Here, we’ll uncover the four key blush aesthetics and how to achieve the look, as well as sharing our top 10 blushes for any occasion.

What’s Your Style?

Blush can be one of the simplest cosmetics to apply, but that isn’t to say that you can’t get creative. In fact, there are four main styles of blush that have been in vogue over the last decade. The right one for you will depend on your personal style, level of expertise with application, and how much time you want to devote to your beauty regime.

Natural

The key to achieving a natural makeup look is choosing a blush that complements your complexion. Pale pink or peach tends to be a good option for most skin tones, but if in doubt, look for a shade similar to the skin on the inside of your bottom lip.

Application: Using a wide blusher brush, add a small amount of blush to the apple of your checks and buff outwards in a circular motion.

Flushed

Flushed cheeks are one of the easiest to create. You’ve probably inadvertently achieved flushed cheeks without even trying. Unlike the “natural” look where you can’t be sure that the person is wearing makeup, flushed blush is more obviously present, whether due to a bolder colour choice, stronger pigment or heavier application.

Application: Liquid or cream blusher is a great option for a flushed cheek as they offer a richer pigment. Apply to the apple of the cheek and blend outwards.

Sun-Kissed

Sun-kissed blush uses bronze and golden hues to recreate the look of summer skin, without sun damage. These blushers often contain a touch of shimmer which reflect the light, creating a beautiful glow.

Application: To achieve a sun-kissed look, sweep up the cheekbone where the sun would naturally touch your skin.

Sculpted

Have you embraced contouring? Or ditched it over lockdown? Either way, blush is a great way to help softly sculpt and define your face for an easy everyday look. By building colour on specific points of your cheeks, you can narrow or widen the shape of your face.

Application: Build colour to create depth and highlight the top of your cheeks with a pale tone for added contouring.

1.   Perricone MD Makeup No Makeup Blush - Best for A Natural Look

The ultimate blush for that “makeup, what makeup?” look, Perricone MD No Makeup Blush is a sheer, blendable liquid blush that gives cheeks a subtle rosy finish. Enriched with Vitamin C and Chinese Ginger Plant Extract, the blush reduces dullness and discolouration while brightening the skin.

2.  Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cream Blush - Best for Sculpting

Ideal for building, the creamy consistency of Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cream Blush applies smoothly on the cheeks with a sponge or fingertips. Add additional layers for more intensity, or keep it light for a natural, dewy finish. With a range of shades to suit your skin tone, the formula also includes antioxidants and Vitamin A, C and E for a boost of nourishment.

3.  Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Blush - Best for A Healthy Flush

In a handy compact with an integrated brush, Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Blush is an ideal blusher for when you’re on the go. With its silky texture and powder finish, it’s easy to apply and has great longevity. The brush is ideal for creating a sculpted look, but when paired with a wide, round brush this blush makes a fantastic option for a rosy flushed cheek.

4.  Clinique Blushing Blush Powder Blush - Best for Multi-Use

When it comes to blushers that do it all, Clinique Blushing Blush Powder Blush gives you the ultimate flexibility. Choose a tone that compliments your skin for an easy natural glow, build it up for a flushed look, or sculpt your cheekbones with the travel brush. Long-wearing and oil-free, this blush is ideal for all skin types and a clear favourite among allbeauty customers.

5.  Bareminerals Gen Nude Powder Blush - Best for Long Wear

You’ll never have to factor in trips to the powder room with Bareminerals Gen Nude Powder Blush. With up to 8 hours of staying power, the lightweight formulation adds a flush of colour to your cheeks, without feeling heavy. Mineral pearls diffuse light, creating a blurring effect that leaves the skin looking radiant, smooth and perfected.

6.  benefit Tinted Lip & Cheek Stain Benetint - Best Liquid Blush

With its bold colour and natural finish, benefit Tinted Lip & Cheek Stain Benetint is loved by women of all ages for its iconic rose-tint and adaptability. Apply to your lips and dab on cheeks for an easy makeup look in seconds. The sheer consistency means you can easily build intensity, or keep it low-key with just a touch of colour.

7.  benefit Face Cookie Powder Highlighter - Best for Highlighting

Up your blush game with benefit Face Cookie Powder Highlighter, a soft-gold highlighter that’s a must for the summer. Applied to the top of your cheekbones, the highlighter gives skin a luminous glow, brightening and lifting the face. With an integrated brush, this little box of magic is essential in any holiday bag.

8 .  benefit Minis 2.0 Georgia - Best for All Skin Tones

You’ll be looking peachy keen in benefit Minis 2.0 Georgia, the cult-favourite blush which suits all skin tones. The fresh-faced tone is the perfect balance of peach and gold, giving vibrancy to your cheeks and elevating any look. Combine with other blushers to give an added boost of shimmer to any hue.

9.  benefit Face GALifornia Golden Pink Blusher - Best for Sun Kissed Shimmer

Unleash your inner surfer girl with GALifornia Golden Pink Blusher by benefit. With bright pink and golden tones, this blush adds a healthy dose of colour to your cheeks for that dreamy sun-kissed look. With an added subtle scent of grapefruit and vanilla, this beauty essential is a treat for the senses.

10.  BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter - Best for Radiant Glow

Want to get that glowing, bronzed look but can’t escape to the Costa del Sol for a week? BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter is here to save the day. With a creamy base and ultra-fine pearly pigments, it balances pigment and shimmer to add radiance and colour to your skin. More than just a blusher, apply it to the areas the sun hits, such as your nose, forehead and chin for that vacay-glow.