15 best blush formulas – including creams, liquids and powders
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Be it a gentle halo of pink, a vibrant pop of coral or a foolproof peachy hue, the best blush has the uncanny ability to elevate our makeup in the most effortless way possible. “Blush should give your face a healthy touch, like you've got a lot of oxygen in your skin,” says professional MUA Gucci Westman, whose client list includes Anne Hathaway, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lawrence and Cameron Diaz.
Whether you're someone who prefers a subtle wash of colour or if you're team “there's no such thing as too much blush” ('cos same), there's no shortage of options to choose from. Today's blushers have evolved into the innovative formulas that continue to dominate the realms of #BeautyTok – including the likes of Rare Beauty, Rhode and Charlotte Tilbury.
From liquid blushes, powder blushes, cream blushes and everything in between, there's something to suit everybody's preference. And each of those iterations have their own benefits too. A liquid blush, for example, melts seamlessly into the skin without looking matte and cakey, while a cream blush can be more versatile and great for adding colour to your lips and eyelids as well as your cheeks.
So, how do you go about finding the one formula that will tick all the boxes? That's where we come in. Below, we've put together a roundup of the very best blushers of all time, including some of our tried-and-true faves. We've also taken the time to speak with MUAs to give us the lowdown on everything having to do with application, shade matching tips and more. Here's everything you need to know.
Best blushes at a glance, tried & tested:
- Best blush overall: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
- Best cream blush: REFY Cream Blush
- Best blush for buildable pigment: Glossier Cloud Paint Blush
- Best pigmented blush: Haus Labs Color Fuse Powder Blush
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Products displayed on the shelves courtesy of Oliver Bonas and Assouline.
Meet the experts:
- Celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman.
- Ateh Jewel, founder of Ateh Beauty
How to apply a blush
Traditional wisdom led us to believe that blush should never stray from just the apples of the cheeks. That said, a more modern way to wear blush is higher on the cheeks with a horizontal sweep of the brush “for a lifting effect,” says Gucci.
“If you have a bit of darkness under your eye it's also helpful to bring your blush a little higher,” she adds, as it can help to cancel out the grey blue tones. Or to create a sun-kissed look, you can even take your blush down the bridge of your nose, Gucci notes.
What you use in order to apply your beauty product often depends on the type of blush you're using as well as your personal preference. For example, powder blushes are best paired with makeup brushes, while you can apply most cream blushes by dabbing the product with just your fingers or a makeup sponge.
However, Gucci also notes that the size matters when applying any type of blush with a makeup brush. “You lose control with a giant fluffy brush, whereas a small brush allows you to be more targeted and to buff and blend."
Shop the edit of the best blushers below to find which one is right for you…
Best blush overall
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 5/5.
- Available shades: 11.
Why we love it: To nobody's surprise, we just had to give the top spot to Rare Beauty's liquid blush. The product went viral immediately after it launched and easily won over every beauty enthusiast's heart (including ours). Not only does it have a very lightweight yet long-lasting formula, but it's also super pigmented, buildable and extremely easy to blend. Oh, and did we mention that it also includes a botanical blend of white waterlily, gardenia and lotus to help soothe and nourish your skin too?
Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
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Best cream blush
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 3/5.
- Available shades: 7.
Why we love it: REFY's cream blush is incredibly buildable and pigmented, which allows you to go with the flow and create anything between a subtle glow and a radiant cheek tint. Its formula is perfectly suitable for all skin tones and types, including those with more sensitive skin. A little goes a long way with this blush, so don't be thrown off by its small size. It's also vegan, cruelty-free and dermatologically tested.
Tester: Chrissie Moncrieffe, GLAMOUR's Creative Producer.
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Best blush with buildable pigment
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 3/5.
- Available shades: 10.
Why we love it: We can always count on Glossier to deliver some serious goodness when it come to makeup. This sheer gel-cream blush has a lightweight yet buildable formula that gives your cheeks a dewy look and blends seamlessly into your skin. Its main selling point is that it's incredibly easy to layer and very difficult to overdo, making it the most failsafe option for any preference.
Tester: Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor.
Best pigmented blush
- Longevity: 3/5.
- Pigment: 5/5.
- Available shades: 6.
Why we love it: After a matte blush that packs some serious pigment? This cheek colour from Haus Labs could be just the thing. Available in five wearable shades, this formula makes for an effortless blend and diffuses into a soft-blurred finish that's sure to elevate any look. One of our favourite shades is Pomelo Peach, which is a stunning peachy hue that delivers a natural flush of colour.
Tester: Neamh Randall, GLAMOUR's Commerce Photo Editor.
Best powder blush
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 5/5.
- Available shades: 8.
Why we love it: This universal blush comes approved by makeup artists, influencers, and practically all beauty enthusiasts who are after natural-looking rosy cheeks. It has a formula that's infused with unique Colour Reviver technology that reacts to the skin's moisture level upon application to create a customised rosy effect. All you need to do it lightly stroke it onto your cheekbones and watch as they develop an ultra-natural pink shade. Our favourite shade has to be Pink 001, which is a cool-toned pink blush that's bound to complement a range of skin tones.
Tester: Georgia Trodd, GLAMOUR's Senior Commerce Writer.
Best shimmery blush
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 3/5.
- Available shades: 7.
Why we love it: Yes, this shimmery blush from Hourglass will look just as good on your skin as it does in the packaging. This hybrid formula is handmade and features marbled pans that create the perfect balance between pigment and powder, enhanced with Photoluminescent Technology for extra vibrancy, depth and dimension. We really rated the shade At Night, which is a cherry-like red with a splash of champagne shimmer that offers a radiant finish – a must or every season.
Tester: Robyn Eugene, GLAMOUR's Social Media Manager.
Best blush stick
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 5/5.
- Available shades: 7.
Why we love it: The Rhode Pocket Blush has just launched earlier this year, but in our humble opinion, it's definitely a solid contender for one of the best cream blushes out there. Featuring seven shades in total (including the limited edition Sprinkle), this formula melts into the skin and is extremely blendable – regardless of whether you're team makeup sponge, brush or fingers. We loved the buildable pigment and the versatile range of shades, which includes everything from muted pinks to corals and darker mauvy browns.
Tester: Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director
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1/9Best blush for a natural look
Sculpted By Aimee Cream Luxe Blush
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 3/5.
- Available shades: 5.
Why we love it: If you're someone who is a tad intimidated by most blushers due to their level of pigment – we don't blame you. Some formulas are also harder to blend and are trickier to sheer out, though that is definitely not the case with this blush from Sculpted by Aimee. This cream formula is available in five wearable shades and offers a natural-looking finish – from peachy hues to mauvy pinks and muted corals. A must for any blush look.
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2/9Best blush wand
Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand
- Longevity: 5/5.
- Pigment: 4/5.
- Available shades: 4 blush shades; 6 highlighter shades.
Why we love it: It's no secret that Charlotte Tilbury products have a reputation for giving the most gorgeous glow that can complement any makeup look, and this cream blush wand is no exception. It features a formula that is dewy yet fast drying, and lasts the entire day. The best part is that it also has a cushion applicator that applies the product evenly, making it that much easier to blend it on-the-go. Pssst, we recommend checking out Pinkgasm, which is a universal pinky shade with a touch of shimmer (can also double as a highlighter).
3/9Best liquid blush
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 4/5.
- Available shades: 8.
Why we love it: Looking for something with a luminous and dewy finish? A creamy and smooth consistency? And a flexible and buildable pigment? Trust us when we say that Saie's Dew Blush ticks every box in our book. This product is also suitable whether you're after a natural flushed look or if you're into a more intense pop of colour. The liquid formula also packs a few skin-loving ingredients too, thanks to a cocktail of mulberry extract, elderberry and evening primrose that helps moisturise and soothe your complexion.
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4/9Best 2-in-1 blush
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double Take Cream & Powder Blush Duo
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 5/5.
- Available shades: 12.
Why we love it: Why settle for either a powder or cream blush when you can have both? This product from Patrick Ta achieves exactly that by including both a weightless and non-cake-y powder as well as a hydrating and dewy cream blush that together combine for a radiant and headline-grabbing splash of colour. You can choose between a total of 12 (!) shades, so you're sure to find something that tickles your fancy.
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5/9Best cult-favourite blush
- Longevity: 3/5.
- Pigment: 3/5.
- Available shades: 11.
Why we love it: One of the most popular blushes out there, the iconic NARS ‘Orgasm’ needs no introduction. This product comes in a variety of matte and shimmery finishes and has a formula that's infused with transparent pigments, which helps it deliver a natural-looking flush that complements all skin tones. Sweeps effortlessly over skin and blends seamlessly to create a subtle look.
Save when shopping for the best blushes with these LookFantastic discount codes.
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6/9Best lightweight blush
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 3/5.
- Available shades: 5.
Why we love it: There's nothing better than a lightweight, sweat- and water-resistant cream blush, and that's exactly what we need all year round. This blush has a wide shade range and creates a sheer yet buildable finish that glides on without making your skin feel sticky or greasy. A strong contender for one of the best cream blushes to ever grace the beauty space.
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- 7/9
Best blush for an easy blend
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 5/5.
- Available shades: 6.
Why we love it: Looking for a compact cream stick blush that can provides a soft matte finish? Good news – your search is over, because this product is exactly what you need. All you have to do is apply your chosen shade from one end and use the soft bristled applicator brush on the other end to blend it into your skin. Trust us, not many other blushes can claim to be as easy to apply. Plus, just think about how convenient it'll be for on-the-go touch-ups.
8/9Best blush stain
Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 4/5.
- Available shades: 4.
Why we love it: There aren't many blush formulas out there that are just as unique as the Milk Makeup Water Jelly Tint. Having gone viral earlier this year, this lip and cheek tint is ideal for anyone who loves a lasting finish and a vibrant pop of colour. Available in four shades in total, this formula also doubles as a lip stain, however, be warned that it dries very quickly, so do make sure to blend it out immediately after applying.
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How to pick the right blush formula and shade
First of all, it's always a good idea to make a decision based on your skin type. If your skin tends to skew dry, opt for a gel or cream blush that includes some hydrating, skin-loving ingredients such as vitamin E and shea butter. On the flip side, people with oily skin are better suited to matte powder blush formulas.
We know that figuring out your perfect shade of blush can be a challenge on its own. But as soon as you take into account your skin tone, personal makeup style and all the latest trends, everything else is completely up to you: do you want something more subtle? Bold? Shimmery? Or bronze?
One good tip is to gently pinch your cheeks between your fingers for a few seconds in order to reveal your natural flush and match a suitable blush shade to accentuate it. A blush with golden and coral undertones works well with olive skin, while cooler rose and mauves are good blush choices for those with fair skin. Melanin rich skin looks especially luminous with berry, plum and hot pinks. “The reason a lot of blushes look ashy on black skin is that they are formulated with white pigment as a base,” says Ateh Jewel, founder of Ateh Beauty.
Feeling inspired to upgrade your makeup routine with more beauty products? Check out our guides on the best eyeshadow palettes, best bronzers, best foundations and best concealers. We can also help you pick the best lipstick, best highlighter, best eyebrow product, best mascara and more.
