17 best blushes I've tested – from creams to liquids & powders
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Be it a gentle halo of pink, a vibrant pop of coral, or a foolproof peachy hue, choosing one of the best blushes is guaranteed to elevate your 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.
With summer just around the corner, now feels like the perfect time to invest in gorgeously glowy makeup products that'll have us all glistening in the golden hour sunshine. But where to begin with your shopping quest?
From liquid blushes to powder blushes and cream blushes , there's something to suit everybody's preference. And each of those iterations have their own benefits, too. Take liquid blush, for example. It melts seamlessly into the skin without looking matte and cakey – but it is easy to over-do it. Elsewhere, a cream blush can be more versatile and great for adding colour to your lips and eyelids as well as your cheeks – but the pigment may not be so strong.
Enter, our guide to the best blushers of TikTok fame. We've put together a roundup of the very best blushers of all time, including some of our tried-and-true faves. TBH, a quick scroll through #BeautyTok (and our edit) will tell you that brands like e.l.f, Rare Beauty, Rhode and Charlotte Tilbury are still the ones dominating the burgeoning world of blusher – but there are some fun new players to get excited about, too.
Here's everything you need to know.
SKIP TO: Our full reviews | How we test blushers | How to apply blusher | How are cream, liquid and powder blushers different? | How do I find the right blusher for my skin tone?
Meet the experts:
- Celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman.
- Ateh Jewel, founder of Ateh Beauty
How we test blushers:
When deciding which blushers deserved a spot in this edit, we scrutinised the formulas based on the level of pigment they provided, how easy they were to blend, and how long they stayed looking fresh on the skin once applied. We were also keen to make sure that we only included blushers that offered a wide range of shades to suit all skin tones.
Other notable factors? Whether the formula was cruelty-free or vegan, whether the packaging was recyclable, and how easy they were to travel with. The results are in.
Firework content
Products displayed on the shelves courtesy of Oliver Bonas and Assouline.
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 blush formulas below to find which one is right for you…
Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand
- Size: 12ml.
- Available shades: 4 blush shades; 6 highlighter shades.
- Longevity: 5/5.
- Pigment: 4/5.
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).
e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Liquid Blush
- Size: 4ml.
- Available shades: 12.
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 4/5.
Why we love it: One of the best (and affordable) liquid blushes out there, the e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Liquid formula delivers serious pigment and a dewy finish. Sheer it out for a natural look or build it up for a full glam moment. The best part? It features a wide shade range, offering everything from your reds to your pinks and mauvy brown hues. What's not to love?
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
- Size: 7.5ml.
- Available shades: 11.
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 5/5.
Why we love it: This product went viral immediately after it launched, and it's 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.
- Size: 1.5g.
- Available shades: 9.
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 3/5.
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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- Size: 10ml.
- Available shades: 8.
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 3/5.
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.
Haus Labs Color Fuse Powder Blush
- Size: 5g.
- Available shades: 6.
- Longevity: 3/5.
- Pigment: 5/5.
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.
- Size: 4.4g.
- Available shades: 5.
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 5/5.
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.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush
- Size: 4g.
- Available shades: 6.
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 3/5.
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.
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- Size: 5.3g.
- Available shades: 9.
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 5/5.
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
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush
- Size: 6g.
- Available shades: 7.
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 4/5.
Why we love it: This innovative cream-to-powder blush by Rare Beauty is basically a bouncy putty that builds and blends like a cream, and blurs like a powder. Practically weightless, it boasts a natural matte finish — and is even infused with skin-loving ingredients like plumping cacao seed, and moisturising and hydrating pomegranate, papaya seed, and rose hip oils.
Sculpted By Aimee Cream Luxe Blush
- Size: 7g.
- Available shades: 5.
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 3/5.
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.
- Size: 12ml.
- Available shades: 8.
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 4/5.
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.
Save big when you shop for the best blushes with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
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Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double Take Cream & Powder Blush Duo
- Size: 10.5g.
- Available shades: 12.
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 5/5.
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.
- Size: 4.8g.
- Available shades: 11.
- Longevity: 3/5.
- Pigment: 3/5.
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.
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush
- Size: 3g.
- Available shades: 5.
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 3/5.
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.
Enjoy savings when shopping for the best blushes with these Sephora discount codes.
NUDESTIX Nudies All Over Face Color Bloom – Blush Stick
- Size: 7g.
- Available shades: 6.
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 5/5.
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.
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Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint
- Size: 5g.
- Available shades: 4.
- Longevity: 4/5.
- Pigment: 4/5.
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.
Your blusher FAQs, answered:
How are powder, cream, and liquid blushes different?
Cream, powder, and liquid blushes are different in both how they're applied, and how they look on the skin. Super pigmented and punchy, liquid blushes are lovely and long-wearing — making them ideal if you're keen to achieve the kind of impactful flush that lasts all day. Meanwhile, a powder blush has more of a soft-focus matte finish, whereas a cream blush is more dewy and glowy — but both are natural-looking, and really buildable.
When it comes to picking the right format, your skin type should also definitely come into play. If your skin tends to skew dry, you might want to 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.
How do I find the right blush shade for my skin tone?
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.
