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The 22 Best Blushes to Give Your Cheeks an Extra Pop
Whether you're aiming for cherub cheeks or a subtle wash of color
By The best blush has always been a makeup staple, but thanks to TikTok and its many trends, it’s having a bigger moment than ever. And how you apply the signature product is just as much of a personal choice as the kind of formula you decide to use.
"For me, it’s twofold. If I’m at home and doing a full face of makeup for dinner, I will use a brush for more coverage," Rhode founder Hailey Bieber explains. "But on a day-to-day basis, I apply it straight to the skin and blend out with my fingers—or I tap the blush onto my finger and put it on my cheeks. Blush is such an individual experience."
The Best Blush Worth Adding to Your Collection
Whether you’re into powder, liquid, or cream blush, there are plenty of ways to give yourself a subtle flush—you can even layer them together for maximum makeup impact. "One of the things I've learned from TikTok is applying powder blush before applying cream blush—usually I apply creams first, then powders afterward. But when you layer with powder then cream, it gives you the color you want from a blush, but also that look of a skin-like, no-makeup-makeup finish," Summer Fridays co-founder Marianna Hewitt previously told Bazaar.
We've rounded up some of the best blush options available—from sticks to compacts—that beauty experts and Bazaar editors swear by for long-lasting, high-wattage color.
Pros
- Hydrating
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Some reviewers say formula isn't as long-lasting as other blushes
We're betting you've already seen these adorable, pocket-sized blushes all over TikTok (including on Bazaar's page). Beauty lovers are raving about its hydrating, lightweight formula that practically melts into your skin.
"The lab calls it a 'melting blush,' which I think is interesting from a texture perspective," Bieber told Bazaar in an interview. "It gives the skin a dewy finish without a greasy feeling. So, it definitely was a process to check all those boxes, but I feel like we got there. It’s that perfect flush."
Number of shades: six
One satisfied customer writes: "I liked it I would repurchase other colors. I think it lasts on the skin, easy to apply. I was caught off guard by how small it is, online it looked bigger but the product itself is really good. It leaves the skin with a hydrating look, kind of natural. Plus it has a lot of pigment!" —Giulia I.
Pros
- Universally flattering
- Slight shimmer
Cons
You might think this blush from the experts at Nars is a best-seller solely because of its tongue-in-cheek name. But its combination of rosy pink and subtle golden shimmer makes this product truly ideal for a wide range of skin tones.
Number of shades: 20
One satisfied customer writes: "I was very impressed with the quality, a peachy pink color with a tinge of gold shimmer. I felt it just glided onto my skin and gave such a lovely look to my cheeks. I would highly recommend." —Shaz78
Pros
- Buildable
- Easy to use
Cons
A little goes a long way when it comes to the color payoff of this serum-based blush from Hourglass Cosmetics. Plus, its liquid formula is seamlessly buildable and leaves a natural finish that lasts for up to 12 hours.
Number of shades: six
One satisfied customer writes: "The hourglass liquid blush is very pigmented and just a drop goes a long way. It is my new favorite." —Knew2MakeUp
Pros
- Customizable
- Stylish
Cons
- Doesn't include brush
This monogrammed Dior blush compact is almost too pretty to use. Its lightweight powder formula is created to reacts with the skin's pH and moisture levels upon application and provides a customized shade for every skin tone.
Number of shades: nine
One satisfied customer writes: "Love the packaging and the color is perfection. Compact enough to carry in a handbag." —Tamara
Pros
- Great for warmer weather
Cons
- May not be pigmented enough for those who prefer a strong blush look
This long-lasting lip and cheek stain feels cooling on contact with your skin using a blend of aloe and seawater. Its sheer, buildable coverage makes it easy to perfect the no-makeup-makeup look.
Number of shades: four
One satisfied customer writes: "This product stays on a long time and leaves a beautiful sun-kissed look!" —dlb1640
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo
Pros
- Versatile
- Features a number of color options
Cons
- Doesn't include a brush
You'll get both a pressed and cream powder with this duo from celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta, which ensures maximum staying power. Ta suggests applying the powder side first, then the cream for a radiant yet natural finish.
Number of shades: 12
One satisfied customer writes: "I love this blush so much!! I love both the cream and the powder part and it just blends so well." —abbyy0507
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Color Fuse Longwear Hydrating Glassy Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- May not be ideal for those with oily skin
Just like the majority of Haus Labs makeup staples, Bazaar editors are obsessed with this lip and cheek balm from the brand. Along with a goji berry complex to plump skin, the stain also uses fermented arnica to reduce potential redness and irritation.
Number of shades: eight
One satisfied customer writes: "So beautiful! Creamy, easy to blend, glowy, and as is true with other HL products, so pigmented! I want every color!!" —maccdaddysgirl
Pros
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting
Cons
There's a reason this coveted blush has nearly a five-star rating at Sephora. Along with a staying power of up to 12 hours, the makeup favorite also uses a proprietary Micro–fil technology to minimize patchiness upon application.
Number of shades: six
One satisfied customer writes: "Obsessed with this! So easy to blend and the shades are beautiful!!!" —melrich21
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Pros
- Very pigmented
- Great shade range
Cons
"The most pigmented, long-wearing blush you could ever find. A little goes a long way with this!" writes one satisfied Sephora shopper of singer Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty blush. Its liquid formula is not only vegan, but also available in both matte and dewy finishes.
Number of shades: 11
One satisfied customer writes: "So pigmented and so light! It feels sunkissed and effortless! The best blush I've ever used." —Presger
Pros
- Under $10
- Lightweight texture
Cons
This gel-cream blush couldn't be easier to use. Just blend a tiny dot on your cheek for the prettiest, natural-looking flush with a dewy finish.
Number of shades: six
One satisfied customer writes: "My absolute favorite color. Not a big makeup girl, but I use this daily. And it lasts forever!! A little goes a long way." —Olivia
Pros
- Can also be used on lips
- Great for mature skin
Cons
Even if you're not a clean beauty devotee, you'll likely fall in love with this creamy blush stick from makeup artist Gucci Westman. As an added bonus, the stick can also be used on your lips and lids for a monochromatic makeup look with minimal effort.
Number of shades: six
One satisfied customer writes: "Truly the best cream blushes in the market! They are easily applied to the cheek, and they last! I either use a brush directly on the blush, or I apply some blush to my hand and then use a brush to pick some up from my hand. Either way? These are amazing blushes!" —Celia
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush
Pros
- Sweat- and water-resistant
Cons
It's no secret that Rihanna understands the importance of beauty inclusivity, which is why her featherweight Cheeks Out blush shades are versatile enough to suit just about every skin tone.
Number of shades: nine
One satisfied customer writes: "I was terrified when I saw how bold this red is, until it touched my cheeks, and it turned to a natural pinkish blush! It applies so easy, it is buildable and it is long lasting. It has become my favorite product!" —Neofili
Merit Flush Balm
Pros
- Can be used on lips
- Contains nourishing vitamin E
Cons
This buildable cheek tint from the experts at Merit is a favorite of Hailey Bieber's makeup artist Leah Darcy. Even better? The brand recently added a few more of its buildable shades to its makeup offerings.
Number of shades: nine
One satisfied customer writes: "This is my new go-to for a fresh faced glow! You simply can’t go wrong with using the Minimalist paired with this little compact flush-of-color bomb. I’m 54 and just sorry it took me this long to find this gem." —Maureen
Kulfi Mehndi Moment Long-Lasting Radiant Cream Blush
Pros
- Contains skincare ingredients
- Vibrant shades
Cons
Formulated with antioxidant-rich amla extract and hydrating hibiscus extract, this cream formula is as nourishing as it is vibrant and pigmented.
Number of shades: five
One satisfied customer writes: "I love this blush! It’s buildable coverage for those intimidated by the pigment (yes very pigmented!). I also tried a darker shade than I would normally and was surprised how natural it looked." —Castroh
Pros
- Sheer formula for a lit-from-within glow
- Can be used on lips
Cons
Here's another buildable, multi-use blush that also works for your lips that's inspired by the colors seen in a Santa Monica, CA sunset.
Number of shades: seven
One satisfied customer writes: "I am a dark-skinned black woman and the After Hours looked gorgeous on my skin. Highly recommend!" —Day
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wands
Pros
- Soft matte finish
- Convenient sponge applicator
Cons
This new blush from Charlotte Tilbury is already red carpet and TikTok-famous. It includes a cushion applicator for a seamless, even blend on the tops of your cheekbones.
Number of shades: three
One satisfied customer writes: "A little goes a long way but I am obsessed. Best blush I’ve ever used. Blends so well." —Laurenerual
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Divine Powder Blush
Pros
- Provides buildable coverage
- Vibrant shade range
Cons
This featherweight pressed blush leaves a satin-y finish on the tops of your cheeks, and is available in both matte and shimmer shades depending on your preference.
Number of shades: eight
One satisfied customer writes: "Pat McGrath. What more do I need to say? This color, and this blush is stunning. Goes on so nice, on top of the buyers packaging. Just buy it." —Tianna7
Pros
- Seamlessly blends in with skin
- Just pigmented enough
Cons
Just a few dabs of this highly pigmented gel-cream blush on the apples of your cheeks is all that's needed for a stand out makeup look.
Number of shades: eight
One satisfied customer writes: "The exact color I was looking for! Goes on so easily and feels so nice and light on my skin!" —Ayla
Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour
Pros
- Convenient stick formula
- Natural-looking shades
Cons
Ulta shoppers swear by this compact balm stick for an easy five-minute face, since you can quickly apply it with your fingers instead of having to reach for a brush.
Number of shades: four
One satisfied customer writes: "I am 76 years old and I love this cheek balm, easy to use and goes on very smoothly, powder blush accentuates my wrinkles, this is very sheer." —Judy76
Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Blush Stick
Pros
- Sheer with a dewy finish
- Comes with a brush on opposite end for blending
Cons
This popular, dual-ended blush stick from celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is almost sold out at Sephora and includes a handy brush tip that makes it ideal to use while on the go.
Number of shades: six
One satisfied customer writes: "Me and my mom both use this product. We love it, it lasts a long time and super pretty too." —Izzy
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