The Best Powder Blushes to Add to Your Makeup Bag

Blush is like the cherry on top to your makeup look — bringing everything together and adding a hint of rosy color that helps to brighten your entire complexion. With Gen Z’s affinity for flushed cheeks, many are skipping bronzer and highlighter in favor of using only blush. 

It’s likely because blush can be used to create the appearance of lifted cheekbones and even as a way to sculpt and define your features in place of contour. It’s madly versatile and definitely deserves a spot in your makeup bag. Powder blush suits all different skin tones and skin types for we’re sharing the top powder blushes at the drugstore, plus tips for upgrading your blush routine. 

L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Blush

If you struggle to find the perfect shade of blush for your skin tone, look at the undertone of your skin tone and find a blush with the same tone. This variety coordinates perfectly with True Match foundation, powder and concealer to take out the guesswork of finding the right shade and undertone for your complexion. In 10 tried-and-true shades, this blush easily blends into the skin without emphasizing texture for a picture-perfect rosy glow. The buildable formula is suitable for all skin types and has a satin finish for a subtle luminosity.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Satin Blush with Camellia Oil

Formulated with camellia oil, this cream-to-powder blush formula offers an instant luminous glow that doesn’t look dry or cakey. While this blush was formulated with mature skin in mind, the lightweight formula suits all skin types and textures, blending effortlessly into the complexion. With six shades to choose from, the buildable coverage and satin finish allows you to wear blush any way you like — subtly or noticeably flushed.

Editor’s tip: If you like your blush to be the star of your makeup look, layer your powder products over cream blush for more pop. The L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip and Cheek Tint is an easy-to-blend, liquid formula that offers a sheer, dewy wash of color to the cheeks and lips. Layer it under your powder blush and apply it to the lips for an easy, monochromatic makeup look.

3 Tips for Applying Blush Like a Pro

Now that you know what blushes to add to your stash, here are a few tips to level up your application game.

1. Apply Blush After Bronzer

Applying blush after your bronzer helps to blend the two products together, ensuring that neither is overpowering your makeup look. Focus your bronzer just slightly above the hollows of your cheekbones. Using a fluffy brush, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks for a plump, youthful flush or place it slightly past the eye, on your cheekbones to create an instantly lifted appearance for any face shape.  

2. Stick to Complementary Shades

While this isn’t a blush application tip, choosing the right shade has a big effect on the end result and it’s important to pay attention too. To keep your makeup looking cohesive, stick to shades of blush that are in the same color family as your eye makeup and lipstick. 

If you’re using a cool-toned brown eyeshadow and pink lipstick, opt for a cool-toned, pale pink or purple blush to complete the look. If you’re sporting warmed-toned eyeshadows and lips, try a warmer shade of blush like coral or orange.

3. Switch Up Your Application

While blush is predominantly used on the cheeks, you can get a bit more creative with your application to change up your typical makeup look. For a sun-kissed flush, apply your blush with a fluffy powder brush in the shape of a “W”, sweeping it over one cheekbone, taking it over the nose and connecting it to the other side. This will mimic the way the sun naturally hits your face, giving you a gorgeous sun-kissed glow at any time of the year, without harmful tanning. 

If you skip on contour or bronzer in favor of blush, try blush contouring. Much like the name suggests, this viral TikTok trend calls for blush in place of contour, subtly sculpting and lifting your features while creating a natural, rosy glow. 

Use a denser powder brush and lightly stipple the blush above the hollows of your cheekbones. Finish the look by lightly dusting blush onto the perimeter of your forehead with a fluffy powder brush to bring a bit of color to the rest of your complexion.

Next: The Best Makeup Products for Glazed Donut Skin

Written by: Reece Andavolgyi, Designed by: Crystal Simone