How to Choose the Best Viral Blush For Your Skin Type

This article was originally published in May 2024 and has been updated. 

From stay-all-day cheek stains and subtle powders to blendable liquid and cream formulas, there is no one way to wear blush, but there are a few things to consider when trying to find the best match for your skin tone and type.

For example, where those with dry skin may gravitate towards a cream blush with a melt-into-your-skin feel, oilier skin types may opt for a classic powder. Then, of course, there’s the shade range to think about. Do you need a more subdued hue for your fair skin? Or a rich rouge that packs a pigmented punch against deeper skin tones?

To help you choose the right blush for your complexion, we turned to none other than social media, where these blushes are getting major buzz — and for good reason. Notes app ready? Scroll on, folks.

Nudestix Stax All Over Color Blush Balm

This stackable blush balm happens to be Nudestix’s first foray into non-stick products (!) so you know it has to be good. Giving a flush of colour to cheeks, eyes and lips, the cream-to-powder formula glides on seamlessly like a cream but has the lasting wear of a soft matte powder.

Housed in a magnetic makeup compact, you can stack your fave shades for easy blush layering moments that store and travel efficiently. With its multi-tasking chops, this balm-like blush is ideal for anyone looking to get the most bang for their buck, er blush.

Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint Lip + Cheek Blush Stain

We can confirm: Milk Makeup’s Cooling Water Jelly Tints are as fun to use as they seem on TikTok — and as long-wearing, thanks to their stain-like formula. We love these for a playful makeup look, perhaps on a sunny summer day when you’re in search of something sheer that won’t budge but isn’t too cake-y or bold. Plus, it’s got a cooling sensation that feels refreshing on the skin and hydrates dry skin types.

Though there are only four shades to choose from — poppy pink “Burst,” coral orange “Spritz,” rouge “Chilli” and berry plum “Splash” — this range covers your classic pink, orange, red and purple hues with options for all skin tones that can be built up or played down. The more you apply, the more the colour intensifies, so it’s totally up to you.

Saie Dew Blush

Saie’s Dew Blush is a reliable option for a just-pinched flush of colour on the cheeks that’s got a lightweight, natural finish. The liquid-cream formula and doe foot applicator allow the product to be easily blended, so it’s subtle enough for everyday use. Across eight shades, these blushes lean more muted than intense, so they’re beginner-friendly, too.

We’d recommend shades like cool pink “Baby” and soft “Rosy” for lighter complexions, while berry “Dreamy” and terracotta “Spicy” may be best suited for melanin-rich skin.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush

Love glowy cheeks that glisten? Rare Beauty’s newly launched Soft Pinch Luminous Power Blush deserves a spot in your makeup bag. Infused with shimmering pearls, this five-piece collection of pink, mauve and peach blushes is highly pigmented, yet buildable and seamless. Whenever your makeup is feeling a little lacklustre, or you want to elevate your everyday look with a hint of radiance, this will be your go-to.

One more thing to note: Over on TikTok, some beauty influencers have raised concerns about the luminous finish emphasizing acne and skin texture — so keep this in mind if you prefer the look of a matte blush instead.

Dior Rosy Glow Blush

No blush-aholic’s kit is complete without at least one of these Dior Rosy Glow blushes. Made with impressive colour reviver technology, these pressed powder blushes react to moisture levels in the skin and deposit a naturally rosy, customized flush, so they’re universally flattering on all skin tones.

We bet you’ve stumbled upon the viral “001 Pink” shade on your TikTok feed. Now there are poppy, bronze and lilac shades to choose from. Whether you’re going for a casual coral cheek or a statement purple, there’s a colour match for every look and occasion. Suitable for dry and oily skin, they’re a no-brainer well worth the splurge.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand

To our oily skin girlies with a preference for matte complexion products, consider investing in Charlotte Tilbury’s beloved Matte Beauty Blush Wands. Layer this liquid blusher over your base for a long-lasting, mattified cheek look that’s rich in colour. Use one to two dots for a natural makeup look, or continue to apply the product for more colourful cheeks worthy of a night out on the town.

Currently, this formula is only available in four pink and peach shades, which may not be ideal for those with darker skin tones in search of a wider selection that includes oranges, plums, berries and deeper pink hues.

Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush

If “less is more” is your beauty philosophy, you’ll love these Flush Balm Cream Blushes by Merit. Described as a “foolproof” and “flexible” balm, these little blush wonders impart a sheer touch of colour that lets your natural skin texture come through in all the best ways. And if you’ve got acne-prone skin, worry not! This blush-balm hybrid is fragrance-free and promises not to clog your pores.

Available in nine inclusive shades, from the lightest soft peach “Beverley Hills” to the deepest burgundy “Mood,” there’s no wonder why it’s one of TikTok’s favourites for a no-makeup makeup look.

Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo

If you’re a mix-and-match blush sort of person, or if shade range is most important to you, Patrick Ta’s Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duos are where you want to look. Offering 12 compacts filled with shade options for skin tones from fair to deep, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Including both a radiant finish crème and a pressed powder, these are blushes that anyone with any skin type can use. If you’re feeling dry, reach for the crème. Oily? Stick with the powder. That said, they are designed to be used together where possible, and the brand recommends applying the crème last, Patrick Ta-style. Break this blush out when you’re going full-send on glam for a pro MUA-level look.

Rhode Pocket Blush

Hailey Bieber is no stranger to viral beauty trends (glazed donut nails, anyone?) and her recent Aperol spritz makeup look is no exception. If you’re a cream blush devotee with a love of layering on punchy colours like, say, a tangerine-pink named Spicy Marg that looks like a sunset, the new Pocket Blush from Bieber’s Rhode Skin is for you.

Bieber’s compact blush sticks have a lightweight formula that blends easily and leaves a satin-like finish behind without a greasy or tacky feel.