Wait, Why Aren’t You Using a Liquid Blush Right Now?

Gone are the days of ruddy rouges that fade quickly — because beauty brands have finally stepped up their liquid blush game. Makeup artists swear by liquid blushes because they provide a beautiful and buildable color payoff, which is rather difficult to achieve with powder and cream blushes. Liquid blushes are also more hydrating and longer-lasting compared to other formulations.

Liquid blushes are also having a major moment on TikTok — thousands of mini-reviews, hauls, and cold girl makeup tutorials have amassed a casual 442.3 million views. As Best Products' beauty editor and resident blush (and TikTok) fiend, I connected with a makeup artist about how to apply liquid blushes and, of course, the best ones to shop for.

Best Liquid Blushes

What to Consider

Your Skin Tone

Makeup artist Sara Wren's biggest liquid blush takeaway is to select a color that mimics your natural flush. The goal is to look like you're blushing rather than look like you're wearing blush. She says, “If you’re fair, stick to lighter pinks and peaches that are able to be worn sheer. For medium and deeper skins, play in the deeper oranges and plums for a pop of color that melts seamlessly into [the] skin.”

Most of these liquid blushes are available in at least two shades, except for one TikTok-famous beauty product: Youthforia BYO Blush, which changes color to suit your beautiful complexion!

How to Apply

Wren, who is the director of artistry at Milk Makeup, loves liquid blush because it's easy AF to apply. You can opt tp simply add a dot of liquid blush to the apples of your cheeks and allow the warmth of your fingers to melt the product into your skin for a fresh-looking flush. Alternatively, you can use a wet makeup sponge, such as the iconic and Best Tested Beautyblender, or a makeup brush if you prefer.

“Using a damp sponge will sheer out the color and give the skin some extra glow,” says Wren. “Using a brush is great for buildability and layering with other creams, liquids, and powders. Plus, using fingers is great for quick application on the go.” Regardless of which beauty tool you use, blend upward for a lifted effect.

How We Chose

As it goes with so many products in the crowded beauty space, shopping for a liquid blush can feel overwhelming. Luckily, I did the hard for you and carefully researched hundreds of options sold at your most-trusted beauty retailers, including Sephora, Ulta, and Amazon.

Beyond selecting liquid blushes that are made in multiple shades and at various price points (the Milani Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush is less than $10!), I read a seemingly infinite number of online reviews to ensure they're on point and worth your hard-earned coins. Wren also shared her all-time favorite liquid blush (Milk Makeup Bionic Liquid Blush), which boasts a clean formula that's safe for even the most sensitive skin types.