18 best blush products for a flush of colour in 2024
From dewy creams to luminous powders, we’ve short-listed the best blushes for a natural flush of colour.
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Blush is one of the most popular beauty products on TikTok with “Blush” and “blush trend”, “best blushes”, and “best powder blush” raking in a combined 475 million posts.
However, we’ve recently been introduced to “blush blindness” which is a new kind of ailment coined on TikTok that millions are becoming more conscious about.
Being “blush blind” or suffering from “blush blindness” is when you genuinely can’t see or tell how OTT your blush is because you’re so used to how it looks – Sabrina Carpenter is one of many celebs that people claim is ‘blush blind’.
So, how much blush is too much? There’s no right or wrong amount, it’s honestly up to personal preference. But I, for one, think you can never have too much blush!
So, if you want to fake a flush, we’ve rounded up some of the best blushes across every category, from super-hydrating gel creams for a natural-looking flush to the perfect easy-to-blend mattifying powder blush for oily and acne-prone skin.
Here is our roundup of the best blushes to add to your daily look including the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush that our Shopping Writer, Harriet, says is a “holy grail staple” in her makeup routine.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST POWDER BLUSH
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush, $48 at Sephora
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
If you’re after the glowiest powder blush ever, don’t look past this baby from Rare Beauty. This blush is probably my favourite blush I’ve ever used for a healthy glow (and trust me when I say I’ve tried a lot of ‘em) – it’s a finely pressed powder that’s super pigmented and has a gorgeous shimmery finish that’s not glittery, think 2-in-1 blush and highlighter.
My favourite shade is ‘Happy’ which is a gorgeous pink shade, and it’s quickly become a holy grail staple in my everyday make up routine.
BEST LIQUID BLUSH
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, $45 at Sephora
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
This is a crowd favourite for good reason – the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is arguably one of the most viral beauty products on the internet. The amazing wide range of shades to choose from, combined with the super pigmented and long-wearing formula has meant this blush has been a staple in my makeup routine for a few years now. A little goes a VERY long way, so don’t make the mistake of going in with too much product – I like to apply a dot to the back of my hand first, blend it with my brush and then pop it on the apples of my cheeks. I feel this way gives you way more control. All the colours are incredibly gorgeous, and they come in both matte and dewy formulas. You need this in your life!
Tarte Blush Tape Liquid Blush, $60 at Sephora
Tarte Blush Tape Liquid Blush
Tried and Tested by Susannah Hardy, Partnerships Writer
Liquid blushes are new to me but now I’m an absolute convert. In particular, I love the Tarte Blush Liquid Tape in pink, which is ideal for when I just want lightweight colour on my cheeks. This blush is not at all heavy, so I wouldn’t wear it at night. However it’s perfect for those days when I need a rosy glow on my cheeks but don’t want to look too made up. Easy to use, it comes with its own applicator tip which you twist open in order to squeeze onto your cheeks. I also use a beauty blender to get an even finish. (Just make sure you twist it closed before putting it in your make-up bag, just saying …). I love that this blush is soft and moisturising so it doesn’t dry out my skin. Plus, it leaves a gorgeous pretty-in-pink tone that lifts my face, giving me a fresh healthy look. I even get the occasional compliment – which tells me that it’s definitely working hard! In my opinion, money well spent.
BEST CREAM BLUSH
Cloud Paint
What You Need To Know
This cult-favourite liquid blush from Glossier is a no-brainer. With a lightweight gel-cream texture, this popular beauty buy is seamless, easy-to-blend and leaves a natural tint on your cheeks. It’s also buildable, if you love a more flushed and rosy finish.
Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush, $43 at Sephora
Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush
Tired and Tested by Harriet Amurao, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
If you’re after a cute and compact blush that’s perfect for on-the-go touch ups or travelling, this blush is perfect. It has a smooth, buttery texture that blends out oh-so effortlessly and provides such a natural looking flush. It’s super buildable and versatile – it can be used on the cheeks, lips and eyes for a touch of colour. I love it for a no-makeup makeup look and want to achieve very natural-looking rosy cheeks.
BEST DEWY BLUSH
Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil, $55 at Sephora
Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil
Tried and Tested by Susannah Hardy, Partnerships Writer
Up until recently, I’d only ever used powder blushes, but that all changed when I discovered Make-up by Mario’s Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil. Now I love using a cream blush and this one in Rose Crush blends easily into my cheeks, giving me a healthy dewy glow. Powder blushes can leave my skin dry and flaky but the Soft Pop Plumping Veil is, just as the name suggests, soft and plumping on my skin. Using a beauty blender, I can control the thickness and apply as much or as little as I like depending on the occasion. It blends evenly and keeps me looking naturally fresh and bright all day long. It has now officially become my everyday ‘must-have’ beauty product.
Australis Dewy + Daring Cream Blush, $15.95 at Priceline
Australis Dewy + Daring Cream Blush
What You Need To Know
This affordable, dewy cream blush blends onto cheeks like a dream, leaving a soft wash of colour in its wake. It blends and wears like a luxury product, leaving you with an enviable, natural glow for under $20.
Reviewers applaud this affordable option for its pigmented formula, which looks great on deeper skin tones and is a smooth formula that glides on and blends out quickly and lasts all day. Available in tones that range from pick-me-up pink to bright orange and deep terracotta, there’s an option for most skin tones here.
BEST MATTE BLUSH
Gucci Blush De Beaute, $88 at Myer
Gucci Blush De Beaute
What You Need To Know
Finding a matte blush that isn’t chalky, drying or too intensely pigmented can be challenging, but this luxe option from Gucci hits every mark. The formula hydrates with hyaluronic acid while leaving a matte finish on the skin that blurs pores and refines skin texture. Buildable pigment means you can apply it lightly or layer it for a more intense pigment. Plus, the luxe gold and pink weighty compact will brighten your day every time you reach for the compact.
A luxurious option, this blush combines a matte, smoothing formula with skincare benefits that will keep your cheeks looking fresh and hydrated all day long. The sturdy compact contains a small mirror that is perfect for touch-ups. It’s worth every penny in our books.
Nudestix Nudies Matte All Over Face Color Blush, $60 at Sephora
Nudestix Nudies Matte All Over Face Color Blush
What You Need To Know
This versatile blush stick is loved for its creamy formula that blends seamlessly into the skin, providing a soft, buildable and natural finish. Perfect for all skin tones, the blush comes in shades from rosy pinks to deep violets, ensuring an ideal match for every complexion. Super pigmented, a few dabs on the cheek can be blended out with the handy buffing brush concealed at the end of each product.
One of the few matte cream blushes on the market, this blendable formula can be used on eyes, lips and cheeks and comes in an extensive range of on trend colours. With a small buffing brush on the end it’s a perfect option for your handbag or travel case.
BEST LUMINOUS BLUSH
Dior Rosy Glow Color Awakening Blush $72 at Myer
Dior Rosy Glow Color Awakening Blush
What You Need To Know
Dior reinvented the powder blush category with this famous high tech blush. With colour reviver technology the blush reacts to its wearer’s individual skin pH, and moisture levels in their skin for a long-wearing finish and colour that is uniquely customised to you. With a silky texture, it keeps the complexion looking fresh and radiant all day, without loads of shimmer. Even better? The range has been extended and now comes in nine inclusive shades.
This blush adapts to your skin tone for a shade that is unique to your complexion. It has a silky texture and gives a second skin finish and can be used on bare skin, or over makeup. The compact is streamlined but sturdy.
BEST GEL BLUSH
Revlon Illuminance Gel Serum Blush, $16.77 (down from $27.95) at Myer
Tried and Tested by Claudia Coy, news.com.au Social Media Producer
I’m going to be honest with you here, I originally only wanted to test this blush out because I heard it was a great dupe for the Rhode blush that I was so desperate to get my hands on.
You see my obsession with Hailey doesn’t stop at stalking her socials, I find myself influenced by her fashion, her skincare and of course her beauty routine. With that in mind, I had high expectations - and I definitely wasn’t disappointed.
Revlon’s ‘Beaming Coral’ is rumoured to be VERY similar to Rhode’s ‘Spicy Marg’. First impression? It’s a colour I wouldn’t have reached for myself (I’m a very pinky/soft red blush girl myself) but now that I’ve tried a more orange tint, I’m hooked.
I also love how buildable it is, if you want just a hint of warmth on your cheeks just dab on a small amount. However, if you’re after a more camera-ready, full-face look you can apply 3-4 dollops and you get a completely different aesthetic.
What started out as a trial has now turned into a full blown love affair with Beaming Coral and I won’t be looking back.
Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel Cream Blush $18.99 at Adore Beauty
Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel Cream Blush
What You Need To Know
This translucent gel blush gives a watercolour flush to the cheeks and a subtle shine. Perfect for a no-makeup-makeup look the gel formula leaves a subtle wash of colour that mimics the look of real skin. The water based formula melts effortlessly into skin leaving behind a glowing, fresh complexion. Users applaud it for it’s long wearing formula, blendability and natural finish.
BEST BALM BLUSH
No. 1 de Chanel, Lip and Cheek Balm $75 at Myer
No. 1 De Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm
What You Need To Know
This viral balm blush has achieved cult status in countries like Korea and with 6.2 million views on TikTok and is well on its way to similar fame in Australia. The balm is infused with extracts from the red camellia flower making it a skincare as makeup product giving your skin a hydration hit, antioxidant boost, and refreshing flush in a flash. While the most famous shade is the universally flattering bright “camellia” red, it comes in 10 shades.
This blush is viral for a reason, with unique colours and a formulation that gives a sheer but vibrant colour to the skin.
BEST BLUSH TINTS
Benefit Benetint Cheek & Lip Tint, $42 at Myer
Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint
What You Need To Know
It wouldn’t be a blush roundup without the iconic Benetint. This cult-classic has served many of us well and it’s loved by celebs, makeup artists and the like. It has a watery-liquid formula and effectively stains your cheeks and lips with a gorgeous rosy colour. It’s long-lasting, easy to apply and a little goes a long way, so do make sure that you blend the product out immediately as it dries down fast.
Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint, $44 at Sephora
Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, news.com.au Shopping Writer
This viral blush made its rounds all over TikTok with many showcasing the texture and bounciness, while others were … taking a bite out of it (do not recommend). It’s so unique that it was kinda giving gimmicky at first, however, once I tried it out – I was pleasantly surprised. My favourite shade is Chill, which is a gorgeous strawberry colour.
It‘s very cooling on the skin and dries down really fast – so I suggest dotting the blush and immediately blending it out with a brush. I did find that it clung to some dry patches though, so make sure your skin is prepped and hydrated before applying.
BEST MULTI-USE BLUSH
Nudestix Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Color Blush, $60 at Sephora
Nudestix Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Color Blush
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, news.com.au Shopping Writer
I’ve been loving this one in the shade Bohemian Rose from Nudestix. It’s a gorgeous mauvey-ish pink shade that adds the perfect flushed finish, and I love how portable it is – so it’s easy to take on the go and it’s super versatile. I love to have this in my bag especially if I’m running late as I can quickly apply it to my cheeks and blend it out with the brush end. I also like to use it to add a bit of colour to my eyelids.
BEST TWO-IN-ONE BLUSH
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-take Creme & Powder Blush, $68 at Sephora
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-take Creme & Powder Blush
Tried and Tested by Ruby Feneley, Beauty Writer
Patrick Ta is a famous social media makeup artist whose professional background shows in his range of beauty products. As a pale girl, I’m a blush fanatic, and I often find myself cocktailing cream and powder blushes to get the perfect level of glow, longevity, and realistic colour variation. This can translate to toting around a mixture of compacts and tubes, or at least it did until I was introduced to Patrick Ta, Major Headlines Double Take Creme & Powder Blush. This sleek golden compact contains a cream blush and a matching powder blush. The cream formula is easy to blend with fingers or a brush; it provides a natural-looking flush with a balm finish and works well on bare skin or tapped-over foundation. The shade I have is “She’s Blushing”.
At first, I thought it could be too deep for my fair skin tone and red hair, but once applied, it blended out easily, leaving me with a natural rosy glow. You couldn’t even believe I’d caught some sun while I’ve been buried in deadlines with a post-fashion week cold.
The second product is a powder blush that you can use as a “topper” for your cream. This powder blush gives a sheer wash of natural-looking colour with a satin finish. While the price point for this blush is a little higher, Patrick Ta has thought of every detail. There is a small plastic case that slots over the cream blush to prevent powder pigments from getting caught in it or any fluff from your handbag, and the colourway gives a perfect match. You get all the glow with longevity. I also use it on my eyes and dab a little on my lips for an on-trend, monochromatic look.
I’ll be adding a few more shades of this product to my cart, and you should, too.
BEST BLUSH DUPE
e.l.f Camo Liquid Blush $20 at Priceline
e.l.f Camo Liquid Blush
What You Need To Know
Another viral blush, the Saie Dew Blush, has featured in 19.8 million posts on TikTok, with users praising its hybrid cream-gel consistency that provides an instant, super-pigmented, natural-looking glow without being overly shiny. Its doe foot applicator allows for precision placement, and it’s longevity is impressive.
Sounds great, only shortcoming? It’s not available in Australia.
Not only does the ELF Camo Liquid Blush match Saie Dew Blush in pigment and consistency, but it also has the same doe foot applicator fans of the Saie Dew Blush love. The e.l.f Camo Liquid Blush is also packed with skincare ingredients, including hydrating and plumping hyaluronic acid, rose flower water, and hibiscus flower extract. At $20, what’s not to love?
It has a creamy, blendable formula that while pigmented, leaves a natural finish on the skin. Available in a variety of shades from rosy pink and peach to hot pink and nude the extensive shade range will suit a variety of makeup looks and skin tones. The inclusion of skin friendly ingredients like hyaluronic acid will give your complexion a boost.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A BLUSH
When finding the best blush for you, it’s essential to consider your skin tone, skin type, preferred application method, and makeup routine. For those with oily skin, powder blushes are ideal as they help absorb excess oil and provide a long-lasting matte finish. A powder may also be best for you if you typically wear a high-coverage foundation and use a setting powder. Your powder blush won’t be “absorbed” by your existing base, will blend easily over the matte surface and will match your foundation in longevity and wear. Alternately, if you typically wear minimal makeup, you may want to reach for a gel blush with a sheer, skin-like consistency or a sheer powder blush, as these will look more undetectable on bare skin.
If you have dry skin or are prone to dehydration, cream blushes are your best bet. They often contain skincare ingredients like vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, and their emollient base offers a dewy glow that will make your skin appear more moisturised. Liquid blushes are a little more versatile and can be worn by oily and dry skin types. If you have acne-prone skin, you may want to double-check that any blush, liquid, cream, or powder is non-comedogenic and doesn’t contain ingredients you may know your skin is sensitive to, like coconut oil, silicones, and fragrances.
As mentioned by makeup artist Katie Moore below, if you have mature skin looking for powder and cream blushes with skincare benefits, they will help keep your skin looking fresh beneath makeup. The application method is also something to consider. If you have an on-the-go lifestyle, try a portable twist-up cream blush for top-ups. But if you don’t like getting your fingers messy, a powder blush may be the best option for you. By considering these factors — skin tone, skin type, application method, and existing makeup routine — you have the best chance of finding your personal blush holy grail.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With over hundreds of different blushes available in the market, it’s impossible to test every single one out there. However, to help you find the best blush for the perfect flush, our shopping team contributed first-hand reviews of their favourite blushes as well as sift through hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites. From premium to budget, we put in the work to help you find the right blush for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CREAM, LIQUID AND POWDER BLUSH – WHICH IS BETTER?
Some of the oldest blush formulas include multi-use liquid stains, like Benefit, Benetint, a bestseller since 1976. This water-based blush is a cult product and works by “staining” the lips and cheeks from a lit from within flush.
However, the most popular blush formulas are cream, liquid and powder formulas. Cream blushes are known for their blendable, creamy texture that “melts” into the skin, providing a natural, dewy finish. They are ideal for dry or mature skin as they offer a hydrating effect and dewy finish.
Liquid blushes deliver a sheer, buildable colour that dries to a long-lasting finish. They are perfect for achieving a natural flush and are often used by makeup artists for a second skin effect. These blushes are ideal if you’re going bare-faced and want a hint of colour and luminosity on the cheekbones.
Finally, powder blushes are highly pigmented and offer more longevity than other types. They are particularly beneficial for oily skin, as they help absorb excess oil and provide a matte finish. Applied with a blush brush, they will blend easily over matte full, coverage foundations and setting powders. You can also find powder blushes in sheer and shimmer-packed formulations if you’re looking for more of a subtle finish or a natural glow.
Each type of blush enhances your complexion and works differently with your existing beauty look, so it’s essential to choose the right formula for your desired look and skin type.
HOW DO YOU APPLY BLUSH?
Katie Moore is a Sydney-based editorial and bridal makeup artist who knows her way around blush. She suggests using a technique called “sandwiching” to achieve a natural finish for your blush. Start by applying foundation, then apply cream blush. Use a sponge or blush brush with a little foundation left on it to blend in the edges of the blush. “This softens the edges and gives a blown-out blush look that’s not too hardcore,” says Moore.
What is the most flattering blush colour?
Moore loves a peach or brick shade for blush. This is because they mimic the look of your skin when it’s been exposed to the sun. She recommends the Soft Pinch Rare Beauty blush in the shade “Love”. “It looks very red in the tube, but once it’s blended out, it’s very pretty. Similar to the colour that your cheeks would flush when you’ve been for a run.” This approach works well with various skin tones, providing the natural, lit from within glow we’re all after.
WHAT TYPE OF BLUSH IS BEST FOR AGING SKIN?
If you’re concerned with blush settling into wrinkles or looking dry, Moore prefers reaching for a cream brush or a higher-end blush powder. “These higher-end blushes tend to be infused with skincare ingredients that “melt” into the skin, turning into a cream.” A buttery powder formula or cream blush will provide a natural-looking flush without settling into fine lines. These blushes are typically super hydrating and can enhance mature skin’s overall glow, offering a dewy finish and a soft, silky texture. If you’re looking for a powder blush with moisturising ingredients, reach out to the Patrick Ta, Major Headlines Double Take Creme, and Powder Blush, which are found in our editor’s pick. The powder in this formula contains hydrating vitamin E and comes with a soft cream blush for more natural makeup days.
WHICH TYPE OF BLUSH IS BEST?
The best type of blush will depend on your skin type and the look you are trying to achieve. Katie Moore notes that powder blush has more longevity than cream blush, making it an excellent choice for long-lasting wear. However, cream blushes can provide a more natural, dewy finish and are easy to blend, ideal for a lit from within glow. They often contain hydrating ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E. For those with oily skin, powder blushes can be more suitable as they help control shine.
IS POWDER BLUSH BETTER THAN A CHEEK TINT?
Moore explains that powder blushes are typically much more pigmented than cheek tints. This makes them a better option if you wear a full coverage foundation and want a pronounced blush effect. Powder blushes also tend to last longer on the skin, enhancing the overall longevity of your makeup wear. Comparatively, cheek tints and cheek gelees generally have the lightest pigment of the blushes available, but they can give a flattering sheen to the cheekbone thanks to their humectancy. They will offer a subtle, natural finish, making them ideal for a bare skin or minimal makeup look.
IS POWDER BLUSH BETTER THAN CREAM?
According to Katie Moore, powder blushes generally have more staying powder than cream blushes. Powder blushes can be particularly beneficial for those with oily skin types, as they help to absorb excess oil. They can also be helpful if you have acne-prone skin, as the powder glides over skin texture for a smoothing effect. Meanwhile, cream blushes are better suited to dry complexions or those looking for a natural, glowing finish.
WHO SHOULD USE POWDER BLUSH?
Anyone can use powder blush, even people with dry skin. It’s a matter of choosing the right formula and prepping your skin well. If you have dry or mature skin, you may want to opt for a more buttery powder formula with a silky texture, as mentioned by Moore. You should also ensure your skin is well moisturised — all makeup products look and last better on skin that’s received a sufficient dose of hydration.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT BLUSH LOOKS GOOD ON ME?
Katie Moore advises looking at the colour your skin naturally turns when you go for a run. This shade will typically be the most flattering and look natural on your skin. Additionally, if you have a lipstick shade you love, matching your blush to this tone can create a harmonious and flattering look. This approach is the best fail-safe that works across different skin tones.
HISTORY OF BLUSH
Historically, flushed cheeks have been a symbol of vitality. Ancient Romans used crushed berries to fake a flush, and Georgines applied “rouge” to signify good health. Indeed, a flushed cheek has been scientifically proven to increase attractiveness. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that facial flushing increased the rating of attractiveness thanks to its association with youth, physical fitness and erotic exertion. From the rosy blush of a brisk walk in the cold to a coy flush accompanied by a shy smile, there’s something captivating and romantic about a flush of colour on the cheeks.
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