“If you’re extremely pale with red undertones (like Seyfried), you’ll want to choose a cool pink color,” Denno says. “Anything warm could make your skin look ruddy.” Denno’s top pick for fair skin tones like Seyfried’s is Ilia Cream Blush in Tenderly ($34).
Blush gets a bad rap. It seems hard to apply, the shade options are overwhelming, and there’s a chance it'll make you look like a clown. But whatever your reasons are for leaving it out of your makeup routine, your blushstinence ends today. Because is the one beauty product that can make even the sleepiest, most stressed-out person look like they just took a week-long nap on the sands of St. Tropez while cuddling a Golden Retriever puppy—all in under 30 seconds.
So today’s the day I dispel every myth and translate all the jargon, so you and your beautiful little gum drop of a face can live your best blush life. And if you don’t think you’ve been missing out on one of the most underrated pieces of makeup, please take a look at these incredible before-and-after photos, below, and get blending. Deep skin tones, like our model Imani’s, need bold, intense red pigments—anything too light or milky will read as ashy on deep skin, and anything too dark (like plums and burgundies) can look bruise-like. “A super-vivid, almost fluorescent red blush may seem crazy, but it actually translates to bright, fresh, and natural on deeper skin,” says makeup artist, the blush master behind these photos. “It’s one of those magical shades that manages to flatter both undertones—it cancels out sallowness on cooler skin tones, yet mimics the natural flush that’s seen in warmer skin tones.” TIP: The easiest way to apply blush is to lightly swirl it in circles from the apples of your cheeks to your temples using a. Though Ciucci used, you can get the same effect with any bright-red shade—as long as its matte. “ If you put anything oily or shimmery on deep skin, it tends to look almost too reflective, especially in photos, which is why I prefer a matte powder blush,” she says.
That’s not to say you can’t use a cream blush (live your life! You do you!), but if you want to avoid an oil-slick effect, make sure to choose a matte formula without glitter or shimmer. If you have darker skin, look for blush in the terracotta and brick family (i.e. Deep red-orange shades) to add a natural-looking depth and warmth to your face. “Amanda here has warmer undertones—you can tell because the base color of her skin looks yellow, not blue—so I used, a warmer brick-red blush with flecks of gold shimmer, to give her even more of a glow,” says Ciucci.
TIP: After applying it to your cheeks, tap a bit of blush across your lips to tie the whole flushed look together. If your brain just melted at the thought of having to decode your undertones, don’t freak. “Finding your undertone isn’t an exact science, and really, it’s not that important as long as you’re in the right shade family,” says Ciucci.
Which means even if you skew a bit cooler than our model Amanda, you’ll still look gorgeous using any brick-red blush. “When all else fails, a little bit of warmth will be your skin’s best friend,” she says.
We are committed to researching, testing, and recommending the best products. We may receive commissions from purchases made after visiting links within our content. Learn more about our. Blush is one beauty product that should have a permanent place in your makeup bag.
Gracing your cheeks with a bit of rosy color instantly transforms your complexion from tired, dull, and lackluster to glowing and radiant. Even if you're a no-makeup makeup kind of gal, just a touch of a cream, liquid, or powder formula is all you need to look fresh and wide awake. But finding the perfect blush formula for your skin tone, skin type, and overall preferences is certainly no easy task. Some formulas look beautiful in the compact, but when applied to the cheeks can turn into a streaky, blotchy mess. To help narrow down your options, we’ve uncovered the best blushes on the market. From silky powders to blend-able creams to dewy liquids, keep reading to see the best blushes you can buy now. Ringing in at just $8, you seriously can’t pass up this budget-friendly blush.
With buildable pigmentation and a smooth powder formula this blush blends like a dream. The baked powder comes in a variety of matte and shimmer shades ranging from pale peachy pink to deep raspberry that work for a variety of skin tones. Made with just the right amount of pigment, you can easily add a pop of color to the apples of your cheeks or—depending on the color you select—use it to shape and sculpt your face. Baked on Italian terracotta tiles, this formula adds a healthy flush with a few sweeps across the cheeks. What’s not to love about cream blush?
They’re easy to throw in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups or application and can be applied with just your fingertips (just be sure they're clean!). This award-winning multipurpose formula from Stila Cosmetics leaves behind a sweet flush that looks almost undetectable due to its semi-sheer finish. The long-lasting gel-cream comes in a multitude of shades from pale pink to rosy to peach. Using dabbing motions, apply using your fingers or a stippling brush to create a healthy radiance. Note: cream blushes work best on those with dry or combination skin types as they help add hydration and dewiness to the cheeks. Courtesy of Sephora Just one swipe of this weightless cream-to-powder formula leaves the skin with a healthy flush. Featuring 10 vibrant hues like tangerine and violet, it works for both fair and deep complexions.
The hybrid formula glides on with the ultimate ease, yet dries to a powder, so it literally won’t budge once it sets. You can apply it directly from the stick or warm the product up on the back of your hand, then dab and blend onto the apples of your cheeks or focus the product on your cheekbones for sculpted effect. You can also layer colors to create your own unique shades. Another plus? If you purchase more than one, the sticks have magnetized packaging that’s super travel-friendly and helpful for organization. Those with pale complexions can have a hard time finding blushes that work for their skin tones, as many can be too overpowering and lean into clown territory.
These luxurious blushes from Hourglass Cosmetics are perfect for a porcelain skin tone as they combine the brand’s luminous Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders with cheek-like hues to create the perfect balance of pigmentation and color. Made with photo luminescent technology, these blushes create a soft-focused veil of color that never looks unnatural or over-the-top. Fun fact: the Italian baked powders are handmade so no two blushes are alike. Try shade Dim Infusion for a soft coral or Luminous Flush for a subtle rosy flush.
Courtesy of Walmart These beautiful embossed blushes belong on your vanity (or in your makeup bag) for two reasons: they’re really pretty to look at and they have one of the silkiest powder formulas on the market. Boasting an incredibly velvety texture these semi-sheer pressed powders have satin pearls running through the formula.
When applied to the apples of your cheeks, you'll be left with a lit-from-within flush. Plus, you don’t have to worry about reapplying as the day goes on since they last from your morning coffee to your post-work wine. With four versatile hues and multiple finishes, there’s something for every skin tone and makeup look.
Courtesy of Nordstrom Vibrant poppy, rich raisin, and deep oranges are the way to go for those with beautiful, rich complexions. These vivid hues pop against darker skin providing a realistic-looking brightness and warmth.
With over 42 different shades and a mix of five different finishes: frost, matte, satin, sheertone, and sheertone shimmer, these MAC blushes add a healthy dose of color to deeper skin tones. The long-wearing formula adheres to the skin and applies evenly. To start, dip your blush brush into the pan, tap off the excess, then sweep across your cheeks in short strokes, then blend to diffuse the color.
Some of our favorite shades are Raizin, Sunbasque, and Loudspeaker. Matte blushes can be some of the most easy to wear since they don’t contain any shimmer or sparkle and don’t compete with the rest of your makeup look. While some formulas can appear dry or chalky on the skin, this longwearing matte version from Tarte Cosmetics gives the cheeks a shine-free wash of color. Chockfull of Amazonian clay, the formula helps control oil and shine, while balancing your complexion making it a fantastic option for those with oily skin or those who live in warmer climates. The true-color mineral pigments helps the powder lay on top of your foundation nicely and doesn’t crack or fade off in patches.
Plus, it’s dermatologist tested so it’s suitable for those with sensitive skin too. Courtesy of Sephora Give your cheeks the ultimate dewy effect with this NARS blush, which features the same iconic peachy pink shade from its award-winning powder line, but in liquid form. Infused with monoi and tamanu oils, this blush nourishes your cheeks while adding a kiss of natural-looking color. The blendable and weightless formula is also super easy to apply—just one small pump and you’re set for both cheeks. Warm a very small amount between your fingertips and then apply to the cheeks using light dabbing motions. Layer for your desired intensity.