Makeup

15 best blush formulas – including creams, liquids and powders

Tried-and-true blushes we can't get enough of.
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Image Courtesy of Rhode Skin

What you use in order to apply your beauty product often depends on the type of blush you're using as well as your personal preference. For example, powder blushes are best paired with makeup brushes, while you can apply most cream blushes by dabbing the product with just your fingers or a makeup sponge.

However, Gucci also notes that the size matters when applying any type of blush with a makeup brush. “You lose control with a giant fluffy brush, whereas a small brush allows you to be more targeted and to buff and blend."


Shop the edit of the best blushers below to find which one is right for you…

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Best blush overall

  • Longevity: 4/5.
  • Pigment: 5/5.
  • Available shades: 11.

Why we love it: To nobody's surprise, we just had to give the top spot to Rare Beauty's liquid blush. The product went viral immediately after it launched and easily won over every beauty enthusiast's heart (including ours). Not only does it have a very lightweight yet long-lasting formula, but it's also super pigmented, buildable and extremely easy to blend. Oh, and did we mention that it also includes a botanical blend of white waterlily, gardenia and lotus to help soothe and nourish your skin too?

Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.

REFY Cream Blush

Best cream blush

  • Longevity: 4/5.
  • Pigment: 3/5.
  • Available shades: 7.

Why we love it: REFY's cream blush is incredibly buildable and pigmented, which allows you to go with the flow and create anything between a subtle glow and a radiant cheek tint. Its formula is perfectly suitable for all skin tones and types, including those with more sensitive skin. A little goes a long way with this blush, so don't be thrown off by its small size. It's also vegan, cruelty-free and dermatologically tested.

Tester: Chrissie Moncrieffe, GLAMOUR's Creative Producer.

Glossier Cloud Paint Blush

Best blush with buildable pigment

  • Longevity: 4/5.
  • Pigment: 3/5.
  • Available shades: 10.

Why we love it: We can always count on Glossier to deliver some serious goodness when it come to makeup. This sheer gel-cream blush has a lightweight yet buildable formula that gives your cheeks a dewy look and blends seamlessly into your skin. Its main selling point is that it's incredibly easy to layer and very difficult to overdo, making it the most failsafe option for any preference.

Tester: Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor.

Haus Labs Color Fuse Powder Blush

Best pigmented blush

  • Longevity: 3/5.
  • Pigment: 5/5.
  • Available shades: 6.

Why we love it: After a matte blush that packs some serious pigment? This cheek colour from Haus Labs could be just the thing. Available in five wearable shades, this formula makes for an effortless blend and diffuses into a soft-blurred finish that's sure to elevate any look. One of our favourite shades is Pomelo Peach, which is a stunning peachy hue that delivers a natural flush of colour.

Tester: Neamh Randall, GLAMOUR's Commerce Photo Editor.

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow

Best powder blush

  • Longevity: 4/5.
  • Pigment: 5/5.
  • Available shades: 8.

Why we love it: This universal blush comes approved by makeup artists, influencers, and practically all beauty enthusiasts who are after natural-looking rosy cheeks. It has a formula that's infused with unique Colour Reviver technology that reacts to the skin's moisture level upon application to create a customised rosy effect. All you need to do it lightly stroke it onto your cheekbones and watch as they develop an ultra-natural pink shade. Our favourite shade has to be Pink 001, which is a cool-toned pink blush that's bound to complement a range of skin tones.

Tester: Georgia Trodd, GLAMOUR's Senior Commerce Writer.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush

Best shimmery blush

  • Longevity: 4/5.
  • Pigment: 3/5.
  • Available shades: 7.

Why we love it: Yes, this shimmery blush from Hourglass will look just as good on your skin as it does in the packaging. This hybrid formula is handmade and features marbled pans that create the perfect balance between pigment and powder, enhanced with Photoluminescent Technology for extra vibrancy, depth and dimension. We really rated the shade At Night, which is a cherry-like red with a splash of champagne shimmer that offers a radiant finish – a must or every season.

Tester: Robyn Eugene, GLAMOUR's Social Media Manager.

Rhode Pocket Blush

Best blush stick

  • Longevity: 4/5.
  • Pigment: 5/5.
  • Available shades: 7.

Why we love it: The Rhode Pocket Blush has just launched earlier this year, but in our humble opinion, it's definitely a solid contender for one of the best cream blushes out there. Featuring seven shades in total (including the limited edition Sprinkle), this formula melts into the skin and is extremely blendable – regardless of whether you're team makeup sponge, brush or fingers. We loved the buildable pigment and the versatile range of shades, which includes everything from muted pinks to corals and darker mauvy browns.

Tester: Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director