19 of the Best Blushers, All Tested by a Beauty Editor

Merit Flush Balm in Sheer Red (£32)

When I first looked at the applicator and the shade I thought, gimmicky and not for me. Well, I was wrong. From the first swipe across my cheeks I fell in love with this blush. Not only does the colour add the much coveted "Just finished a brisk walk in the cold" flush, it seems to blur the skin and gives a natural-looking glow that is usually impossible to replicate – 100% recommend.

Fenty Freestyle Cream Blush in Big Melons (£22)

If you're looking to add a pop of colour this summer then this vibrant coral is for you. It is a cream formula, which means it can be built up depending on how bright you want to wear it. It can also be added to your lips and eyes for a simple, yet effective monochromatic makeup look. It is such a beautiful shade and adds a golden-hour glow to the skin that is basically the makeup version of an Aperol spritz at sunset.

Iconic London Blurring Blush Stick in Cosmo (£23)

I love a stick blush as it makes it easy to apply on the go, there's no need for brushes and I find it tends to last longer than a compact. It also makes application enjoyable, which I think is half the fun when it comes to makeup. This particular formula is so blendable, it looks seamless on the skin and has been designed to blur, so gives a filter-like finish.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Cheeky Posh in Fame (£39)

This isn't just any blush, this is apparently the shade VB wears herself. Super smooth and highly pigmented, this slick cream blush has the texture of a satin lipstick on first application but as you blend it into the skin it mimics the natural texture. It is the ideal shade for adding natural-looking contour to the cheekbones and under the temples.

Jones Road Lip and Cheek Stick in Tawney Nude (£34)

If cream blush scares you, then this is for you. As with all Jones Road products the idea is to enhance rather than hide or transform your face. This mauve rose is perfect if you have a cooler skin tone, think blue veins and a natural pink flush, as it adds colours without you looking red or flustered. It also has a slightly matte finish which tends to suit more mature skin.

Laura Mercier Blush Colour Infusion in Ginger (£31.50)

If you have oily or combination skin, or find that cream blush tends to disappear after a few minutes then it may be worth trying a powder. This shade adds warmth without leaving an obvious blush finish so it's ideal for those who like the no-makeup makeup look.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush in Truth (£26)

I have to admit it was a real toss up whether to include this over the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, however this finish is unlike so many others I have tried, so I couldn't complete a best blush round-up without it. This is a blush highlighter hybrid that gives skin an almost etheral finish. It is so pretty and ideal for pulling off a glazed skin finish. Apply on its own or on top of your cream blush for a three dimensional finish that will look good from every angle.

Catrice Blush Affair Liquid Blush (£5)

When it comes to budget offerings, this is as good as any I have tried. I tend to find the cheaper options don't last as long on the skin, however this stood up against some of its competitors and then some. Apply a few drops to cheeks and then blend with a small highlighter brush.

Haus Lab Colour Fuse Blush in French Rosette (£28)

It's not often powders are as highly pigmented as creams or liquids, however this blush can compete with the best of them. It has such high colour payoff that you do not need more than a swipe to achieve the blush look. I tend to also use this blush across my eyelids too.

Nudestix Nudescreen Blush Tint in Strawberry Sunkissed (£26.50)

A blush with added SPF, what's not to love? I love wearing minimal base in the summer so this is ideal as it not only adds warmth to the skin it gives you an added layer of sun protection especially across the nose and cheeks which can often be exposed to more sunlight.

Ruby Hammer Cheek Colour in Red (£24)

This packaging is not just super cute, it is really practical too. I love that you can see the shade through the top of the lid, but also that you can wind it up and down as you use it. It is also ideal if you are a bit of a makeup novice as you simple apply in one line across your cheekbones and then blend into the skin with either your fingers of a brush.

The Body Shop Sheer Touch in Brave (£14)

If you are looking for a stain-like finish then this is for you. Ideal if you are spending the day at the beach or by the pool as it won't run or separate like a cream or liquid can. It is also lovely on the lips so minimises the need for multiple products.

Rodial Blush Drops in Frosted Pink (£39)

A couple of drops of this and your skin will appear healthy, flushed and glowing. It has a really silky texture that blends into skin and can be built up to achieve the desired finish. I love adding this to the top of my cheekbones and around the temple.

Glossier Cloud Paint in Storm (£22)

Available in 10 blush shades, I like how this has a shade for every skin tone and every mood. I particularly like Storm which a warm rose hue that really enhances medium to deep skin tones, giving a natural-looking flush effect. It is quite sheer on first application however the key is the way it can layer up without peeling or separating on the skin.

Vieve Sunset Blush in Cherub (£27)

This bold pink really makes the skin pop. It is not the shade for those looking for a subtle, natural-looking flush, instead it is for those who want to wear their blush loud and proud. I really like how highly pigmented this blush range is and find that it lasts for hours after application.

Bare Minerals Gen Nude Blonzer in Kiss of Pink (£27)

I love this product as my final step, it is ideal over the top of a cream product to make it last longer, or worn alone to give a natural looking flushed finish. As it has some warmer tones it can be worn across the forehead and under the chin too to add depth to the skin in place of an additional bronzer.

Refy Cream Blush in Guava (£14)

This cream blush is a very good mid-market option for those looking to experiment with bright or vibrant shades and don't want to spend a fortune. I like to dab it on to the top of my cheekbones and the middle of my lips for a bright, playful makeup look.

Sculpted by Aimee Cream Luxe Blush (£17)

This cream blush is my go-to "one product does it all". Because of its peachy, warm undertones it can be worn all over the face as a blush and bronzer. It blends seamlessly into the skin and can be built up to achieve a really bold colour or worn slightly sheerer for a more natural looking glow. It also gives skin a radiant finish – ideal for the days when you may need a bit of a pick-me-up.

Nars Orgasm Blush (£34)

When I think of blush I think of Nars Orgasm. This suits-all pink which gives the skin a soft shimmer and all-over glow is iconic for a reason, and it has now been given a 2024 update with a new formulation and added shades. I really like Orgasm+ as its the hue we all know and love but amped up to the max. Oh, to say I have tried many dupes over the years, there is nothing that will ever match the real thing.

Lauren Ezekiel is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism and 12 years' experience as a beauty editor at a leading Sunday supplement, she is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and is often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK, Health and Beauty, The Sun, ASDA, Dare and Metro.