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The best blushers for all skin types and tones
Plus, the expert tricks for flawless application
Among a treasure trove of bronzers and highlighters, blusher doesn’t always get a look-in – but now, cheek colour is back.
Perhaps it's our unending obsession with period dramas, and the royally-flushed complexions therein, or maybe it's just the fact we're all itching to embrace the joy of make-up as a new season beds in, but blush is booming right now. Space NK has reported 79 per cent growth in the category, fuelled no doubt by a slew of buzzy new launches from the likes of Hourglass and Milk Makeup.
But really, the return of blush reflects our desire to look awake without appearing overly 'done'. A veil of rosy colour is the key to illuminating your features and transforming your signature beauty look. Like a breezy walk in the park or a quick cheek pinch, a good blush has the power to enliven your complexion, making you look fresh no matter the hour.
As for the colour? You’ll be spoilt for choice. Long gone are the days when blush meant a whisper of petal-pink or sparkle-steeped rose: now, the best blushers on the shelves come in a satisfying spectrum of hues, from the palest corals to deep, rich burgundy and cheekbone-carving caramels.
How to find your perfect blush
If you're unsure which shade to pick, consider make-up artist Joy Adenuga’s simple guide: "the darker your skin tone, the darker your blush should be. The lighter your skin tone is, the lighter the blush.” After all, your best blusher match will complement, not contrast, your complexion.
“For dark skin tones, opt for highly pigmented shades – tangerines and berries are my top choices,” says Adenuga. “Mauves and apricots look gorgeous on medium skin tones, and I love peachy pink hues on fair skin, as they look the most natural."
How to apply blush
Next up, application. The right placement will make or break your look, so it pays to proceed with precision. “The easiest way to gauge where to apply your blusher is simply to smile – doing this makes the apples of your cheeks visible,” says Adenuga. For powder blushes, she recommends using a medium-sized fluffy brush, such as Bobbi Brown’s Blush Brush. “Aim for slightly above the middle of the cheeks and swirl the brush in an upwards and outwards motion.”
For cream blushes, Adenuga prefers using fingers to apply, as “it blends across the skin seamlessly and placement is more controlled and evenly distributed. Smile, apply on the apples of the cheeks and blend upwards."
Here, discover the best cheek enhancers to try this autumn
The 13 best blushers for all skin types and tones
Completely new to blush? Start here. The blush Space NK can't keep on the shelves, Rare Beauty's petite pots are perfect for anyone nervous about cheek colour. The taupe shades are subtle yet flattering, and easy enough to apply with your ring finger.
New for AW24, Dior's powder blush palettes are designed to help you lift and sculpt your cheekbones to create flattering definition. Each one contains a translucent blush and a complimentary highlight shade to be placed on the highest points on the face. From a pale lavender hue to rich oxblood, there's something to suit everyone here.
As you'd likely expect from Hermès, these powder blushes come in the most sophisticated hues that light up any skin tone. The pigment is airy yet buildable, but doesn't mask freckles, so you're left with the most flattering wash of colour. And the lacquered case? It's refillable, so you never need to throw it away.
Nars' Orgasm blush has been an icon since the 1990s - and not just for its provocative name. The gold-flecked pink powder might look bold in the palette, but it blends out to a radiant, sheeny hue that wakes up all skin tones.
After something subtler? The apricot-tinged Luster looks beautiful on paler skin, while (Naomi Campbell's go-to) Taj Mahal is the perfect terracotta for deeper skin tones.
Yves Saint Laurent's latest launch is a foolproof liquid blush that delivers just-matte-enough pigment that really goes the distance. The shades range from sweet sugared-almond pastels (don't discount them if you're no longer a teen: they're brilliantly brightening) to more traditional taupes and nudes. Whichever you choose, simply swipe with a light hand right at the peak of each cheekbone, then pat with a finger or brush to blend.
Merit's entire philosophy is based around easy, barely there make-up essentials, and the brand's Flush Balm is a fan favourite for good reason.
The dome-shaped pod is designed to be drawn straight onto skin, and is light enough you really can't go in too heavy-handed. Every shade (of which there are nine) is soft and sheer, so freckles will shine through.
Hourglass' constantly raved-about Ambient Lighting Blush has been a bridal go-to for years, thanks to the soft-focus candlelit glow it creates.The baked, marbled powders are highly pigmented, so swipe lightly, building up to your desired intensity.
A swipe-and-go blush stick is the best choice for busy mornings – and while many brands now boast their own, few look as flattering as Westman Atelier's multi-purpose cream.
The cult hero in her acclaimed line, Baby Cheeks is an aptly named product: expect dewy, plump skin with a hint of brightening pigment.
For the most luminous glow, you need a sheer cream formula, and Sculpted by Aimee's pigment pots are up to the task. This luminous coral is brilliant for awakening any skin tone: just start with a light layer and build up the intensity slowly.
Victoria Beckham's ultra-sophisticated blushers come in a cream stick format so you can simply swipe and go wherever you are. The finish is velvety (ideal if you don't go for the hyper-dewy liquids that are everywhere right now) and staying power supreme: yet rest assured you won't see any dryness, even after hours of wear.
If anyone can tempt us to swipe a bold blush right up to our temples, it's Pat McGrath. But whether you're sparking your own 1980s revival or not, the make-up artists's new blush powders are a must-try.
Available in satin and semi-matte finishes, each one is high in pigment and proven to last all day (or night). There's little wonder they were the brand's most anticipated product to-date.
Saie is fast becoming a Bazaar favourite for light, hydrating complexion products (the just-dropped Super Glowy Skin Foundation is revolutionary). An especially good choice for dry skin, this creamy liquid blush imparts light colour that fuses seamlessly with your skin tone. Dab into the highest points of your cheekbones and pat gently to blend.
