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Whether you prefer a clean girl or full-glam makeup, blush is the MVP of both beauty styles. Powder and cream blushes offer gorgeous enhancements, but real beauty obsessives know the best liquid blushes are the true stars of the show. If you want to embrace glowing, dewy skin year-round, investing in the best liquid blush is the key to achieving this look. Liquid blushes have surged in popularity, thanks to their ability to add a natural flush to your skin and a subtle (but buildable) radiance.
“Liquid blushes are so popular because they’re fresh and modern,” says celebrity makeup artist Sofia Schwarzkopf-Tilbury, whose clients include Bella Hadid and Salma Hayek. She adds, “Everyone loves that melting, dewy, natural-looking effect on the cheeks. I reach for my liquid blush whenever I’m trying to create a glazed, glowing, glass skin look, and I personally use them in my regular makeup routine daily. Powder and cream blushes are great when you want to create a more perfected, soft-focused effect ideal for weddings, red carpets, and events where you need to be picture-perfect!”
With so many new liquid blushes on the market, finding the right one for your everyday routine is hard. Whether you prefer a natural flush or powerful pigment, we looked through dozens of customer reviews and polled several ELLE Editors to find the 14 best liquid blushes to help you achieve the glass skin of your dreams.
HUDA BEAUTY Lip Blush Cream Lip & Cheek Stain Berry Kiss
Pros
- Pigmented
Cons
- Can feel drying on the lips
If you seek pigment that you can see in just one swipe, Huda Beauty’s Lip Blush delivers that and then some. On the cheeks, the soft brush applicator applies a good enough color payoff that won’t need too many layers, but you can pack on the formula without worry of it slipping or picking up any other products on your face. You can also use it on your lips for a just-bitten color flush or to add a tint to your favorite gloss.
Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars
Shades: 5
A Sephora reviewer said: “Bought it for fun, but it ended up being a match. Very subtle, it highlights what you naturally have. It’s cute and doesn’t stick. Makes up for a great gift.”
Pros
- Adds a glow to the cheeks
Cons
- Should be blended out quickly
Sunset cheeks are the perfect summertime beauty look. Combining a rosy hue with just a hint of sparkle, this sponge-tipped tool makes it easy to dispense just the right amount of product while protecting your makeup bag from spills. Not a shimmery type of gal? This formula is also available in a matte version.
Charlotte Tilbury rating: 4.2/5 stars
Shades: 7
An ELLE Editor says: “When Charlotte Tilbury launched her new Beauty Light Wand in Pinkgasm Sunset—it created the highlighter-blush combo of my dreams. It gives you a perfectly pigmented summer glow—and it’s super easy to apply: Two dots and blend out—seriously, that’s it!” —Danielle James, ELLE.com’s beauty director
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Pros
- Only requires a small amount of product
Cons
- Is easy to over-do
This blush has taken the world by storm. Both beauty editors and millions of online reviews claim this is one of–if not the–best liquid blush on the market. It’s powerfully pigmented, so only a single drop is needed and will last you a long, long time.
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
Shades: 13
An ELLE Editor says: “Rare Beauty’s liquid blush comes in both a radiant and matte finish depending on if you want more of a dewy finish or truly pigmented cheek effect. It has a lightweight formula, applies and wears easily, with a silky texture. I’m a fan!” —Danielle James
e.l.f. Halo Glow Blush Beauty Wand
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Some reviewers dislike the amount of shimmer
If you don’t want to invest top-dollar into glowing cheeks, this budget-friendly alternative has TikTok obsessed. It’s easy to throw in your purse for on-the-go application, and the shimmering shades replace both your blush and highlighter.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
Shades: 4
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve had a few blushes with the sponge tip and didn’t like any of them. This one is nice. The blush flows to the tip easily with very soft pressure. The color is a great pink. Makes cheeks look slightly flushed. The color lasts all day for me.”
Pros
- Contains collagen
Cons
- Can disperse a lot of product at once
Glossier was on top of the liquid blush game long before every brand was expected to have one. With a continually growing range of shades, skin-plumping collagen, and just the right amount of hydration, this subtle blush is the perfect choice for dewy-skin, no-makeup makeup lovers.
Glossier rating: 4.6/5 stars
Shades: 10
An ELLE Contributor says:
“Glossier’s cult-classic cloud paint is a true crowd-pleaser. The bouncy gel-cream formula imparts a subtle glow on the first swipe--making it perfect for blush-adverse folks like me who worry about their look veering into clown territory–but it also layers well if you prefer a bolder vibe. Plus, it comes in ten versatile shades to complement a range of skin tones,” says Sam Peters, Senior Commerce Editor.
Pros
- Contains skincare ingredients
Cons
- May need to build-up for extra color
The newest liquid blush that has captured the hearts (and wallets) of the masses is the NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush. If you’re worried about applying too much pigment, this sheer formula is buildable, so you can slowly work up to rosy cheeks without ever worrying about overdoing it.
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
Shades: 5
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Loved how easy this blush is to apply! It adds just the right sheer rosy tone to my skin.”
Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain and Tint
Pros
- Can be used on both lips and cheeks
Cons
- Sheer coverage
Back in my day, middle school bathrooms were crowded with girls hastily swiping this product on their lips and cheeks. It’s a true liquid formula, so you have to be wary of spills, but the tint is subtle yet long-lasting, and the formula is unmatched.
Ulta rating: 4.1/5 stars
Shades: 6
An ELLE Editor says...
“Call me lazy, but I love a multipurpose product. Benetint has been my go-to for a soft, ‘bitten’ lip stain. Little did I know a few swipes on the cheek would give me a subtle flush that is easily buildable and serves as a great layer base for cream and powder blushes added on top,” says Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com’s beauty commerce editor.
Youthforia BYO Blush Color Changing Blush Oil
Pros
- Changes color on the skin
Cons
- Can fade throughout the day
You’ve probably spotted this product on your TikTok, thanks to its ability to change color upon contact with your skin. While you can choose from one of their other three shades, this blush oil automatically reacts to your skin’s pH, providing you with a custom color.
Ulta rating: 4.8/5 stars
Shades: 4
An Ulta reviewer says: “The blush is a baby pink on me, which is so in trend with the Barbie vibes right now. I wore this in 100-degree weather and it never went greasy. The packaging is so cute and a super fun blush to use! Give it a try next time!”
Pros
- Contains natural extracts
Cons
- Should be blended out quickly
Packed with botanical ingredients like mulberry, elderberry, and primrose extract, this liquid blush packs a serious punch. It’s incredibly pigmented but still easy to blend, thanks to its creamy consistency and gel texture.
Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars
Shades: 6
A Sephora reviewer said: “I love this blush, specifically this shade, because, for all the brown girls out there, it’s going to look absolutely stunning. Also, this is perfect for beginners. It’s super easy to blend, but remember it’s very pigment.”
Pros
- Contains vitamin C
Cons
- Only one shade
This is the first blush that I ever fell in love with, and 10 years later, it still holds up. With one universal shade, this blush is part makeup, part skincare, thanks to its use of vitamin C and natural extracts that brighten and even the skin tone when it’s on.
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
Shades: 1
An Ulta reviewer says: “I’ve been using this blush for over a year now and I love this stuff! I have dry, flaky skin and using powder blush accentuates my dry spots. This blush gives me a beautiful glow with some added moisture. Long-lasting and beautiful! I really think this blush would be good for all skin types, especially dryer skin. A little goes a long way!”
NYX Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- May not be suited for oilier skin types
If you’re searching for a new liquid blush in the aisles of your drugstore, this version from NYX is a fan favorite. Not only does it have a low cost, but it’s also packed with tons of pigment that lasts all day and blends oh-so easily.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
Shades: 6
An Amazon reviewer says: “My favorite blush! It’s highly pigmented and just a bit of product is all you need to add color. I’ve used it in two colors; both are beautiful and leave a glowing tint on my cheeks. No highlighter on my cheekbones is necessary! The product lasts all day, and the texture is creamy.”
Pros
- Wide shade range for all skin tones
Cons
- Takes time to blend
If you prefer a monochromatic look, this insanely pigmented color is amazing for the eyes, lips, and cheeks. It has a matte finish, making it suitable even for oily skin types. Plus, it is also one of the most long-lasting liquids on the market, so you never have to worry about touch-ups. If you prefer a cream blush, check out ELLE’s TikTok review of Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed.
Sephora rating: 4/5 stars
Shades: 10
A Sephora reviewer says: “Love it! Great pigment, blends well on face! I have oily skin and it doesn’t make me break out. Perfect on lips too.”
Meet the Experts
Cynthia Di Meo is a celebrity makeup artist and the global stylist for Rare Beauty.
Sofia Schwarzkopf-Tilbury is a celebrity makeup artist, and Charlotte Tilbury Brand Ambassador.
How do you recommend applying liquid blush?
“How I recommend applying liquid blush depends on the event, where you are, and how much time you have,” says Schwarzkopf-Tilbury. Using fingers, the product’s built-in applicator, or a brush are all great ways to apply a liquid blush. “If you have more time and are going for a precise, lifted look, I recommend using a brush to stipple your blush high over your cheekbones and temples for a more perfected, soft-focused effect,” Schwarzkopf-Tilbury adds. Di Meo agrees: “Personally, I prefer using a brush for an even and quick application, but I also like using my fingers for a quick flush of natural color when I’m in a hurry or on the go,” she adds.
What are some tricks to apply liquid blush?
When it comes to applying liquid blush, the amount of product you use and your blending technique make a world of difference. “It’s always better to begin with a small amount of product and add more if necessary. If you want more control over the pigment, you can put a small amount on the back of your hand, pick it up with a brush, smile, and dab it on the apple of your cheek towards the temples. This is a great technique for anyone who is learning how to use and apply liquid blush,” says Di Meo.
For Schwarzkopf-Tilbury, your method of blending is essential. “It’s also worth considering your unique face shape to help decide the best blush placement to work for you. If you want to make your face look rounder, apply blush to the center of your cheeks. If you want a lifted, sculpted look, take your blush high over your cheekbones. You can also apply blush over the bridge of your nose for a sun-kissed look, or on the tip of your nose for that viral ‘cold girl makeup’ effect that creates a fresh, youthful glow!” she says.
What are some common misconceptions about liquid blush?
“Common misconceptions about liquid blush include the belief that it’s only suitable for dry skin types or that all liquid blushes are dewy. In reality, this type of product works well on all skin types and comes in various finishes. The Rare Beauty liquid blushes dry down and set, providing long-lasting wear throughout the day,” says Di Meo.
Schwarzkopf-Tilbury adds, “I think the most common misconception is that blush is outdated or unflattering and that it highlights the redness in your skin. When used correctly, blush is an amazing way to look youthful, healthy, sun-kissed and fresh! One of the best tricks Charlotte ever taught me is that blush should be applied last in your makeup routine–after your lips and eyes–so you can best judge how much color you need to help balance your look.”
Why trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Tatjana Freund poured over hundreds of reviews and products to select the best liquid blushes for all skin types.
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