For someone who can spend literal hours watching makeup videos, I don't wear a ton of it. Even before my bedroom became my full-time office post-COVID, my daily makeup routine consisted of two things: concealer and blush. I will defend the need for concealer to my grave, but it's not very fun. Blush, on the other hand, is joy-inducing. Whether using powders, balms, liquids, jellies, or oils, mixing shades, or following the latest color trends, blush livens up the face like no other makeup can. I can't be the only one who thinks so; brands are launching new formulas on what feels like a weekly, if not daily, basis.
TTikTokers have definitely noticed. The nature of my job means my FYP is always beauty-centric, but on a deeper glance, the most viral makeup is—you guessed it—blush. After spending way too much time scrolling through blush review videos, I can confidently say these 14 blush picks are the ones shoppers really, truly can't get enough of. Check them out ahead.
1 / 14
Hailey Bieber's eagerly awaited cream blush finally launched last month. Inspired by Bieber's love of a "really good flush to the cheek,” Pocket Blush is light and versatile; you can apply a single swipe for a sheer flush of color or build up for a bolder look. Plus, it doubles as a lip tint, and is compact enough to toss in your pocket or slip into your purse.
BUY NOW - $24
2 / 14
Arguably, no other blush has recently gotten the same level of attention as Rare Beauty's liquid blush. Try it once, and you'll see why. You only need the tiniest amount (trust me on this: one or two dots max) for an intense flush of color that won't budge til you wash it off.
BUY ON SEPHORA - $23
BUY ON RARE BEAUTY - $23
3 / 14
One of our editors claimed her devotion to liquid blush as "unwavering," that is, until she tried Milk Makeup's Jelly Tints. Don't let the Jell-O-like texture fool you, each shade is richly-concentrated with bold pigment that stood up to her full day of events, NYC subway rides and even a gym session. Plus, each stick is packed with vegan collagen, aloe and seawater for hydrated and dewy skin.
BUY ON MILK MAKEUP - $24
BUY ON SEPHORA - $24
4 / 14
The overall consensus on Saie's Dew Blush? It's a dream to blend, thanks to its chunky doe-foot applicator—you just dab a dot or two onto each cheek. The result is a lit-from-within flush that's never too shiny. We, along with many happy customers, can attest it melts into your skin like butter, whether you use makeup brushes or your fingers.
BUY ON SAIE - $25
BUY ON AMAZON - $25
5 / 14
When it comes to versatility, you can't beat this cheek duo from celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta. Inspired by his signature cream-over-powder blush technique, shoppers love having the option to use one or both formulas for a radiant finish.
BUY ON SEPHORA - $38
BUY ON PATRICK TA - $38
6 / 14
One of my personal favorites, Merit's Flush Balm, glides on so beautifully and easily melts into the skin; I can wear it all day, and it never dries out or fades. Some critics aren't thrilled with its size, but hear me out: You don't need a lot to get the perfect flush of color. Plus, its pocket-friendly design means it goes with me almost everywhere.
BUY ON MERIT - $30
BUY ON SEPHORA - $30
7 / 14
Tower 28 is known for its gentle, non-toxic makeup that is safe for sensitive, acne- and eczema-prone skin. Their cream blush has a luminous color payoff, and you can also use it on your lips and cheeks.
BUY ON TOWER 28 - $20
BUY ON SEPHORA - $20
8 / 14
I can confirm with the reviewer below—I've owned multiple shades of Glossier's Cloud Paint for years, and it still blows me away how good it looks every time I wear it. The liquid formula requires only the lightest touch. Wear it sheer or build it up; no matter how much you wear, it sinks into the skin, building an unrivaled natural-looking pop of color.
BUY ON SEPHORA - $22
BUY ON GLOSSIER - $22
9 / 14
Charlotte Tilbury's wands are a viral favorite. The brand's Pillow Talk Blush Wand is a distinctly matte liquid blush formula that looks fresh and bright without any shine.
BUY ON NORDSTROM - $42
BUY ON SEPHORA - $42
10 / 14
Behold: A truly sheer and buildable stain that glides seamlessly on lips and cheeks in the most flattering rose hue, with hours of staying power. One reviewer swears, “Every time I wear it, I get compliments.” Another called it “true no makeup makeup!”
BUY ON SEPHORA - $26
BUY ON ULTA - $26
12 / 14
I've known about Milani for years, yet I am embarrassed to admit I only recently tried their cult-status Baked Blush in Dolce Pink. The hype is real. I don't normally love powder blushes, but the color payoff is extraordinary, and it really does look similar to NARS' legendary Orgasm shade at a fraction of the price.
BUY ON ULTA - $11
BUY ON AMAZON - $9
14 / 14
Leave it to the beloved drugstore brand e.l.f. to make a richly pigmented blush that leaves cheeks with a gorgeously soft, dewy finish for under $10. What more could you ask for?
BUY ON AMAZON - $7
BUY ON TARGET - $7
