, a red flag indicated that a single had been scored. (This scoring term is not often used in Canada, with the term single being more commonly used.)
Blush
A sort of makeup, frequently a powder, used to redden the cheeks.
Rouge
(obsolete) In the Eton wall game, a scrummage, melée.
Blush
A color between pink and cream.
Rouge
In the Eton College field game, a scoring move accomplished by touching the ball down behind the opponents' goal-line (somewhat similar to the try in rugby). Originally, the player who scored the rouge had a chance to kick a goal, and the rouge was used as a tie-breaker if an equal number of goals was scored by each side. In the contemporary Eton College field game, a five-point score is awarded for kicking the ball so that it deflects off one of the opposing players and goes beyond the opposition's end of the pitch, and then touching the ball.
Blush
A pale pink wine made by removing the dark grape skins at the required point during fermentation.
Rouge
(obsolete) From 1862 to 1868, a similar scoring move in Sheffield rules football. From 1862 to 1867, accomplished by touching the ball down after it had been kicked between two "rouge flags" either side of the goal. From 1867-1868, awarded for kicking the ball between the rouge flags and under the crossbar.
Blush
The collective noun for a group of boys.
A blush of boys.
Rouge
A red amorphous powder consisting of ferric oxide, used in polishing and as a cosmetic; crocus; jeweller's rouge.
Blush
(intransitive) To become red in the face (and sometimes experience an associated feeling of warmth), especially due to shyness, shame, excitement, or embarrassment.
The love scene made him blush to the roots of his hair / to the tips of his ears.
He wasn't used to this much attention, so he blushed as he saw dozens of pairs of eyes watching him.
Rouge
(ambitransitive) To apply rouge (makeup).
She rouged her face before setting out for the party.
Blush
To be ashamed or embarrassed (to do something).
Rouge
Red.
Blush
(intransitive) To become red.
Rouge
A red amorphous powder consisting of ferric oxide. It is used in polishing glass, metal, or gems, and as a cosmetic, etc. Called also crocus, jeweler's rouge, etc.
Blush
(transitive) To suffuse with a blush; to redden; to make rosy.
Rouge
A cosmetic used for giving a red color to the cheeks or lips. The best is prepared from the dried flowers of the safflower, but it is often made from carmine.
Blush
(copulative) To change skin color in the face (to a particular shade).
When he saw it, he blushed a beet red.
I wasn't surprised, but it was embarrassing enough that I blushed a little pink.
Rouge
To paint the face or cheeks with rouge.
Blush
(transitive) To express or make known by blushing.
Looking at me with a knowing glare, she blushed her discomfort with the situation.
Rouge
To tint with rouge; as, to rouge the face or the cheeks.
Blush
(intransitive) To have a warm and delicate colour, like some roses and other flowers.
The garden was full of blossoms that blushed in myriad shades to form a beautiful carpet of color.
Rouge
Makeup consisting of a pink or red powder applied to the cheeks
Blush
To glance with the eye, cast a glance.
Rouge
Redden by applying rouge to;
She rouged her cheeks
Blush
Of dope or varnish: to develop an undesirable white precipitate on the surface, due to being applied in humid conditions.
Rouge
The act of reddening the face using a cosmetic.
A quick rouge gave her a vibrant look.
Blush
To become suffused with red in the cheeks, as from a sense of shame, modesty, or confusion; to become red from such cause, as the cheeks or face.
To the nuptial bowerI led her blushing like the morn.
In the presence of the shameless and unblushing, the young offender is ashamed to blush.
He would strokeThe head of modest and ingenuous worth,That blushed at its own praise.
Blush
To grow red; to have a red or rosy color.
The sun of heaven, methought, was loth to set,But stayed, and made the western welkin blush.
Blush
To have a warm and delicate color, as some roses and other flowers.
Full many a flower is born to blush unseen.
Blush
To suffuse with a blush; to redden; to make roseate.
To blush and beautify the cheek again.
Blush
To express or make known by blushing.
I'll blush you thanks.
Blush
A suffusion of the cheeks or face with red, as from a sense of shame, confusion, or modesty.
The rosy blush of love.
Blush
A red or reddish color; a rosy tint.
Light's last blushes tinged the distant hills.
Blush
A rosy color (especially in the cheeks) taken as a sign of good health
Blush
Sudden reddening of the face (as from embarrassment or guilt or shame or modesty)
Blush
Turn red, as if in embarrassment or shame;
The girl blushed when a young man whistled as she walked by
Blush
Become rosy or reddish;
Her cheeks blushed in the cold winter air
Blush
A reddening of the face due to emotion.
When complimented, she would blush with embarrassment.
Blush
A type of makeup in various shades used to color the cheeks.
The blush came in a palette of warm tones.
FAQs
Can rouge have different shades?
Yes, rouge comes in various shades of red and pink.
Can blush be controlled?
It’s a natural response and is usually involuntary and uncontrollable.
Is blush a sign of anxiety?
It can be, as it is often a response to heightened emotions.
Is blush always due to embarrassment?
No, blush can occur due to various emotions like excitement or shyness.
Is rouge only used on cheeks?
Primarily yes, but it can also be used on lips to add color.
Can blush be used as a cosmetic?
Yes, blush is also a cosmetic product used to add color to the cheeks.
Can rouge be natural?
No, rouge refers to the artificial cosmetic product or the act of applying it.
Is rouge always red?
Rouge is typically red or pink but can have different shades.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
