Blush vs. Rouge: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 30, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
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.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Involuntary reddening of the face due to emotion.
Cosmetic used to color cheeks red.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
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Purpose
Reflects emotions and physiological responses.
Serves aesthetic and beautifying purposes.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Association
Related to emotions and well-being.
Related to beauty and enhancement.
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
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.
Harlon Moss
Sep 30, 2023
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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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Rouge
A red or pink color.
The leaves turned a beautiful shade of rouge in fall.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Blush
A modest or coy demeanor.
With a blush, she lowered her eyes and accepted the praise.
Janet White
Sep 30, 2023
Rouge
A deceptive practice to present a false appearance.
His charm was nothing but rouge to win her favor.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
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Blush
To become red in the face, especially from modesty, embarrassment, or shame; flush.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Rouge
To apply a red cosmetic to the cheeks or lips.
She decided to rouge her lips to match her dress.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Rouge
A reddish powder, chiefly ferric oxide, used to polish metals or glass.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Blush
A reddening of the face, especially from modesty, embarrassment, or shame.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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).
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Blush
Makeup used on the face and especially on the cheekbones to give a usually rosy tint. Also called blusher.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Blush
An act of blushing; a red glow on the face caused by shame, modesty, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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.)
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Blush
A pale pink wine made by removing the dark grape skins at the required point during fermentation.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Rouge
A red amorphous powder consisting of ferric oxide, used in polishing and as a cosmetic; crocus; jeweller's rouge.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Rouge
(ambitransitive) To apply rouge (makeup).
She rouged her face before setting out for the party.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Blush
(transitive) To express or make known by blushing.
Looking at me with a knowing glare, she blushed her discomfort with the situation.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Blush
Of dope or varnish: to develop an undesirable white precipitate on the surface, due to being applied in humid conditions.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Rouge
The act of reddening the face using a cosmetic.
A quick rouge gave her a vibrant look.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Blush
To have a warm and delicate color, as some roses and other flowers.
Full many a flower is born to blush unseen.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Blush
To suffuse with a blush; to redden; to make roseate.
To blush and beautify the cheek again.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Blush
A suffusion of the cheeks or face with red, as from a sense of shame, confusion, or modesty.
The rosy blush of love.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Blush
A red or reddish color; a rosy tint.
Light's last blushes tinged the distant hills.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Blush
Sudden reddening of the face (as from embarrassment or guilt or shame or modesty)
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Blush
Turn red, as if in embarrassment or shame;
The girl blushed when a young man whistled as she walked by
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Blush
A reddening of the face due to emotion.
When complimented, she would blush with embarrassment.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Blush
A type of makeup in various shades used to color the cheeks.
The blush came in a palette of warm tones.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
FAQs
Can rouge have different shades?
Yes, rouge comes in various shades of red and pink.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Can blush be controlled?
It’s a natural response and is usually involuntary and uncontrollable.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Is blush a sign of anxiety?
It can be, as it is often a response to heightened emotions.
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Is blush always due to embarrassment?
No, blush can occur due to various emotions like excitement or shyness.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Is rouge only used on cheeks?
Primarily yes, but it can also be used on lips to add color.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Can blush be used as a cosmetic?
Yes, blush is also a cosmetic product used to add color to the cheeks.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Can rouge be natural?
No, rouge refers to the artificial cosmetic product or the act of applying it.
Harlon Moss
Sep 30, 2023
Is rouge always red?
Rouge is typically red or pink but can have different shades.
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
