Pro tips for mastering Prada Beauty's viral Touch Cream-to-Powder Blush
Celebrity makeup artist Janica Cleto shares how to apply, layer, and choose the best Prada Touch blush shades for morena skin
Prada Touch (Photos: Prada Beauty)
Recently, Zendaya's ethereal glow at the red carpet premiere of “The Odyssey” sent beauty enthusiasts into detective mode. The answer behind her fresh, softly sculpted cheeks was later revealed by makeup artist Ernesto Casillas: Prada Beauty's newest Touch Cream-to-Powder Blush.
For Filipino beauty lovers, recreating that coveted flush no longer requires waiting for an overseas release. Prada Touch has officially landed at Prada Beauty's flagship store in Greenbelt 5. To celebrate its arrival, the luxury beauty brand hosted a masterclass on July 31 led by celebrity makeup artist Janica Cleto, who shared practical techniques for getting the most out of the product, from choosing the right shade to making it last in the country's humid weather.
A cream that finishes like powder
Prada Touch introduces a cream-to-powder formula that melts into the skin before setting into a soft matte finish. The blush combines the blendability of a cream with the wear of a powder while remaining buildable, allowing users to go from a subtle flush to a more sculpted look. It is also designed as a multi-use product that can be applied on the cheeks, lips, and eyes for an easy monochromatic makeup look.
Janica demonstrated exactly that during the masterclass, using the blush not only on the cheeks but also on the model's eyelids and lips for a fresh, coordinated finish. She advised applying the product with fingers instead of a brush.
"The best way to apply it will be using your hands or your fingers," she said, explaining that the formula blends seamlessly with the warmth of the skin and allows users to gradually build the intensity instead of applying too much at once.
The packaging has a hidden purpose
Beyond its pocket-sized triangular compact inspired by the brand’s iconic logo, she revealed that the packaging doubles as a makeup guide.
She introduced Prada's "triangle gestures," showing how the compact can help map blush placement depending on the desired effect. Positioning the triangle higher on the cheek creates a lifted, sculpted appearance, while placing it lower gives a softer, more romantic flush. The compact also features a stackable design, allowing multiple shades to connect together for easy, on-the-go use.
Layer, don't overload
For those worried about cream blush fading in tropical weather, Janica recommended saving one final layer for the end of the routine. She explained that complexion products like concealer and powder can slightly soften the blush's appearance, so after setting the makeup, adding another light layer helps refresh the color and extend its wear.
She also encouraged users not to be afraid of layering. "It's always better to layer," she said, noting that the formula remains blendable even after multiple applications, making it easier to control the intensity without looking heavy.
Shades that flatter morena skin
Among Prada Touch's eight shades, Janica recommends P71 Bow for morena complexions. Despite appearing as a nude brown in the pan, she said it leaves behind a natural pink flush that complements warmer skin tones. For those willing to try bolder colors, she also recommends R68 Cherry.
Although its bright red pan can seem intimidating, she said red mimics the skin's natural flush, making it surprisingly flattering across different complexions. She added that because Prada Touch is highly blendable and buildable, users can simply start with a light tap of the product and gradually layer until they achieve their desired look.
As Prada Beauty continues to expand its makeup line, the brand is also strengthening its roster of global faces. While model Bella Hadid fronts the new Prada Touch campaign as the brand's first global beauty ambassador, actress Zendaya names the face of Prada Paradoxe fragrance. Together, the two ambassadors represent Prada Beauty's vision of individuality and modern self-expression, whether through a signature scent or a touch of color.