Pink, peach, coral: there’s no doubt that a rosy blush to your cheeks can add a little pep in your step and a pop of color to your daily makeup look. Thankfully, makeup trends have moved well beyond sticky rouges and palettes of stiff, chalk-like blush. There are now buttery, liquid blush options to give you more natural-looking, dewy rosy cheeks.
No matter your skin tone, shade or favorite color, there’s surely a blush out there for you. For options in multiple shades with easy application, Kaja’s Cheeky Stamp Blendable Blush makes for a knock-out blush.
What to know before you buy a liquid blush
Liquid blush is more hydrating and easy to blend
Unlike powder blushes, which can feel chalky and dry on skin, you can lather liquid blush on top of your foundation or straight onto clean, naked skin and blend it in with your fingers to create an easy, natural look. What’s more, you don’t need to use any expensive brushes or applicators: the heat of your hands helps to melt the blush into your skin and any makeup you already have on.
Liquid blush does better for a wide range of skin tones
Liquid blush tends to be hyper-pigmented, so it often shows up more and blends more easily on skin tones of all types, especially deeper-toned, darker skin. This makes it a great option for anyone who’s ever struggled to find a blush that matches their natural skin tone well.
A little liquid blush goes a long way
For powder and cream blushes, you’ll often find you go through palettes fairly quickly. On the other hand, a small drop of liquid blush can be enough for a whole day’s look, so a whole tube can last a long time. The downside, though, is that liquid blush may last less time on your skin than cream or powder blush.
Liquid blush features
Amount
Liquid blush is like liquid gold, but that’s because you only use a tiny amount per application. For this reason, you often find liquid blush in fairly small containers, pots or tubes, although you can find larger sizes if you’re looking to invest in the long haul with a liquid blush you know you love.
Warm or cool tone
Knowing whether your skin tends to be warmer (think red and yellow undertones) or cooler (blue or pink undertones) can help you pick out the perfect color in a liquid blush.
Vegan, organic and/or cruelty-free
Some manufacturers make vegan, organic and/or cruelty-free options for liquid blushes, so you don’t necessarily have to choose between the quality of your makeup and the ethics of knowing where your makeup came from.
Liquid blush cost
Liquid blush costs $15-$50. The price can depend on how big the bottle or tube is, whether the brand is a recognized name in the makeup industry, if it is hypoallergenic and if it is vegan and/or cruelty-free.
Liquid blush FAQ
How can I pick the right shade for my skin?
A. While it’s difficult to really know which blush will best match your skin without being able to try it on first, there are a few things to look for depending on the type and tone of skin you have. For example, very pale skin tends to shine with light rosy pinks, olive skin tends to glow with rosy or peachy blushes and warm colors, bright reds and even purple or coral can look stunning on dark skin. Nevertheless, feel free to try any color you think looks good.
How do I achieve a subtle, natural look with liquid blush?
A. If you’re aiming for a very low-key blush application, try this little trick. Instead of applying blush on top of your foundation and concealer, try applying a solid layer of blush on your naked skin, then start layering the foundation on top. This helps to create the subtle, “lit from within” look that doesn’t invoke images of clown makeup.
Which liquid blush should I get?
Best of the best liquid blush
Kaja Cheeky Stamp Blendable Blush: available at Sephora
Our take: This compact, blendable liquid blush stamps on the shape of a heart, keeping your skin rosy and cheeky.
What we like: This layerable liquid blush is available in seven shades, with matching adorable packaging for each different shade. A single stamp applies a light blush, and you can continue stamping to layer more for a bold look. It’s small and easy to stow in your purse or in your suitcase.
What we dislike: Customers with deeper skin tones say it does not show up as well on their skin. It dries quickly and may be difficult to blend if you wait too long.
Best bang for your buck liquid blush
Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain: available at Sephora
Our take: With the amount of liquid blush included in this rosy cheek and lip stain, you’ll almost never need to buy a new blush.
What we like: This product offers a two-in-one cheek and lip matte stain that lasts for hours and can be layered for extra pop. Users love that it doesn’t rub off if you kiss or hug someone. The light rosy color makes it great for a daytime look.
What we dislike: While some users love the rose scent, it may be a turnoff for people who prefer unscented products.
Honorable mention liquid blush
NARS Liquid Blush: available at Sephora
Our take: This buttery liquid blush goes on silky on top of your skin and hydrates while you wear it.
What we like: With natural ingredients like monoi and tamanu oils, this weightless, luxurious blush won’t dry you out. It’s available in three shades. Since it’s highly pigmented, you only need a touch of this blush to get that dewy look. Apply more for a bold nighttime look.
What we dislike: Unfortunately, many customers report problems with the cap leaking, which can be an especially big problem if you travel often.
Micayla Mead is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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