I may have a little blush blindness (what can I say, I love a good pink flush), and I’m not afraid to admit it. Whether it’s a cream blush, liquid blush, or powder blush, adding a quick hit of color to my cheeks is the most impactful step in my makeup routine. The good news: finding a highly pigmented, high-quality blush doesn’t have to break the bank. The best drugstore blushes offer every shade, shimmer, and texture to suit your beauty needs.
Emmy award-winning makeup artist and e.l.f. Senior Director of Artistry, Lipstick Nick, says blush is her favorite product to use “to achieve a natural, healthy, and flushed complexion.” Celebrity makeup artist T. Cooper adds that when she started her career in 2011, “blush was a hard pass. It was all about contour and highlight.” But now that blush has officially made its comeback as a crucial step in every type of makeup look, she says, “I love seeing people fully embrace the color and dimension it brings.”
Whether you’re looking for a subtle wash of color or an intense pop of pink (or red!), there’s a blush just sitting in your local drugstore, ready to be added to your collection. From creams to liquids, shimmers to mattes, and palettes to sticks, I’ve tested dozens of products to compile a list of the 13 that deserve a spot in your kit. I’ve also tapped Nick and Cooper, who revealed their go-to tips and tricks to apply blush like a pro.
The Best Drugstore Blushes
- The Best Drugstore Blush Overall: NYX Buttermelt Blush
- The Best Liquid Drugstore Blush: e.l.f Camo Liquid Blush
- The Best Cream Drugstore Blush: ColourPop Instant Crush Lip & Cheek Balm
- The Best Baked Drugstore Blush: Milani Baked Blush
- The Best Drugstore Blush for Travel: Pixi On-The-Glow Blush
The NYX Buttermelt Blush seriously does it all. It’s ultra-pigmented, glides on like butter (get it?), and lasts up to 12 hours. With 12 powder shades ranging from soft mattes to glowing shimmers, this product is perfect for any level of glam. Plus, it’s fade and transfer-resistant. For only $7, it doesn’t get better than this.
Texture: Powder
Coverage: High
Shades: 12
What I Love: Pigmented; Long-lasting; Super blendable; Large shade range
What I Don’t: Scented
Review for MC: "I first discovered the NYX Buttermelt Blush when TikTok's beauty queen Golloria George reviewed the product as it launched. Once she approved the blush, I knew it had to be good. The pigment is actually powerful (I suggest starting small), it blends so smoothly, and lasts so long. And it's under $10! I swipe shade For The Butta on the apples of my cheeks and even across the bridge of my nose, and it gives me a perfect pop of pink that lasts." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses NYX Buttermelt Blush
This cream blush has incredible multi-tasking abilities. The balm-like texture is super buildable and blendable and can be applied to cheeks and lips for a natural flush of color. The weightless formula feels super hydrating and looks very dewy on the face. It’s packed with cupuaçu and shea butters that moisturize and condition while melting into your skin seamlessly. Apply with fingers for a more subtle finish, or pack it on with a makeup brush for more prominent pigment.
Texture: Cream
Coverage: Light
Shades: 6
What I Love: Multi-use; Natural finish; Hydrating
What I Don’t: Very sheer upon first application
Review for MC: “This blush seriously surprised me. It's impressively buildable. I can dab some onto my cheeks and lips when I’m going for a barely-there sheen of blush on no-makeup makeup days, or blend a hefty layer onto my cheeks for a gorgeous dewy glow. It feels super hydrating on my cheeks and lips (almost like a lip balm), and blends out in seconds! Shade Ravished is my favorite, but you can’t go wrong with this selection.” — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer.
Emma Aerin Becker uses ColourPop Instant Crush Lip & Cheek Balm
This cult-favorite product provides a shimmery, warm hue to your cheeks with just one swipe of a brush. It’s highly pigmented yet super buildable, blendable, and luminous. Because of the pearlescent pigments, it even doubles as a highlighter. “Milani makes some really good baked blushes,” says Cooper. “The pigment is always gorgeous, and they have a nice glow.”
Texture: Powder
Coverage: Medium
Shades: 11
What I Love: Stunning shimmer; Pigmented yet blendable: Expert-approved
What I Don’t: Too glittery for some
Review for MC: "I don't always like shimmery blushes in the form of a powder, but this one has just enough shimmer to give me a glow and not too much to where I look like I slapped a loose glitter pigment on my cheeks. In fact, I found that the product boasts a blurring effect that make my cheeks look super smooth." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Milani Baked Blush
Want a TikTok blush that lives up to the hype? Simply swipe this stick across your cheeks and tap it out with your fingers. It provides a gorgeous glow and subtle warmth. Plus, it’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like ginseng, aloe vera, and witch hazel, which help deliver a formula that melts into the skin seamlessly. The unique rectangular design and easy application make it the best option for on-the-go glam.
Texture: Balm
Coverage: Sheer
Shades: 3
What I Love: Ultra-natural; Easy to blend
What I Don’t: Limited shade range
Review for MC: "This is my go-to blush for no-makeup makeup days—especially because of its skincare benefits. I swipe Fleur onto my skin and blend it with my fingers in seconds. The dew-level is perfection, and the pigment provides a very natural flush to my cheeks. I also am a huge fan of the lightweight, sunscreen-esque packaging. It makes application ultra-easy, and on-the-go touch ups even easier." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer.
Emma Aerin Becker uses Pixi On-The-Glow Blush
Other Drugstore Blushes I Love
Both Nick and Cooper gushed over the e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush as one of their drugstore faves. “It’s always my first pick for achieving that perfect dewy flush of color,” says Nick. “The liquid formula has serious staying power, and each of the 12 shades are so buildable, really letting you customize your look.”
Texture: Liquid
Coverage: High
Shades: 12
What I Love: Buildable; Lightweight; Long-lasting
What I Don’t: A little goes a very long way — careful application is key.
Review for MC: "I had to get my hands on this product after Nick and Cooper raved about it. My first thought is that it's an incredible dupe for the Rare Beauty liquid blush. It's extremely pigmented, so I start with teeny dots on either cheek and build up from there. I definitely recommend cautious application with this one. The blush lasts so long on the skin and never tries down patchy—a problem I often face when using liquid products on my dry skin." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Blur over fine lines and wrinkles with this liquid blush. Its thin, serum-like formula makes it amazing for mature skin, delivering a natural dew without enhancing the look of texture. It’s ultra-pigmented and especially easy to blend. Dab a pea-sized amount onto the apples of your cheeks and blend into the skin using your fingers or a makeup brush.
Texture: Liquid
Coverage: High
Shades: 8
What I Love: Serum-like texture; Dewy finish; Buildable
What I Don’t: Some reviewers say it loses pigment when applied with a brush
Customer Review: “This is a nice creamy liquid blusher. You only need a tiny bit for both cheeks on your fingertip. I have medium skin tones and it works well with my skin tone. Goes over foundation nicely. I’m over 70. I generally use this every day, but I also use a powder blush that has a highlighter on occasion. Good price and long lasting.” — Target
“I really enjoy Physician’s Formula blushes because they have multiple shades in one pan,” says Cooper. “So you can swirl your brush around and get a custom blend every time.” The brand’s Murumuru Butter Matte Monoi Blush is known for its inclusive shades, airbrushed finish, and buttery blendability.
Texture: Powder
Coverage: Medium
Shades: 1
What I Love: Multiple shades in one pan; Airbrushed finish
What I Don’t: Hard to replicate results
Customer Review: “I have always liked Physicians Formula products and this Matte Manoi Butter Blush is awesome! It has a great color and applies nice and smooth. It is a nice alternative to just using bronze as it brings a bit of color!” — Ulta
Wet n Wild’s blush stick packs an impressive pop of color for just under five dollars. The unique cream-to-powder formula blends and builds beautifully. All you have to do is swipe it on and blend it out with a brush or your fingers. Enriched with vitamin E, the velvety smooth feel leaves your skin looking and feeling lush.
Texture: Cream-to-powder
Coverage: Light
Shades: 5
What I Love: Budget-friendly; Unique texture
What I Don’t: Not suited for oily skin
Customer Review: “I love this. I use it on my cheeks and lips. It's easy and quick to apply, and looks great.” — Ulta
Maybelline’s Fit Me line has long been a drugstore makeup lover’s dream, and their powder blush is no different. The lightweight powder provides a natural yet noticeable hint of color and blends out beautifully with just a few swoops of a brush. The product also stays perfectly matte without looking chalky or cakey.
Texture: Powder
Coverage: Light
Shades: 8
What I Love: Long-lasting; Natural finish
What I Don’t: Very light coverage
Customer Review: “I just LOVE it! It checks all my boxes: easy to apply/blend/build, looks pretty and natural, glowy (not glittery), lasts all day, and is affordable. It comes in a thin plastic case, but why pay more for fancy packaging? This gets the job done beautifully! A new staple in my makeup drawer!” — Target
Looking for a luscious lit-from-within look? Meet the L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Le Liquid Blush. While the product comes in dewy matte colors, their shimmer shades are the real winners. Place one dot on your cheek for a subtle flush, or apply three for a bold glow—totally up to you!
Texture: Liquid
Coverage: Buildable
Shades: 6
What I Love: Buildable; Natural dew and glow; Sensitive skin-friendly
What I Don’t: Some reviewers complain it dries down quickly, making it harder to blend.
Customer Review: “I've never really been a liquid blush kind of girl, but this has changed the game for me! So absolutely beautiful on the skin. Lasts forever as well. Highly recommend.” — Ulta
Versed recently expanded its beloved drugstore skincare line into the wonderful makeup world. Their Shade Swipe Blush Stick is formulated with jojoba oil to deliver a lightweight and easy-to-layer blush that packs pigment while hydrating the skin. It's also Marie Claire Beauty Director Hannah Baxter's favorite new makeup product.
Texture: Cream
Coverage: Medium
Shades: 5
What I Love: Skincare-infused; Buildable and blendable
What I Don’t: Some customers say their product arrived damaged.
Customer Review: “I cannot get enough of the blush Deco! This bright pink is absolute perfection – it gives my cheeks the most gorgeous fresh and useful flush. The formula is super creamy and blends like a dream. It’s lightweight but buildable, so I can go soft and natural or am it up for a bold pop of color. What I love most is how versatile and long-lasting it is! It doesn’t fade or feel sticky and it gives me an effortless healthy radiance. Highly recommend!” — Target
Blush is typically the first makeup product to fade, but L’Oreal is the exception to the rule. Their soft matte blush delivers a lightweight pop of color that lasts up to 24 hours. It’s also heat-proof, waterproof, and transfer-proof, ensuring your blush stays bold all day long.
Texture: Powder
Coverage: High
Shades: 4
What I Love: Pigmented yet blendable; Long-lasting
What I Don’t: Small shade range
Customer Review: “This is a great dugstore blush. Very pigmented but it's also a buildable coverage. You can create a natural flush with this blush, without appearing too heavy or patchy; OR, you can build it up for a dramatic look. There is some fall out as expected, but other than that, highly recommend!” _ Ulta
Revolution Beauty’s Ultra Blush Sunset Burst Palette has everything you could ever need in a blush palette. There are three shimmer shades and four matte shades, ranging from light pink to dark berry. You can pick your favorite or mix and match a few in layers. They’re all highly pigmented, easy to blend, and long-lasting.
Texture: Powder
Coverage: High
Shades: 8
What I Love: Shimmers and mattes; Long-lasting
What I Don’t: Slightly chalky feel
Customer Review: “Good pigment. Lasts well throughout the day! A little goes a long way! Good color payoff and the price is good too.” — Ulta
What Blush is Best for a Natural Look?
“If you want that effortless, natural flush, liquid or cream blush is the way to go,” says Cooper. And Nick concurs, sharing that these formulations melt seamlessly into the skin, creating an authentic, lit-from-within look.
“These types of blushes also offer easily buildable coverage, allowing you to customize your pop of color until you reach that desired level of radiance,” Nick adds. Plus, you can almost always blend out creams and liquids with your fingers to keep it super soft and fresh.
Is a Liquid or Cream Blush Better?
Choosing between a liquid or cream blush really comes down to personal preference. Liquid blushes tend to be more pigmented, Cooper and Nick explain, while creams offer a more subtle, dewier finish. Because of this, however, liquid blushes usually last much longer. Rather than choosing between the two, Cooper will often create a concoction of her own. “I’ll apply a powder blush first and then tap a little cream and/or liquid blush on top for extra dimension and staying power thoroughly the day,” she says.
What’s the Difference Between a Baked Blush and a Powder Blush?
Baked blushes begin as a cream or liquid formula before they are baked into a solid on a terracotta tile. The process gives them “a really airy, lightweight texture,” says Cooper. They also usually have a slight shimmer to them. Powders, on the other hand, are pressed powder formulas and can come in a variety of finishes, though they’re mostly matte. Because of this, powders tend to last longer on the skin.
How Do I Apply Blush?
“For application, the right tools make all the difference,” says Cooper. And picking the right tool comes down to your blush’s formula. When it comes to powders, “a large, fluffy brush” is best, says Nick. Cooper notes that cream blushes “melt into the skin beautifully with a beauty blender.” Cooper uses her fingers for precise application for liquids, while Nick opts for an angled brush.
Placement also plays a huge role in blush application. Once you’ve chosen your blush formula and its respective applicator, you’ll want to pinpoint the apples of your cheeks. To do so, just smile. “The part of your cheeks that becomes full is where you want to begin applying.” Then, gently blend the pigment in using upward strokes, moving toward your temples.
Both Nick and Cooper recommend building up pigment slowly, layering the product in small amounts until you achieve your ideal flush.
Why Trust Us?
Emma Aerin Becker is an experienced beauty writer, focusing on shopping roundups, digital features, and trend stories. She's a regular contributor to Marie Claire, and has words in Byrdie, Page Six Style, People magazine, and more. She spoke with two celebrity makeup artists to compile this list of the best drugstore blushes
Marie Claire is also a leading blush expert, having produced content about the best blushes in every form, recently released blushes, and niche trends in the blush space. We're constantly scanning and reviewing new launches, as well.
How We Tested
For this story, we sourced editor and makeup artist-beloved drugstore blushes and tested over 13 top-selling formulas. We evaluated each blush based on texture, pigment, staying power, price, and results.
Meet the Experts
T. Cooper is a world-renowned celebrity makeup artist with over thirteen years of expertise in the beauty industry. She founded Major Face, an on-location beauty service company offering a full range of on-demand services, including makeup, lashes and more. As a Black-owned business, her mobile beauty agency specializes in inclusion, servicing diverse skin tones including African American, Mediterranean and Asian Skin. T. Cooper also served as Keyed Makeup Artist for many of NYFW’s FW 2025 runway shows & presentations.
Nicole, also known as "Lipsticknick," is an Emmy award-winning Makeup Artist and the Senior Director of Artistry at Elf Cosmetics. In 2019, she co-founded a Los Angeles based hair and makeup bar, "Pout by Lipsticknick," with her friend and manager, Esther Koop. Nicole has toured as a national makeup teacher and has taught at MUD, one of L.A.'s most renowned makeup schools.
