How To Find the Right Blush Color for Your Skin Tone

In the past, even the best blush brands only had a couple of shades to choose from (and most were some variation of pink). Now, with so many different blush colors available—from soft rose and peach to bright coral and even violet—the question “what color blush should I wear?” is one that’s likely crossed your mind. While we’re of the belief that beauty has no rules, there are certain blush shades that will flatter your complexion better than others. 

If you’re unsure how to choose a blush color that flatters your skin, you’ve come to the right place. Ahead, we’ll break down the need-to-knows (like why your undertone matters just as much as your skin tone where makeup is concerned) and share a few of our favorite blush shades for different skin tones. Your most natural-looking flush awaits.

How To Pick a Blush Color 

When searching for the best blush for your skin tone, the first thing to look at is the color and how it pairs with your complexion. As a general rule, you’ll want to pick a hue that complements both your skin tone (in other words, the intensity of your skin’s pigment, and undertones (the underlying tint of your skin). Matching like with like helps create a harmonious, flattering look. 

Your skin tone can typically be described as light, medium, olive, or deep, while undertones are usually described as cool, warm, or neutral. Skin tone is pretty easy to identify—we’re guessing you’re already familiar with yours—but undertones can be tricky. 

One tried-and-true way to identify your undertone is to head into natural lighting and take a peek at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear blue or purplish, you likely have a cool skin tone. A green tint, meanwhile, suggests your skin is warmer. Those with a mix of blue and green tones in their veins typically fall in the neutral category, which means your skin is neither identifiably warm nor cool. 

If you’re still on the fence about your undertones, slip on a silver ring and a gold ring and compare how they look against your skin. Those with cool skin tend to look best in silver jewelry, while gold jewelry helps bring out the golden tones in warm skin. If both look equally good, that’s another strong indicator that you have neutral skin. 

Once you’ve narrowed down your skin tone and undertone, you’re that much closer to answering the question “What blush color is right for me?” But to make things even easier, we’re sharing our top picks, below. 

Best Blush for Fair Skin Tones 

In general, lighter shades of pink and pastels are good blush colors for fair skin because they’re soft and won’t overpower your lighter coloring. However, the specific shade you choose should be dictated by your undertones. Keep reading to discover some of our best blushes for fair skin.

Baby pink blush

If you have fair skin with cool undertones, a baby pink or carnation blush color will complement your skin beautifully. Try the L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush in Baby Blossom for a natural-looking rosy glow. 

Pale peach blush

A light peach blush is one of the best choices for fair skin with warm undertones because the soft, subtle tone mimics the skin’s natural flush. The L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush in Bare Honey is an ideal pick for a soft wash of just-flushed color. 

Soft rose blush

Those with fair skin with neutral undertones can try either of the above or reach for a soft rose tone like the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush in Dewy Worth It to create a classic makeup look that works for both day and night. 

Vibrant coral blush

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try a coral blush or another vibrant shade, use a light hand to apply a sheer layer of color. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush in Fearless Coral is our pick for adding a bold (but wearable) pop of color to cheeks. 

Best Blush for Medium Skin

Medium skin tones stun in a variety of shades, including pinks peaches, and bronzes. To find your ideal hue, consider your undertones, as well as the effect you’re going for (e.g. a softly-flushed or sunkissed and bronzed). 

Soft berry blush

A mauve or berry shade can help to provide a fresh and healthy pop of color for those with medium skin and cool undertones. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush in Daring Rosewood. While the blush looks dark in the packaging, the formula is buildable, so you can customize your flush to your liking.

Light Terracotta blush

If you have medium skin with warm undertones, try an apricot-hued blush, such as L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush in Barely Blushing. A dusting on the apples of your cheeks will leave you with an effortless and natural-looking glow, while a quick swipe across the bridge of your nose provides a flattering sun-kissed effect.

Sweet peach blush

Peach features a mix of both warm and cool tones, making it the ideal blush color for neutral undertones. The L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush in Dewy Rich Coral is a makeup bag staple ideal for creating everyday makeup looks. 

Best Blush for Olive Skin Tones

Olive skin can be light or dark, but it almost always has a naturally tan look to it, even in the dead of winter. Bright, summery shades like coral and peach can help emphasize olive skin’s natural radiance. 

Bold pink blush

If you have olive skin with cool undertones, you’ll find you look best in pure, vibrant pink shades. We love the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush in Confident Pink for a bold pop of color.

Gold-pink blush

The L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush in Glowy Gold True Rose looks like a dream on olive skin. The medium-toned peachy-pink hue illuminates the face beautifully, while the subtle golden shimmer will help bring out your skin’s natural warmth. 

Earthy pink blush

If you have neutral undertones, your options are pretty expansive. With that said, we love the L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush in Apricot Kiss on olive skin—the deep rosy hue is bold and pigmented, but won’t overpower your natural coloring. 

Best Blush for Deep Skin 

The best blush for deep skin tones tend to be on the deeper end of the color spectrum—think rich berries, luscious Bordeaux, and deep, creamy chocolates. Be wary of anything too light or pastel, as these hues can wash out your complexion. 

Deep purple blush

If you have dark skin with cool undertones, try a purple or berry shade of blush with blue undertones such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush in Legendary Berry. The rich purple shade will pop beautifully on your skin, while the hue’s cool undertones make for a flattering, harmonious look.

Spiced pink blush

For dark skin with warm undertones, L'Oréal Paris True Match Blush in Spiced Plum is a great pick. Pair the soft, wine-y shade with a hint of highlighter for a flattering minimalist makeup look. 

Rose tinted blush 

If you have neutral undertones, try the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Blush in Glowy Worth It Medium to give your skin a healthy flush. The buildable formula has just a hint of shimmer for a glowy, radiant-skin finish. 

What Is the Most Universal Blush Color?

If you’re still unsure which blush to choose, a peach shade is the most universally flattering blush color that works with every skin tone. While pinks can be too light for some and berries too deep for others, peach blush suits pale, medium, olive, and dark skin tones while also pairing well with every undertone.

The aforementioned L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush in Apricot Kiss is truly a must-have for any makeup bag, as its dusty peachy hue can be used all year round for everything from everyday makeup to special occasion looks. If you have paler skin you only need to a very light dusting with your blush brush to achieve a seamless finish. You can also use this peach blush on the tip of the nose and on the forehead along the hairline to create a subtle contour effect. The non-comedogenic formula also makes it a great option for those with acne-prone skin. 

If you prefer a liquid blush, the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush in Glowy Gold True Rose is a great option. The rose-toned blush is neither overly cool nor distinctly warm, and the subtle shimmer makes for an ultra-flattering flush. Plus, since it’s buildable, it’s easy to tailor the pigment to your liking—use one dot for a barely-there flush, or three per cheek for a bold and bright blush look.

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris