The 20 Best Blushes for Every Skin Tone, According to Makeup Experts
What makes blush such a game-changer? As with a bold red lip or rich eyeshadow, think of blush as the accessory that makes or breaks your beauty look — the right hue instantly amplifies the vibe you’re going for, but the wrong shade can spell complete catastrophe. Not only does blush add color to your face — mimicking the naturally pinkish flush that some people get when they’re cold or embarrassed — it also creates a bit of dimension and visual interest.
“Blush can add life to dull skin,” says AJ Crimson, founder of AJ Crimson beauty. “It’s like a touch of happiness for the cheeks. It also can be that pop of color one needs when they don’t feel like wearing a full face or to accentuate features.”
More from WWD
And just like with other makeup products, you can always switch up which blush you use depending on the occasion.
“Any time is the best time to wear blush,” says Renée Loiz, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Color May Vary. “From being a regular in your everyday makeup routine to adding more at the end of the day for a night out, blush comes in handy anytime you need it.”
The different types of blush
No matter your typical makeup style — whether it’s a more fresh-faced feel or a totally glammed out look — there are countless varieties of blushes to choose from, ranging from cream to liquid to powder.
“Cream gives more of an intense color and is good for drier skin,” Loiz says. “Powder gives a softer look, but can be built up for more intensity. It’s good to use in oilier skin and can be used on top of a cream blush to set.”
Want to go ultra-vibrant? Try liquid blush, which has a lot of pigment and doesn’t require much to truly make a statement. “You really need just a drop or two,” Loiz says. “But it sets quickly to the skin, so you have to move quickly to blend it out evenly.”
One option for a more low-maintenance look is a cheek tint, which easily blends into skin without leaving powdery residue. Tint offers a natural dewy flush to the cheeks and can also be applied on the lips, giving you a multipurpose product that you’ll get tons of use out of.
How to find the best blush for your skin color
So, how do you know which blush is best for you? It all comes down to your personal preference, advises LA-based makeup artist Natasha Maldonado.
“Powder blush works best for clients who prefer a mattefied appearance, whereas creams and liquids melt right into a dewy assortment,” she says. “Soft pinks and muted mauves work well with fair complexions — rich berry and coral tones play well with deeper skin tones. From my experience, I find that cream blush formulas add hydration along with pigment, which is often flattering on mature skin.”
Since blush is typically intended to mimic the color of the rush of blood to the cheek area, it can include any shade in the red, pink, peach and purple color families, depending on a person’s complexion.
According to Crimson, for pale to light skin tones, reds and light pinks work well. For medium to golden- warm complexions, light pinks and peach tones are a good place to start. And for deeper complexions, he recommends bright pinks, fuchsias, oranges and warm plums.
How to apply blush
Everyone’s blush-applying technique is different. The key to a successful blush application depends on the formula you use.
“With creams and oils, I love using fingers or medium-sized blush brushes and beauty blenders,” Crimson says. “For powders, I use a fluffy powder brush to apply light layers and build, especially if you are new to blush. Use a medium-sized brush if you have some experience.”
Looking to give your face a subtle lift? Apply along the cheekbone toward temples in a sweeping motion. If more fullness is what you’re after, smile and apply to the apples of the cheeks. And if you feel like you may have overdone it on the pigment front, never fear: You can always add foundation on top of the blush to diffuse the coloring.
Below, check out the 20 best blushes for every skin color that you can start shopping right now.
Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick
Best Blush Stick
A great option for beginners, Hourglass’ lightweight cream blush is super buildable and easy to work with. “The stick application practically makes applying blush foolproof and seamless,” Maldonado says. “I love to use this on brides — the silky cream-to-powder formula seeps into the skin, adding a natural pop of color for a timeless finish.”
NYX Professional Makeup Powder Blush
Best Blush for Fair Skin
A silky, light pink blush is ideal for fair skin, adding just a touch of color without being over-the-top. NYX’s powder formula is richly pigmented and provides lasting wear. It also has a bit of luminosity that’s striking all on its own.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Blush Trio in Pool Party
Best Blush Palette
When Maldonado first received this Anastasia Beverly Hills blush back in 2017, she couldn’t put it down because of its versatility and finely milled formulas. “The compact comes with three different shades — each impactful on their own or totally mixable to create a customized flush of color,” she says. “If you’re looking for a powder blush starter, consider this set. Adding all three sets would be ideal to any makeup artistry kit.”
Nars Liquid Blush in Orgasm
Best Liquid Blush
For Crimson, this Nars shade has been a must-have in his kit for a long time because of its lasting glow. “I especially love it in the liquid formula,” he says. “I typically like to apply this first before foundation, build around it and slightly over to give the effect that color is peeking through, like it would with your natural skin. It’s slightly dewy and glowy.”
L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Blush
Best Drugstore Blush
When blending is your main objective, you need a soft texture that goes on smooth and blends evenly into skin. With 12 shades to choose from, you can easily find a natural flush of color from L’Oreal Paris that brightens up your cheekbones. It’s also oil-free and the compact comes with a built-in brush and mirror.
Maybelline New York Cheek Heat Gel Cream Blush
Best Drugstore Cream Blush
Maybelline’s lightweight gel-cream formula goes a really long way, offering natural looking color that glides onto the skin. It’s long-lasting and leaves behind a soft, dewy finish. Another rave review? It doesn’t look flaky or dry when applied and feels weightless on skin.
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Joy
Best Blush for Olive Skin
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez’s Soft Pinch liquid blush is available in a dewy and matte finish in an assortment of shades. For best use, gently remove excess product from the applicator, then use the doe-foot applicator and place one or two dots on each cheek. Lastly, use your fingertips to gently pat the formula into skin for a seamless finish. “This liquid blush took the internet by storm,” Maldonado says. “The oversized doe-foot applicator and component design is not only a pleasing sensory experience, but a little goes a very long way with this formula.”
Nars Blush
Best Powder Blush
Nars has been a blush heavyweight for years because of its superfine pigment that comes in plenty of hues and finishes. “There’s a reason why this award-winning powder blush from the brand has been a timeless staple in your makeup bag,” Maldonado says. “It’s available in shimmer, matte and satin finishes flattering for any skin tone. Each shade is uniquely divine and buildable to either contour, add a flush of color or highlight cheekbones.”
Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Malice
Best Blush for Brown Skin
This travel-ready compact from Chanel is perfect for taking care of touch-ups throughout the day. Crimson is also a fan of this hue for those with warmer skin tones. “It has just the right amount of peach and pink warmth in one,” he says. “The payoff is amazing, and I apply at the end of the application to finish the look.”
beautyblender Bounce Liquid Whip Cream Blush in Blissful Berry
Best Blush Color for Dark Skin
Not sure if you want a cream or powder finish? Opt for both with beautyblender’s hybrid cream-to-powder formula that also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. “This is new, and I’m in love because I love creams that are moveable and easy to blend,” Crimson says. “I also love this formula to use on the lips and the cheeks.”
Lorac Color Source Buildable Blush
Best Matte Blush
Can’t decide between a matte and satin finish? Lorac’s blush is as flexible as it gets — you can wear it sheer for a natural flush or layered for a dramatic effect. This formula is also infused with anti-aging antioxidants like pomegranate, acai berry and vitamins A, C and E. It’s very finely milled but packs a serious punch pigment-wise.
Kosas Color & Light: Crème Cream Blush & Highlighter Duo in 8th Muse
Blush for Cool Undertones
When you need a convenient compact that you can easily stash in your purse or pocket for a night out, this one fits the bill. “This cream blush and highlighter duo by Kosas is the winner for me,” Maldonado says. “The ingredients include apricot kernel seed oil to help soothe skin, rosehip seed oil to visibly brighten and jojoba seed oil to help balance skin. There are a multitude of combinations available for every skin type and shade as well.”
Patrick Ta Major Beauty Headlines – Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush in Do We Know Her?
Blush for Warm Undertones
Looking for the best of both worlds? Your search ends with this glamorous cream and powder blush duo by Patrick Ta that offers a dewy, long-wearing and hydrating glow. “The complementary formula shades may be worn alone,” Maldonado says. “Or, combine the application of a blush cream first, then top with blush powder for a stunning, bold look.”
Nars High Profile Blush Palette
If you happen to be shopping for the beauty lover in your life, this Nars blush palette is sure to be one of their new favorites. This holiday-themed blush, highlighter and contour palette has six limited-edition shades that are perfect for any occasion. You can easily build them on their own or mix with some of your other go-to blushes.
Fenty Cream Blush
What’s good enough for Rihanna is good enough for pretty much anyone else, right? Plus, Fenty’s super lightweight, non-greasy cream blush effortlessly blends into skin for a wash of natural-looking color. It’s also sweat- and water-resistant, so you can wear it 24/7 and not worry about having to reapply.
Mented Powder Blush
Available in four core colors, this Mented blush is blendable, buildable and highly pigmented, helping you sculpt and create naturally flushed cheeks. You only need a bit for vibrant color, and each shade works well for both casual and formal affairs. Plus, this vegan formula contains nourishing vitamin E that works to soothe your skin all day long.
Dehiya Beauty Cheek and Lip Tint
Want to get more mileage out of your makeup products? This multi-tasking pigment from Dehiya delivers a natural flush of color to your cheeks and lips that’s versatile — wear a little or a lot depending on how subtle you want your look to be. Feel free to wear it over bare skin, too.
Em Cosmetics So Soft Stick Blush
Cloud-like might be the best way to describe this Em Cosmetics blush stick. Its oh-so soft, blendable crème formula comes in a range of shades, from delicate neutrals to bold hues. As an added bonus, it’s infused with squalane and vitamin E for a creamy, luxurious texture. And best of all, it doesn’t break up any base makeup that you put on underneath if you apply it directly from the stick.
Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Blush
Charlotte Tilbury’s color-rich pigments are rolled into finely crushed pearls that smooth and buff your skin for peak blendability. With a paraben-free formula, this blush is available in six color combos that complement any skin tone. It can be layered for more dramatic looks, but the colors alone still create an ultra-healthy glow.
Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Blush Stick
For those who need the right mix of convenience and impact, Makeup by Mario’s dual-ended blush stick easily fits into your purse and offers sheer, buildable coverage all day long. Currently available in six colors, there’s a glowy, natural-looking shade that’s just right for you.
Courtesy of Sephora
Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
