The Best Blush

You can have flawless eye makeup, but without blush, it's inevitable that your makeup is going to look dull. Few products can make as noticeable a difference in the way you look like blush. It doesn't matter if you're a powder-blush type of gal or if you love the versatility of a cream blush – that pop of color instantly makes you look healthier and radiant. That being said, not all blushes are the same, and the last thing you want is to spend money on a formula that leaves you with bright clown cheeks. Fear not, though, dear reader. After spending some time researching what the blush market has to offer, I can tell you these are the best ones out there.

Milani Baked Blush

Makes Me Blush

Hypothetically, if I was ever stranded in a desert island and had to choose one makeup product to bring with me, this would probably be it.
Best Overall

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In my humble opinion, this blush is the best of the best. If you’re looking for a blendable, silky, and flattering blush, look no further. Why? For starters, this beautiful powder is baked on Italian terracotta tiles. Fancy, right? Thanks to this traditional baking process, you get an ultra-smooth feel that looks astonishingly natural. The Milani Baked Blush features a multi-dimensional shade with a slight shimmer to give you the ultimate sun-kissed look. Not to mention, this is one of the most affordable blush options you can find out there.

Pros:

  • Cruelty-free and PETA-certified formula that’s never tested on animals.
  • Available in both shimmery and matte shades to match your style.
  • Wide range of shades that look beautiful on fair, light, medium, and dark skin tones.

Cons:

  • Packaging and mini-brush included look and feel cheaply made.
  • Not labeled as hypoallergenic or safe for ultra-sensitive skins.

Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel-Cream Blush

The Best Glossier Dupe Out There

Once you try a cream blush, there's no going back. If you want to jump on this (justified) trend without spending a fortune, this is your best option.
Best Cream

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I’m sure you’ve seen everyone raving about the Glossier Cloud Paint blush all over Instagram. The problem is that those blissful tubes can come at a high price. If you’re on the hunt for a gel-cream blush from a drugstore brand, look no further. This oil-free, water-based formula is weightless on the skin, has that coveted dewy finish, and comes in plenty of shades to help you find the one that complements your skin tone. It’s infused with watercolor pigments for a buildable look that is still natural-looking. If you’re going for that natural flushed look, this is your best pick.

Pros:

  • A buildable formula that doesn’t require much product, so a little bit goes a long way.
  • Very affordable price compared to similar brand-name products out there.
  • The gel-cream formula never looks powdery or cakey, giving you a natural finish every time.

Cons:

  • Maybelline is part of L’Oreal brands, and it isn’t cruelty-free (they still fund animal testing on products outside of the US).
  • Not labeled as hypoallergenic or safe for ultra-sensitive skins.

HAN Skincare Cosmetics All-Natural Cheek and Lip Tint

Like a Kiss on the Cheek from the Sun

A lip tint, a natural-looking blush, and a soft creamy eye-shadow all in one product. Can your blush do that? Didn't think so. This multi-purpose stick is about to become your favorite makeup product ever.
Best Cheek and Lip Tint

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Everyone dreams of having that one product that can tackle it all. Well, the HAN All-Natural Cheek and Lip Tint is the versatile product you’ve always dreamed about. You can add a touch of color to your face, no matter where you are, thanks to its easy-to-use stick presentation. Made with plant and mineral-based pigments, you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals getting near your eyes or lips. Perfect to use on your cheeks, lips, and eyes, having this little stick in your makeup bag can take you from looking dull and pale to healthy and vibrant in seconds.

Pros:

  • Made with only vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, and organic ingredients.
  • Formula enhanced with minerals, Argan oil, and vitamin E to nourish the skin at the same time.
  • The small and versatile stick package makes it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.

Cons:

  • The texture isn’t the creamiest when compared to other products.
  • It contains chunks of shimmer, which makes it a bit challenging to wear as a lip tint.
  • Not as moisturizing as other lip tint formulas.

Physicians Formula Powder Palette Blush

Girl, You are Glowing

Forget about harsh formulas irritating your beautiful skin. This blush by Physicians Formula will get you the sun-kissed look you want without irritating your skin.
Best for Sensitive Skin

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Anyone with sensitive skin knows a bit too well how challenging finding the right makeup products can be. If you’re looking for that natural-glow look, then you need to include this blush in your makeup repertoire. The Physicians Formula Powder Palette Blush is iconic, giving you the most buildable formula for sensitive skin types out there. Made from the finest Italian talc, you get a natural-looking, rosy glow with every use. Plus, the multi-dimensional pigments enhance your skin tone and correct imperfections at the same time.

Pros:

  • The formula is fragrance-free, oil-free, and non-comedogenic, making it perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
  • The packaging includes a mini-brush and a mirror for on-the-go touch-ups.
  • Labeled as hypoallergenic and formulated without harsh ingredients.

Cons:

  • Limited shade diversity, especially for darker skin tones.
  • Little-to-no shimmer formula that has a matte finish that can look dull on certain skin tones.
  • The pressed powder formula has a lot of fall-outs while using it with a brush.

Black Radiance Artisan Color Baked Blush

The Most Sought-After Blush for Dark Skin Tones

You already know how challenging it can be to find a blush that's highly-pigmented but still gives you a natural look. Well, your makeup prayers have been heard with this blush.
Best for Dark Skin Tones

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It’s no secret that the beauty industry could use more diversity in their products. For anyone with a dark skin tone, finding a highly-pigmented blush product can be almost impossible. The Black Radiance Artisan Color Baked Blush is here to answer all your prayers. The beautiful, silky-smooth formula blends easily to enhance your features and cover up any imperfections without looking cakey. It’s made from a baked terracotta color that can be used dry to highlight, color, or contour the cheeks – but that’s not all. This multi-functional product has a little secret. When used wet, it turns into a sheer cream that smoothly glides over your skin to give you a more intense and long-lasting color.

Pros:

  • A highly-pigmented formula looks natural while still giving you room to build up coverage to get your desired look.
  • Minimal fall-outs thanks to the pressed baked formula that blends easily whether you use it dry or wet.
  • A multi-functional formula that can be used dry or wet to give you a perfect look.

Cons:

  • Not labeled as vegan, hypoallergenic, or safe to use on ultra-sensitive skins.
  • The shades can look more like a bronzer than a blush on certain skin tones.
  • Minimal range of shades and shimmer-finishes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right blush color?

When shopping for a blush, online or in-store, you have to first think about your skin tone. For fair/light skin tones, you should gravitate towards soft pinks, light corals, and peach tones. You want to try warm mauves, pinks, or a deep peach blush color if you have a medium skin tone. If you have dark skin, then go for a deep fuchsia, warm brown, or tangerine shades for your blush color.

Why does my blush fade throughout the day?

You’ve probably noticed that your blush starts fading at some point during the day. While it might be the formulation, it could also be your skin type. For example, oily skins produce excess oil that can absorb the blush pigments and make your blush look faded. To prevent this from happening, try using a setting powder or setting spray. Another great tip is to use a cream blush under a matching powder blush to make it stay on longer.