Blushes are a common product in most of our makeup bags since they can drastically influence our look. You can create a natural flush or make a dramatic statement! If you choose the right blush, it'll make your face look bright and awake. On the other hand, choosing the wrong one can make you look old and tired.
There are many blush options, and each one is different in terms of formula, texture, and finish. We consulted with a professional makeup artist, and have crafted a buying guide to summarize the information that you need. On top of that, we've also read a ton of reviews to find the ten best blushes to buy online.
Quick List - Top Blushes
Natalya is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles and has been trying new products to find what is best for each individual's skin tone and type. She is self-taught but wanted to further her education, and she went to a makeup school in Los Angeles to learn the ins and outs of makeup. She has tried many makeup brands and products and can proudly say she has found some of the best and longest-wearing products. As a freelance makeup artist, she wants her clients not to worry about their makeup not lasting as long as they need it to.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
When selecting a blush product, it's important to consider skin tone, blush types, and skin condition. Plus, you have to think about proper application! Some blushes can be applied with fingers while others require applicators and a little skill.
Skin tone plays an important role when it comes to choosing a flattering shade. One shade rarely suits all skin tones! If you choose the wrong shades, it can ruin your whole look.
If you have a light skin tone, it's better to stick with natural shades. Baby or soft pink is a safe choice. If you have yellow undertones to your fair skin, consider a soft peach. It'll help your skin look natural and glowy! Try to avoid colors like bright pink, deep pink, and orange.
Blush should bring color back into the skin that we naturally have. A light natural look on fairer skin, the lighter shades of blush would look best. If you apply too much color on the cheekbones, it can look overwhelming. The goal of a blush is to bring back that natural glow to the skin while adding warmth.
Luckily most shades suit olive skin; however, earth-toned colors like coral and peachy pink will create a natural, fresh look. Rose shades also match with this skin tone, but we recommend staying away from pale pinks.
If you have medium skin with warm undertones, dark peach is your color. On the other hand, if you have medium skin with cool undertones, you should go for a pale or light purple. If you are neutral, choose a purple with a little red in it.
In general, rose pink also works well with casual outfits or on days that you want a natural look.
If you have dark skin with warm undertones, reddish-orange or brick are your best choices; however, if you have cool undertones, choose a light berry or dark reddish-brown. Avoid pale or light colors, as they may wash out your beautiful skin tone!
Blush types can help you achieve a certain look and compliment different kinds of makeup. Choosing the right type can brighten your face and bring harmony to your finished look!
This type of blush is the most commonly used. It provides a matte finish with a more natural look. It's also long-lasting, with most staying on your skin for about 7 to 8 hours. You'll need a brush to apply powder blush though!
A fluffy brush is the best applicator as the soft, feathery texture makes it easy to apply and blend. Since a brush is required, powder blush might not suit beginners. You might end up putting too much product on your cheeks and may not be able to blend it out well. As a result, it'll create unnatural look.
Cream blush and blush sticks have the same sheer and buildable formula. The only difference is the packaging. Both types provide a dewy, glowing, and natural finish. These products typically include essential oils and moisturizing ingredients.
You can use your fingers or a sponge to apply cream blush, so brushes aren’t necessary. If you want to use a brush, a stippling brush the best choice.
Most cream blushes will last quite long, clocking in at around 5 to 6 hours. However, one thing to note is that they can be sticky if you apply too much.
Cream blushes are great for dry skin and add a sheer wash of color. Cream blushes should be applied on top of the base before any powder. Cream products work best with other cream products. For a smooth blended application, a cream is to be applied on top of an unpowdered foundation.
Most people use a gel blush for touch-ups during the day or during summer. The gel-like texture feels light on skin and results in a sheer finish. This makes it ideal for natural summer looks or for maintaining your look throughout the day!
Most gel blushes are multi-purpose, so they can be used for lips too!
You can use your fingertips for application, so it's a perfect blush for beginners. Since it's lightweight, easy to control, and not very pigmented, you don't need to worry about putting on too much color on your cheeks. However, gel blush sometimes isn't very long-lasting.
Gel blushes are generally more transparent and add a wash of color. This gives you the no-makeup makeup look and adds a hint of color. It is best to not wear any powder makeup to prevent clumps when mixed together. Cheek gels that are water-based are not recommended for dry skin.
Liquid blush is lightweight but pigmented. It combines the lasting power of powder blush and the dewiness of a cream blush. It can be applied using fingertips, sponges, or brushes.
Synthetic stippling brushes work well for liquid blush since they don’t absorb too much product. Natural hair brushes are a little porous and may absorb product. However, some of the liquid blushes come with an applicator brush that looks similar to a nail polish brush.
Tinted blushes and cheek stains are types of liquid blush that suit with people who want a very long-lasting product. It usually lasts all day and won't come off until you wash your face with a cleanser!
Tinted blush is good for outdoor activities where you'll sweat a lot. However, the formula is quick-drying, so you'll have to apply quickly and be careful of over-application!
If you have sensitive skin, reading the ingredients is key when choosing the right blush. Try to avoid ingredients like parabens, mineral oils, and talc that can irritate your skin.
Creams, sticks, and tints are best for dry skin. They provide moisture and won’t dry your skin out. If you're seeking a long-wearing option, try a tinted blush. These are less moisturizing but won't look cakey on dry skin.
Combination or normal skin types can handle any style of blush. Lucky you! You can choose based solely on what textures, colors, and finishes you like.
Powders and gels are best suited for oily or acne-prone skin. Powder blush is the best option since it won't add additional shine to your skin. Moreover, gel blush is also good for days that don't require a long wear time.
Changing your makeup look with the seasons is quite popular! Not only is it fashionable, but it's also a fun way to change up your style. Certain products work better with different temperatures too.
People tend to wear light and lively colors in summer and spring. Think bright pinks, corals, oranges, and purples. In winter and fall, deep and more natural colors are popular. Rich, natural pinks and plums reign supreme.
The texture of blush is also important! Most people choose a lightweight texture, like a gel, for summer. Gel doesn't feel greasy or add extra oil. On the other hand, cream blush is popular for winter because since skin often becomes dry or patchy, so more moisture is required.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | NARS Blush|Orgasm | ![]() | America's Best-Selling Blush in 2019 | |
2 | Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks|Blushed Rose | ![]() | Multi-Tasking Cream Blush for Dry Skin | |
3 | Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush|Exposed | ![]() | Award-Winning and Long-Wearing Powder Blush | |
4 | Benefit Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain|Rose-Tinted | ![]() | Stay-All-Day Blush for All Skin Tones | |
5 | Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Color Balm |Amp'd Up Apple | ![]() | Natural-Looking Blush for Casual Days | |
6 | The Balm Cosmetics Hot Mama|Coral Pink | ![]() | Compact Packaging with the Best Shade for Summer | |
7 | Milani Baked Blush|Luminoso | ![]() | Cruelty-Free Blush with Different Finish Options | |
8 | HAN Skincare Cosmetics Cheek and Lip Tint|Cherry Cosmos | ![]() | Best Organic Blush with Deep Moisturizing Power | |
9 | Honest Beauty Cream Cheek Blush|Plum Berry | ![]() | A Creamy Blush with Safe Ingredients | |
10 | Glossier Cloud Paint|Dusk | ![]() | A Lightweight Blush That Plumps up Your Cheeks |
When we talk about blushes, we have to mention NARS blush! It was the best-selling blush in America in 2019. "Orgasm" is the best selling color, which is described as pinkish coral with gold shimmer.
This shade suits all skin tones and undertones and goes well with any outfit. The finish is satin-matte with a soft shimmer. It's free from parabens but contains some questionable ingredients like talc.
Reviewers say it would be better if the ingredients were completely safe to use. Moreover, some say the color doesn't show up if you have medium or dark skin tones. However, most people say it's a perfect blush! It's a quality, long-lasting product that gives a natural finish.
This multi-tasking cream blush can be used for both cheeks and lips. Blushed rose is a medium reddish-brown that is best suited for olive and medium skin tones with neutral or warm undertones.
The formula is pigmented and easy to blend with your fingers. It's also good for dry skin since castor oil is one of the main ingredients. As a result, it'll create a dewy and glowing look!
Some people say the texture is quite sticky; however, most people say the texture is smooth and creamy. Reviewers like that this product comes in three versatile shades and lasts for hours!
If you're looking for a matte and long-wearing blush, Tarte has your back. This blush can stay on for up to 12 hours! "Exposed" is the best-selling shade and is often out of stock due to its popularity. It's a natural pink color that suits light skin with neutral or cool undertones.
It's free from parabens, gluten, sulfates, phthalates, and mineral oils. Moreover, it doesn't add any shine to your skin but helps to control oil throughout the day instead.
Some people say it's not very pigmented and lasts for only 3 hours. Moreover, it's not as safe as claimed because it contains talc and mica. On the other hand, most people say it's a natural blush color, easy to apply, and worth the money. It's long-lasting and can be worn every day.
This is a lightweight yet buildable blush with SPF 15. Rose-Tinted works well for all skin tones; however, people with fair or pale skin should be careful of putting too much color on cheeks. Moreover, those with sensitive skin might want to avoid this product because it contains fragrance and parabens.
The packaging comes with an applicator brush, making it very convenient to apply anywhere. The formula is fast-drying compared with other types of blushes, so it's better to apply in a small amount each time and blend quickly. It can be used for lips, too!
Some reviewers weren't happy with the texture, saying it's too watery. They also find it difficult to blend because it drys very quickly. However, others say it creates a natural look and has a nice scent. It also stays on all day until you wash off your makeup with cleanser!
Amp'd Up Apple is a tawny pink that suits most skin tones with neutral and cool undertones. It's a sheer and lightweight blush that's free of oil. Instead, it contains beeswax and squalane as moisturizers.
It's creamy, easy to apply, and doesn't require any brush. So, it's good for beginners, too! Since it's a sheer formula, though, it's not very long-lasting and won't hold up during outdoor activities.
This is absolutely not the blush for oily skin as the color will fade quickly. Moreover, people say the price is quite high for the size. However, most people support the claim that it goes on skin smoothly and suited dry skin. It's also so easy to apply that they didn't even need a mirror!
This coral pink shade has a hint of golden shimmer that makes it perfect for a natural sun-kissed look. It suits most skin tones and all undertones. The formula is smooth and stays on your skin all throughout the day. The color is pigmented but can build up easily, too!
We're impressed that this multi-purpose blush can be used as blush, eye shadow, and highlighter. Moreover, the packaging is light and small, so it doesn't take up much space in your makeup bag. Plus, it comes with a mirror for on-the-go application.
Reviewers mentioned that poor packaging caused broken powder. Moreover, it can cause breakouts, especially for people with sensitive skin. However, many people compare this product with NARS Orgasm, and some say this shade is nicer with finer shimmer particles! This blush is absolutely a go-to product for summer.
This Cruelty-free blush comes in shimmer or satin-matte finishes. These finishes allow you to use this product for highlighting and contouring, too!
This pigmented and long-lasting blush comes in several shades. Luminoso is a coral with pearl shimmer, which best suits olive skin tones with neutral or warm undertones. In addition, you'll get a free mirror and a brush with your order. Moreover, the small size of the package makes it convenient to bring anywhere.
Some reviewers say the shades are different from the photos and that the blush isn't as long-lasting as it claims. However, some say the quality can be compared to high-end products. The small shimmer particles look natural, so many people also use it for highlighting as well!
This red shade is best suited for medium and dark skin tones with neutral or warm undertones. It comes from one of the safest brands on the market! It is 100% natural ingredients and is free from cruelty, gluten, and any toxic ingredients.
Instead, the main ingredients are shea butter, argan oil, coconut, and beeswax. These natural components provide intensive moisture for dry and sensitive skin. This blush stick can also be used for lips, too! On top of that, there are many color options that are all suited for everyday life.
Some people say the color is not pigmented and stays on for only a few hours. However, most people are happy with the safe ingredients and pleasant scent. They also say it moisturizes very well and gives a natural look. Even though it looks small, reviewers report that one tube can last up to six months!
Honest Beauty Blushes are free from toxic ingredients like talc, parabens, mineral oils, petroleum, and fragrances. Instead, most of the ingredients are from natural sources like castor oils, beeswax, and fruit extracts. These ingredients can nourish dry skin!
The shade "Plum Berry" suits dark skin tones with neutral or cool undertones. The cream formula makes it easy to blend with just your fingers. It makes your skin look healthy and dewy!
Reviewers say the texture is quite thick and not very easy to blend. They also find the package difficult to open. On the other hand, most reviewers say this long-lasting blush comes in natural colors that can be worn in all seasons. It doesn't cause any skin irritation, which is good for sensitive skin too!
This lightweight formula gives a matte finish without drying out your skin. Instead, it makes your skin looks dewy and plump! It's also free from cruelty, parabens, and fragrance. So, most people with sensitive skin have no issues when using this product.
"Dusk" is described as a soft peach with a touch of brown. It suits most skin tones with neutral or warm undertones. For fair skin tones, you can use this shade as a bronzer as well.
Reviewers say it's sheer but can be built up; however, it doesn't last very long. On the other hand, most reviewers say the formula is lightweight without feeling sticky or heavy on their skin. "Dusk" might be a little light for medium skin tones, so some users mix it with other colors to make it richer.
In addition to helping fact-check our buying guide, Natalya also took the time to answer some of the most-asked questions about blush.
"Load the brush and gently wipe a blush brush back and forth in the product. Tap excess product off if using a powder blush, dip your sponge into a cream blush, or use your fingers to apply a liquid."
Natalya also points out, "It is best to build up color rather than applying too much and having to remove it. You want to make sure the edges are blended out to give you a natural, smooth look."
Natalya explains, "Placement for blush should be the apples of the cheeks where the cheekbone begins on the face. The blush is applied directly in the center of the cheekbone and along the cheekbone. You can apply blush along the hairline and work to the center of the cheekbone. Do not bring the blush too far forward on the cheekbone and stop at the outer corner of the eye. The cheek should not drop below the nose."
In order to achieve your perfect makeup look, you need high-quality products that meet your unique needs! Check out these suggestions for other beauty products that you'll love.
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: NARS|Blush|Orgasm
No. 2: Bobbi Brown|Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks|Blushed Rose
No. 3: Tarte|Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush|Exposed
No. 4: Benefit|Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain|Rose-Tinted
No. 5: Clinique|Chubby Stick Cheek Color Balm |Amp'd Up Apple
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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