For someone who can spend literal hours watching makeup videos, I don’t wear a ton of it. Even before my bedroom became my full-time office post-COVID, my daily makeup routine consisted of two things: concealer and blush. I will defend the need for concealer to my grave, but it’s not very fun. Blush, on the other hand, is joy-inducing. Whether using powders, balms, liquids, jellies, or oils, mixing shades, or following the latest color trends, blush livens up the face like no other makeup can. I can’t be the only one who thinks so; brands are launching new formulas on what feels like a weekly, if not daily, basis.
TTikTokers have definitely noticed. The nature of my job means my FYP is always beauty-centric, but on a deeper glance, the most viral makeup is—you guessed it—blush. After spending way too much time scrolling through blush review videos, I can confidently say these 14 blush picks are the ones shoppers really, truly can’t get enough of. Check them out ahead.
Rhode Pocket Blush ($24)
Hailey Bieber’s eagerly awaited cream blush finally launched last month. Inspired by Bieber’s love of a “really good flush to the cheek,” Pocket Blush is light and versatile; you can apply a single swipe for a sheer flush of color or build up for a bolder look. Plus, it doubles as a lip tint, and is compact enough to toss in your pocket or slip into your purse.
Type
Cream
Shade count
Six
Enthusiastic Review
“Beautiful and vibrant color! It lasts all day and blends perfect!”
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush ($23)
Arguably, no other blush has recently gotten the same level of attention as Rare Beauty’s liquid blush. Try it once, and you’ll see why. You only need the tiniest amount (trust me on this: one or two dots max) for an intense flush of color that won’t budge til you wash it off.
Type
Liquid
Shade count
13
Enthusiastic Review
“By far this product is worth its price because of how creamy the texture is.”
Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint Blush + Lip Stain ($24)
One of our editors claimed her devotion to liquid blush as “unwavering,” that is, until she tried Milk Makeup’s Jelly Tints. Don’t let the Jell-O-like texture fool you, each shade is richly-concentrated with bold pigment that stood up to her full day of events, NYC subway rides and even a gym session. Plus, each stick is packed with vegan collagen, aloe and seawater for hydrated and dewy skin.
Type
Jelly
Shade count
Four
Enthusiastic Review
“This long-lasting lip and cheek stain is an absolute game-changer! It lasted ALL day!!! The hydrating jelly texture glides effortlessly onto the skin, providing a sheer wash of color that can be built up for a more intense look.”
Saie Dew Blush ($25)
The overall consensus on Saie’s Dew Blush? It’s a dream to blend, thanks to its chunky doe-foot applicator—you just dab a dot or two onto each cheek. The result is a lit-from-within flush that’s never too shiny. We, along with many happy customers, can attest it melts into your skin like butter, whether you use makeup brushes or your fingers.
Type
Liquid
Shade count
Eight
Enthusiastic Review
“One of the easiest liquid blushes to use! Blends out so nice! It leaves a beautiful finish. 10/10!”
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo ($38)
When it comes to versatility, you can’t beat this cheek duo from celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta. Inspired by his signature cream-over-powder blush technique, shoppers love having the option to use one or both formulas for a radiant finish.
Type
Powder and Cream
Shade count
12
Enthusiastic Review
“I fell in LOVE with this blush the second I tried it, it looks so natural on the skin and stays almost all day long if it’s set properly. The best part is you can get either a glowy or matte finish because of both the power and creme.”
Merit Beauty Flush Balm ($30)
One of my personal favorites, Merit’s Flush Balm, glides on so beautifully and easily melts into the skin; I can wear it all day, and it never dries out or fades. Some critics aren’t thrilled with its size, but hear me out: You don’t need a lot to get the perfect flush of color. Plus, its pocket-friendly design means it goes with me almost everywhere.
Type
Cream
Shade count
Nine
Enthusiastic Review
“I AM OBSESSED! This is one of the best things I have ever tried! This blush is tiny and easy to carry it with me everywhere. I use it as blush, eyeshadow and lip balm! I need all the shades!!!!”
Tower 28 BeachPlease Cream Blush ($20)
Tower 28 is known for its gentle, non-toxic makeup that is safe for sensitive, acne- and eczema-prone skin. Their cream blush has a luminous color payoff, and you can also use it on your lips and cheeks.
Type
Cream
Shade count
Nine
Enthusiastic Review
“I love this blush! It is so pigmented but is easy to blend out for a subtle flush. The packaging is so aesthetically pleasing and easy to store. There is so much product for the price! I loved it so much I went back and bought 3 more colors!”
Glossier Cloud Paint ($22)
I can confirm with the reviewer below—I’ve owned multiple shades of Glossier’s Cloud Paint for years, and it still blows me away how good it looks every time I wear it. The liquid formula requires only the lightest touch. Wear it sheer or build it up; no matter how much you wear, it sinks into the skin, building an unrivaled natural-looking pop of color.
Type
Gel-cream
Shade count
10
Enthusiastic Review
“I loveee this product I’ve genuinely had the same tube for more than three years using at least 1-2x per week. Pigment is so good. Builds on itself but not overwhelming.”
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Beauty Blush Wand ($42)
Charlotte Tilbury’s wands are a viral favorite. The brand’s Pillow Talk Blush Wand is a distinctly matte liquid blush formula that looks fresh and bright without any shine.
Type
Liquid
Shade count
Four
Enthusiastic Review
“Such a beautiful and buildable color that makes me look fresh and on the go. It is matte but it is still adds freshness to my face and the color suits my fair skin very well.”
Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Liquid Lip + Cheek Blush Stain ($26)
Behold: A truly sheer and buildable stain that glides seamlessly on lips and cheeks in the most flattering rose hue, with hours of staying power. One reviewer swears, “Every time I wear it, I get compliments.” Another called it “true no makeup makeup!”
Type
Liquid
Shade count
Six
Enthusiastic Review
“I love a subtle everyday makeup look and this was the perfect addition! The tint gives a nice color without making me look like a tomato and I love that you can build it up. Great for cheeks AND lips!!!”
DIOR Backstage Rosy Glow Blush ($40)
This powder blush regularly appears on my FYP. According to the brand, the formula responds to your skin’s moisture levels to deliver a custom blush color.
Type
Powder
Shade count
Nine
Enthusiastic Review
“Pretty, sheer finish. It’s very easy to build up the coverage; but you can add just a little to make a nice impact as well.”
Milani Baked Blush ($11)
I’ve known about Milani for years, yet I am embarrassed to admit I only recently tried their cult-status Baked Blush in Dolce Pink. The hype is real. I don’t normally love powder blushes, but the color payoff is extraordinary, and it really does look similar to NARS’ legendary Orgasm shade at a fraction of the price.
Type
Baked powder
Shade count
Eight
Enthusiastic Review
“I’ve always felt that Milani is a high end brand disguised as drugstore. The quality of their products is amazing especially these blushes. They last all day, they look beautiful and natural on the skin.”
Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint ($39)
With a beloved foundation in the same Luminous Silk family, it’s no surprise Armani’s Luminous Silk Cheek Tint is a favorite among beauty lovers. True to its name, it goes on like silk with a natural finish for color that lasts up to 12 hours.
Type
Liquid
Shade count
Six
Enthusiastic Review
“SO beautiful. Subtle enough for everyday wear and buildable. Blends easy, and color is gorgeous on my freckles.”
e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush ($7)
Leave it to the beloved drugstore brand e.l.f. to make a richly pigmented blush that leaves cheeks with a gorgeously soft, dewy finish for under $10. What more could you ask for?
Type
Liquid
Shade count
Nine
Enthusiastic Review
“All you need is a tiny drop on your cheek. Blends on easy and you have a beautiful glow. You really don’t need makeup, using this. I bought three different colors and I love them.”