The Best Coral Blushes Give You Vacation Skin in Seconds
Sun-kissed with every swipe.
I don’t discriminate when it comes to blush—creams, liquids, or powders, I’m obsessed with them all. And I’m not exactly subtle about application, either—the more my cheeks pop, the better. That said, no shade of blush pulls me in quite like coral. Maybe it’s growing up on Cape Cod, but I’ve always gravitated toward a makeup look that leaves people asking: “Did you just come back from the beach?”
Of course, not every color is one-size-fits-all. But coral—which blends peach, orange, and pink tones—comes pretty close. “It really comes down to understanding the client’s undertones,” explains makeup artist Briana Riley. “For fair skin, I tend to lean more pink, while for darker complexions, I reach for more orange-y hues.”
Riley explains that “coral blush adds a sun-kissed effect, leaving skin looking fresh, flushed and glowy…without ever looking like a sunburn.” So, as summer rolls around, there’s arguably no better time to stock up. (At least that’s what I’ll tell myself when I’m swiping my card at Sephora for the third time this month.)
From liquids to powders, and from high-end to drugstore, here are the 10 editor-approved vibrant coral blushes I love and are worth adding to your makeup bag.
Cream Crush
Whether you have dry skin or you’re just chasing a healthy glow, these cream blushes will leave you with the coral cheeks of your dreams this spring and summer.
Between the summer heat and jumping in the ocean, my makeup always seems to melt off. I love that this lightweight, creamy blush in a true bright coral hue can literally fit in my pocket (and beach bag!) so I can easily touch it up throughout the day.
Nothing makes me feel like I got my money’s worth more than a two-in-one product. This TikTok-viral cream and powder duo from makeup icon Patrick Ta is buildable, long-wearing, and delivers the most natural-looking pop of bright pink-coral color.
Powder Power
Looking to blur pores and keep oily skin in check? These two powder blushes deserve a spot in your makeup rotation.
The NARS “Orgasm” palette has been a staple in my makeup bag for years. If you haven’t heard about the brand’s best-selling shade range, what have you been doing?! The powder is ultra-pigmented and lasts up to 16 hours—not to mention, one swipe instantly wakes up my whole face.
New to MAC, this matte powder blush delivers a blurred finish (pores, who?!) and blends seamlessly into skin with every swipe. This shade leans more peachy-coral for a long-lasting, practically weightless flush.
Liquid Loyalist
With serious staying power and endlessly buildable pigment, the two liquid blushes below make it easy to transition from a no-makeup-makeup look to full-on glam.
I’ll admit it: I fell for the TikTok hype and bought Selena Gomez’s viral liquid blush on a whim—but it completely lived up to expectations. The formula is ultra-pigmented, blends effortlessly, and gives the prettiest peachy-coral color with just one tiny dot. (As they say, a little goes a long way!)
Another social media sensation that’s worth every penny, Charlotte Tilbury’s Beauty Light Wand is a pearlescent pink-coral liquid highlighter-blush that melts into skin for an instant, lit-from-within glow.
Feelin’ Fancy
If you, like me, gravitate towards the finer things in life, these luxury coral blushes are well worth the splurge.
Thankfully, I get my money’s worth every time I use this ultra-pigmented true coral blush. Not only is the packaging sleek, but the color payoff is intense (in the best way!).
If you are already a fan of Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk foundation, then you’ll love this blush just as much. It delivers that same skin-like, luminous finish in a soft, buildable wash of pink-coral color that blends into the cheeks effortlessly.
Drugstore, Don’t Care
Who says good makeup has to be expensive? The two under-$20 coral blushes below are the ultimate beauty score.
Yes, you read that right! This ultra-bright coral liquid blush is under $10 and is just as long-lasting, buildable, and blendable as the pricier ones.
Admittedly, I’ll buy any blush called “Beach Bonfire” that’s under $20. It’s the perfect coral color and also comes with three distinctly different formulas in one compact: a cream, a balm, and a powder—all in the same complementary shade.
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Meet the Expert
Briana Riley is a licensed esthetician and professional makeup artist with 15 years of experience under her belt (or should I say, in her makeup bag). Riley specializes in luminous bridal makeup, with a style that focuses on natural, healthy-looking skin.
