The Future Of Blush Is Here — & Seriously Amazing
September 24, 2021BruceDayneBlush can get a bad rap, and I have to admit, I was one of the skeptics. Traditional powder formulas would often give me unnaturally pink cheeks that transformed me into a cherubic Madame Alexander doll yet paradoxically had the fun effect of aging me 20 years. In more recent years, blush has become one of my favorite products to collect and play with.
More and more, super-matte faces are out we all want skin that glows. To help achieve that look, blush has done a complete 180° turn. Innovative creams, gels, and even powders can give you a radiant glow whether you're doing an everyday no-makeup look or an elevated beat for special events. One blush can even do double-duty, as these seamless formulas can be tapped or swiped on once for a healthy flush or built up for a more daring look. Ahead, delve deep into the best new blushes to sweep, blend, and dab onto your cheeks.
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Tower 28 BeachPlease Luminous Tinted Balm
Cream
"I have sensitive skin that can get flaky, so I tend to find cream more forgiving than powder," Tower 28 founder Amy Liu tells Refinery29. Enter the brand's fan-favorite BeachPlease tinted balm to the rescue. "I wanted something that was easy enough to use if you’re an entry-level makeup user," she explains. "You really can't overdo it — and I'm a notorious over-blusher!"
Tower 28 BeachPlease Luminous Tinted Balm, $, available at Credo
Glossier Cloud Paint
Cream
Another perennial fave that almost singlehandedly fueled the cottagecore makeup movement: Glossier's dewy gel-cream blush. A little goes a long way, so one tube can really last and last.
Glossier Cloud Paint, $, available at Glossier
Haus Laboratories Head Rush Blush Duo
Powder
This Lady Gaga-approved blush is so silky and buttery it defies everything you would expect from a powder. "It's a two-step process to creating a natural lit from within glow," explains Haus Laboratories Global Artistry Director Sarah Tanno of the dreamy product. You can mix the blush and highlighter together or swipe the blush lower on the face and focus the highlighter on high points like cheekbones and the cupid's bow.
Haus Laboratories HEAD RUSH BLUSH DUO, $, available at Amazon
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Liquid
From Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty comes this angelic blush, which bestows a kiss of color onto skin. (And can we talk about the packaging?) The included doe-foot applicator dispenses blush directly on the cheeks, then you can tap it out with your fingers or a sponge.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, $, available at Sephora
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush
Cream
If it's good enough for RiRi...it's good enough for us. These Fenty formulas turn blush on its head with funky hues of violet and tangerine alongside un-basic hues of pink and berry. Don't be too scared, though: Some are surprisingly wearable once blended out. The compact size is great for travel and clutches, too.
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush, $, available at Fenty Beauty
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick
Stick
Clean makeup hasn't always been lauded for its performance and pigmentation when compared to legacy brands. Gucci Westman's luxurious line proves that doesn't have to be the case. This chunky blush sticks give major color payoff without any unwanted ingredients.
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick, $, available at Violet Grey
MAC Glow Play Blush
Powder
Another recent favorite of mine is MAC's Glow Play blush, which has the bouncy feel of a cream and powder hybrid. Apply it with your fingers for a sheer veil of color, or use a brush to build it up to your liking.
MAC Glow Play Blush, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Colourpop Cheek Dew Serum Blush
Liquid
Proof that you don't need to spend a ton of money on blush (unless you want to): Colourpop's serum-blush hybrid is packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamins C & E.
ColourPop Cheek Dew Serum Blush, $, available at ColourPop
Freck Beauty Cheekslime
Liquid
Adorable freckle pens aren't the only thing Freck does incredibly well. Case in point: Cheekslime, aka the coolest blush in town. Since it dries to a matte finish, it doubles as a lip stain as well.
Freck Beauty CHEEKSLIME, $, available at Freck Beauty
Saie Dew Blush
Liquid
If more-is-more glow is your makeup M.O., allow us to introduce you to Saie's hyper dewy liquid blush. A few dots of the doe-foot applicator, and you've got the perfect just-pinched effect, as if you just came in from a brisk walk in the cold.
Saie Dew Blush, $, available at Saie
Merit Beauty Flush Balm
Stick
Another great option for beginners, Merit's juicy blush balm hard to over-apply. Plus, it's clean, vegan, and cruelty-free — and is nothing short of gorgeous on your cheeks.
Merit Beauty Flush Balm, $, available at Merit Beauty
Armani Beauty A-Blush
Liquid
Meant to look like "watercolors on your cheeks," Armani Beauty's liquid cream blush is more like an objet d'art, we almost don't want to use it. Almost.
Armani Beauty A-Blush, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Beautycounter Satin Powder Blush
Powder
Highly pigmented powder blush can sometimes read as severe, but not this one. Instead, this triple-milled pressed formula results in the most blendable, silky texture that buffs onto the skin beautifully.
Beautycounter Satin Powder Blush, $, available at Beautycounter
Patrick Ta Beauty Double-Take Creme & Powder Blush
Cream & Powder
Pick your poison with this blush duo, which allows you to opt for a powder or cream blush — or layered for more impact. A handy clear plastic cover over the cream pan also keeps the two options from turning into a mingled mess in your makeup bag.
Patrick Ta Beauty Double-Take Creme & Powder Blush, $, available at Patrick Ta Beauty
Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Powder Blush
Powder
Makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic (better known as his online alias @makeupbymario)'s powder blushes add an instant pop of color onto cheeks, and are available in both satin and matte finishes.
Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Powder Blush, $, available at Sephora
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