The 11 Best Red Blushes Give Me a “Sun-Drenched” Glow
Perfect for spring and summer.
Red is one of the most versatile cosmetic shades on the market. However, all too often I hear people say that they “can't” wear the shade because it’s too bold, bright, or “hard to wear,” especially when it's used as a blush. That propaganda stops here.
Not only does red blush come in a myriad of shades, but there are also tons of finishes to suit everyone, from the makeup minimalist to the most extreme 15-step-routine lover. In addition, the blush color can actually be one of the most universally flattering on the market; you just have to find the version with the correct undertone that works best for you. And luckily for you, it’s my job to help you figure it out.
My blush collection is extensive, so I have tried practically every form of red blush out there. Whether you have five minutes to get out the door, have oily skin and texture, a beautifully rich and deep-dark skin tone, or are the fairest of them all, there’s a blush on this list that will suit your needs. Ready to revamp your makeup collection? Ahead is a list of some of my favorite red blushes that I’ve tried. Cream, powder, balm—you name it, it’s on here, and I say this with the utmost confidence: You will find a red blush that meets your needs. Happy shopping.
Exhibit A is one of the first red blushes that I ever tried, and it's still one of the best on the market today. It's extremely pigmented, so I urge you to use a light hand. However, if you want a matte blush that is a true red shade both in the pan and on the skin, pick this one up.
Patrick Ta’s blushes are some of my favorites on the market right now. Not only is the packaging gorgeous, but the compact comes with a cream and a powder for you to use the makeup artist’s famous cream-over-powder method or simply use them as independent products. Plus, this mini size is absolutely adorable and will likely last a long time.
Danessa Myricks’ Blurring Balm Flushed is still one of my favorite blushes of all time. The balm-to-powder technology infused with upsalite makes the formula extremely blurring on the skin, plus that ingredient is fantastic for controlling oils throughout the day. If you have oily, acne-prone skin as I do, you're in for a treat with this one.
Haus Labs’ glassy blush balm sticks are a delight to use on the face. Not only do they glide onto the skin like butter, but they are also highly pigmented and leave a glossy, high-shine finish behind. It's editorial glam captured into a single product.
Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip and Cheek glows are woefully underrated, and with the summer months coming up, I need that to change. The shade Pinched Cheek Glow is perfect to throw in your bag to emulate that fresh, post-sun-skin, but it's also sheer enough to wear every day without feeling like you have clown cheeks.
Speaking of sheer formulas, Merit's flush balms are some of my favorites on the market for that exact reason—they add a hint of color and a healthy glow to the complexion, making this formula feel foolproof. This makes the bright red shade, Rouge, feel much more wearable, especially for beginners or minimalist makeup lovers.
For a quick, easy lip-and-cheek moment, Benefit’s blush stain in Love Tint is fantastic for everyday use, especially for fair skin tones. Just a dot or two will give you pigment that stains your skin, meaning that it's one of the most long-lasting formulas on this list. Tap it onto your lips as well, and you have the easiest monochromatic makeup look ever.
On the higher end of the spectrum is YSL’s Make Me Blush formula in the shade Chilli Crush. This is another one of those formulas that is incredibly blurring, making it ideal for textured and oily skin. The best part? There’s barely any kick back when you dip your brush into the pan. Beware: once you start buying these little compacts, you'll somehow end up with a rather healthy collection in no time at all.
I know a loose powder may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this formula from Givenchy is elite. While there is a bit of radiance in it, there's something about the loose powder formulation that still makes it look extremely blurring on the skin. For oily or mature skin looking for a red blush in particular, you just may fall in love with the shade Flanelle Rubis.
This is a newer formula in my collection, but I was immediately obsessed when I first tried the shade Black Cherry. Paint is one of the most accurate product names ever because that's exactly how this product performs. Once it dries down, it does not budge, and the deep red shade doesn't streak, crack on the lips or cheeks, or layer unevenly. It's just a perfect application of color, every time.
One of the easiest ways to make a red blush feel less intimidating is to pair it with a complementary, but more subtle, shade in the same color story. Fashion Fair’s Berry Red lets you do that in one product, with a red cream blush paired with a berry shade in a powder formula. The combination creates the most gorgeous, sophisticated cheek, making anyone look incredibly regal.
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