The 15 Best Blushes for Every Skin Tone and Season

Powders, liquids, and creams for every preference.

collage of best blush including nars orgasm and other blushes
(Image credit: Brittany Holloway-Brown/Future)

Mascara, lipsticks, and eyeshadows have forever and always been exciting makeup staples. But the best blushes? They never *really* got their time in the spotlight—until now. Thanks to viral TikTok trends and application techniques, amazing new formulas, and the fact that pros have unanimously declared rosy cheeks and bold blush one of the top makeup trends for 2022, a not-so-subtle rosy glow is finally having a moment. When it comes to achieving your desired look, though, there are two main factors to consider: texture and placement. 

Powder, cream, and liquid blushes all have their purpose. And in our opinion, at least one of each deserves a spot in your bag. Powders are ideal for a soft-focus finish, matte look, or to help build intensity. Cream blushes blend like a dream, are super easy to apply, and are a go-to for a natural tint. Liquid blushes, on the other hand, are best for dry skin types and typically give a lit-from-within finish. That being said, layering different textures is also an option. As for the color? We’re firm believers in picking whichever shade is calling your name—be it a baby pink, deep purple, or a peachy-nude. 

When it comes to application, the options are truly endless. Dusting the apples of your cheeks with a fluffy brush is the typical method, but placing product higher on the cheekbone can give a more sculpted and lifted look. A little swipe across the nose goes a long way in creating a sun-kissed vibe too. Oh, and don’t be afraid to use a decent amount of liquid blush under your foundation for a natural-looking flush. Trust us, it works. 

Now that you have the down-low on what to look for—and how to apply blush—read ahead for the best blushes of all time. From cult favorites from NARS and Rare Beauty to newer but equally fabulous formulas from the likes of Saie and Makeup by Mario, these are the top blushes out there. 

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Samantha Holender
Senior Beauty Editor

Samantha Holender is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and shares the breakdown on the latest and greatest trends in the beauty space. She's studied up on every ingredient you'll find on INCI list and is constantly in search of the world's glowiest makeup products. She's constantly tracking the biggest nail and hair trends to pop up in the beauty space, going backstage during fashion weeks, tracking celebrity looks, and constantly talking to celebrity hair stylists, nail artists, and makeup artists. Prior to joining the team, she worked as Us Weekly’s Beauty and Style Editor, where she stayed on the pulse of pop culture and broke down celebrity beauty routines, hair transformations, and red carpet looks. Her words have also appeared on Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, Delish.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Samantha also serves as a board member for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME). She first joined the organization in 2018, when she worked as an editorial intern at Food Network Magazine and Pioneer Woman Magazine. Samantha has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While at GWU, she was a founding member of the school’s HerCampus chapter and served as its President for four years. When she’s not deep in the beauty closet or swatching eyeshadows, you can find her obsessing over Real Housewives and all things Bravo. Keep up with her on Instagram @samholender.