Blush Is Back and Better Than Ever—Here are the 11 Best Ones

Stila

Finding the best beauty products has never been easier thanks to this weekly curated list—Pia's Picks. As the Senior Beauty Editor at HelloGiggles, I test and examine the latest skincare, makeup, hair, and nail products, so I can confidently recommend the best ones to you.

We need to give blush more credit. The makeup item has long been overlooked by its sister products, highlighters and bronzers, but blush is a major game-changer. The pink, peach, and rosy tones can revive a washed-out complexion and make a person look younger and healthier. In our humble opinions, blush is the real MVP.

Forget the over-saturated blushes from the '80s—the new school blushes come in a variety of great formulas. From highly pigmented mattes and radiant sticks to subtle liquids and more, there's a blush for every lifestyle and preference. Here, we highlight 11 of the best blushes and explain why each one has a spot on our go-to list.

Best Gel Blush: Glossier Cloud Paint

hellogiggles - $18 Available at Glossier

We love Glossier's Cloud Paint for how natural it looks on the skin and how easy it is to use. Most liquid or cream makeup products tend to either come in pots that you dip your fingers into (hard pass) or in hard tubes that require an applicator. However, this blush comes in a squishy tube, which allows us to go through the entire product and get our money’s worth. It's available in six shades, from a soft peach to a dark, warm rose tint.

Best Powder Blush: NARS Blush

hellogiggles - $30 Available at Sephora

Powdered blushes can offer long-lasting effects and are often more pigmented than their more liquid counterparts. This NARS blush, shown in its cult-classic "Orgasm" shade, is famous for its super long-wear and universally flattering formula that gives skin a natural glow. It's available in 20 shades and has over 17,000 rave reviews on Sephora, so you know you'll find something you like.

Best Cream Blush: Stila Convertible Color

hellogiggles - $25 Available at Ulta

Creams, gels, and liquid-based makeup products are popular amongst people looking to get a bouncy, more youthful effect. This blush has a buildable formula, so you can swipe on a single layer for a subtle hint of color or build up the blush for a higher color payoff.

Best Liquid Blush: Armani Beauty Neo Nude A-Line Liquid Blush

hellogiggles - $50 Available at Sephora

If you're looking for a subtle, pretty flush of color, Armani's Neo Nude Liquid Blushes will do the trick. Think of them as watercolor paint for your face, except they're a lot more elevated. Pick one of eight shades, dab on the apples of your cheeks, and wait to be pleasantly surprised by the pretty flush.

Best Blush Palette for Dark Skin Tones: Juvia's Place The Saharan Vol. II Blush Palette

hellogiggles - $18 Available at Ulta

This palette offers six deep, rich shades that are perfect for people with darker skin tones. From coral and hot pink to shimmery bronze and plum-red, these tones will give skin a flirty hue and will add dimension to any complexion.

Best Blush Palette for Light Skin Tones: Too Face Natural Face Palette

hellogiggles - $58 Available at Sephora

People with lighter skin tones may opt for softer pinks, like the ones offered in this popular palette. It includes six shades that come in matte and satin finishes that will gently contour the face while hydrating it as well, thanks to its moisturizing ingredients like coconut butter.

Best Stick Blush: Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick

hellogiggles - $25 Available at Fenty Beauty

If you're looking for a blush that will give you an immediate radiance boost, look no further. The one and only Rihanna created these shimmery blush sticks that are 2-in-1 blushes and highlighters. Plus, the stick form makes it the perfect on-the-go product to take for your mid-day touch-up.

Best Drugstore Blush: Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Blush

hellogiggles - $11.98 Available at Amazon

This cult classic drugstore blush is a favorite of many for good reason—the formula is buttery soft and it's infused with actual moisturizing butters that are good for your skin. Each of the six shades feels like velvet upon touch and gives the cheeks a healthy dose of color and hints of shimmer for added radiance.

Best Cheek Tint: Benefit Cosmetics Benetint

hellogiggles - $30 Available at Sephora

While yes, this blush is technically a liquid, its super lightweight formula is even more subtle than your traditional liquid blush and therefore deserves a category of its own: cheek tint. This watery product can be used on the lips for a natural "bitten lip" look, and it gives the cheeks a subtle rosy hue.

Best Clean Powder Blush: LAWLESS Make Me Blush Talc-Free Velvet Blush

hellogiggles - $29 Available at Sephora

Forget what you've heard about clean beauty being "granola"—this blush can compete with your MAC any day of the week. These soft-pressed powders come in five matte shades and two slightly shimmery ones to fit every taste. Plus, they're infused with hydrating squalane and moisturizing shea butter, so they're great for keeping skin healthy during the colder and drier months.

Best Clean Cream Blush: Tower 28 BeachPlease Tinted Lip + Cheek Balm

hellogiggles - $26 Available at Sephora

Available in three dreamy shades inspired by Santa Monica's sunsets, this gel blush is perfect for achieving that radiant, sun-kissed look. It uses green tea extract and aloe vera to soothe the skin and provide it with protective antioxidants to keep it strong and healthy. For best results, take your ring finger and gently dab the blush onto the skin and blend it in. If you want, you can use it on your lids and lips, too.