8 Best Blushes That No Makeup Routine Is Complete Without

21.08.2025, 02:05 allure.com

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Whether swept on top of a makeup look or brushed across bare skin, the best blushes play up a healthy glow—or stand in for one when the skin is looking rather dull. “When I’m choosing a blush, I go for shades that show up naturally when your skin is flushed,” says makeup artist Tonya Riner. “Just give your cheeks a little pinch and see what comes through,” she adds. Some editors prefer sheerer finishes, while others go all out (some may call it “blush blindness,” but who cares?) and sweep on their favorite blushes with abandon. In a quest to find the best blushes in all types of formulas—creams, liquids, and powders, oh my!—and color palettes, we’ve swatched, tapped, and swirled to bring you this edit of the absolute must-have blushes.

Ilia

Amazon

Nordstrom

Ilia Beauty

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Ilia Multi-Stick in A Fine Romance

Why we love it: Designed to complement the breeziest of beauty regimens, Ilia’s Multi-Stick is a cinch to use. The Readers’ Choice Award-winner blends like a dream with the tip of a finger, builds easily, and comes in 12 shades that all evoke some degree of natural flush, whether it’s the pinkness of a first-date blush or the ruddy remains of a summer spent wandering barefoot through the berry patch. What’s more, the formula—buttery, melty, and packed with moisturizing oils— pampers the skin.

Hoffmann before applying the Ilia Multi-Stick in A Fine Romance

Hoffmann after applying the Ilia Multi-Stick in A Fine Romance

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffman

"What I love about the Ilia Multi-Stick is that by using a brush, it gives me a ton of control with placement and allows me to adjust how strong the color is, which I love—it's like having multiple shades in one. ‘A Fine Romance' is the perfect berry to me because I can use it as a soft, delicate pink or go full just-ate-a-popsicle by applying it directly to my cheeks or lips." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

Tester feedback from former Allure associate special projects manager Talia Gutierrez

"This tiny but mighty twist-up Ilia Multi-Stick is called that for a reason. Acting as a three-in-one, I start my application with one swipe of product on my cheekbones before dabbing a tint of color onto my eyelids and lips for an illuminating, glow-from-within flush of color that can easily be thrown in my purse for on-the-go touch-ups when necessary," says associate special projects manager Talia Gutierrez. "Lately, I've been using Dreamer, a warm nude that gives a post-vacation illusion while I'm here, sitting in the office." —Talia Gutierrez, former associate special projects manager

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Armani Beauty

Nordstrom

Sephora

Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Cheek Tint in Flaming Red

Why we love it: It please, please, pleases Sabrina Carpenter to wear Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Cheek Tint, and she’s not the only one who calls this her favorite blush. After much swiping and blending, the Allure team singled this out as the best overall liquid blush. Not only does the silky product blend out like a dream, but it also feels light as air on the skin. But don’t let its lightweight texture fool you: The blush stays put for up to 12 hours and leaves a dewy finish in one of 12 shades. The secret to the makeup product’s staying power is found in a unique water-in-oil emulsion that fuses a thin film of color onto the skin.

Calaor before applying Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Cheek Tint in Flaming Red

Calaor after applying Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Cheek Tint in Flaming Red

Tester feedback from Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor

“This blush changed my mind about fiery tones. Yes, it’s pigmented (so applying it gradually is key), but it blends beautifully into a natural-looking ‘I just had a really great date’ kind of flush. It sets in place for hours, too—lasting through that date and whatever might follow.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor

Tester feedback from Hoffmann

"I'm probably blush blind, but I don't care, and you can't stop me. Armani's Liquid Silk Blush is one of my favorites—it's not super sheer (which I love because when I'm wearing blush, I want people to know!) but blends easily, so I think it's a great formula for beginners because it's forgiving. I'm wearing Delicate Mauve, which is, to date, the most perfect dusty pink shade I've found for my particular skin tone. If I could wave a wand and naturally produce that shade on my cheeks, I would, but until then, I'll stick to wearing this blush pretty much every day.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

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Kosas

Nordstrom

Revolve

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Kosas Blush Is Life in Hype

Why we love it: The undisputed champion of all powder blushes—at least, if you ask Allure editors—is Kosas’s Blush Is Life. Each shade reflects a combination of two subtly shimmery hues, and the result is a your-natural-flush-but-better glow. Plus, while the blush is baked, it doesn’t have the dryness of some other baked formulas. Whipped up with squalane and hyaluronic acid, the blush has a moisturizing feel—it certainly doesn't reflect the dusty and dry formulas of years past. Bonus: Blush Is Life is dermatologist-tested and deemed safe for sensitive skin.

Han before applying Kosas Blush (only wearing foundation)

Han after applying Kosas Blush Is Life in Hype

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

“Did Kosas read my mind when brainstorming names? My inclination is yes because blush has been my life for the past year or so, and it doesn't seem to be leaving anytime soon. My preference has always been swayed towards cream blushes, but Kosas has me giving powders a second chance. Blush is Life is light, airy, and definitely doesn't cake or settle into texture like other powder blushes tend to do. Hype (a warm poppy pink) brightens my face instantly.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

Tester feedback from shopping director Shanna Shipin

“Blush truly IS life when you have this in your makeup kit. These colors are simultaneously new and classic; Heartbeat is a juicy nectarine-style red, and Chills is an ultraviolet-style berry, for instance. These are pigments we're familiar with, but with the kind of zest I like to think only the LA-based Kosas can bring. They're truly weightless (as an eczema sufferer and a fine-line lady, I can feel and see when a product isn't so seamless) and so smooth, which lends itself to an easy blend. Because the pigment payoff is high, though, it's not as goofproof as some cream-based blushes, so make sure you have a good brush to diffuse the color for a more natural look.” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director

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Chanel

Chanel

Former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis applying Chanel No. 1 De Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Berry Boost

Why we love it: The texture of Chanel’s No. 1 De Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm is something of a legend amongst Allure editors. One of the best multitasking balms on the market, the French beauty salve is infused with red camellia oil that makes any area of skin it touches feel (and look) like satin. Whether used on bare skin or as part of a softly blurred makeup look, the balm peps up the cheeks with a natural-looking rush of color; it also doubles as a cute, plumping lip balm.

Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis

"I love a multipurpose product that can make my life easier, and lip and cheek tints are definitely at the top of that list. No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm has a buttery, red camellia oil-infused formula that easily transfers onto the pad of my (clean!) ring finger so I can dab away on my cheeks and lips. Even though it's a tint, shades like Berry Boost don't disappoint in the pigmentation category—I'm left with a pretty flush that I can apply and blend out with just my fingers, as shown in the clip." —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

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NYX Professional Makeup

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying Nyx Professional Makeup ButterMelt Pressed Powder Blush in Butta Togetha

Why we love it: Nyx Professional Makeup is the rare drugstore brand whose products tend to outperform those of more luxurious labels. In the case of its Makeup ButterMelt Blush, skin-care-grade ingredients like mango seed butter and sweet almond oil give the formula a moisturizing touch. Available in 12 shades that have matte finishes and glowy finishes, the irresistible shades don’t only deliver a lit-from-within flush that looks like the byproduct of a very expensive vacation; they also smell like candy. And to think, you get all that for just $10? A genius purchase, no doubt.

Taylor before applying Nyx Professional Makeup ButterMelt Pressed Powder Blush in Butta Togetha

Taylor after applying Nyx Professional Makeup ButterMelt Pressed Powder Blush in Butta Togetha

Tester feedback from Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor

"Being the queen of blush blindness, I stan Nyx’s Buttermelt Blush because it doesn't cling to my dry spots and actually stays on all day. I also love that Butta Togetha, a lighter pink shade, actually shows up on my medium complexion without pulling ashy. The buttery texture blends in smoothly and layers beautifully over foundation without lifting or streaking. I wore it all day in DC's newfound subtropical weather, and it held up shockingly well with minimal fading or transferring. Also, something I don't usually consider with my blushes, it smells great!" —Jailynn Taylor, Allure contributor

More to know

Summer Fridays

Revolve

Sephora

Why we love it: Think about the butteriest blush you've ever swiped onto your cheekbones. If you don't have Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm in mind, sorry, you're wrong. This creamy formula is packed to the brim (err, compact?) with