By popular request I’m rounding up the liquid blushes I’ve tried. The blush trends and new launches are coming at us with full speed with no signs of slowing down. In general I tend to gravitate towards a powder blush formula for lasting power and pigment control. But since liquid blush seems to be so popular right now, I’ve rounded up the ones I’ve tried at all price points. Scroll to the end to find out my Top 3 favorites!
Armani and YSL
Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint ($39, Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus) is the best formula for me for lasting power, blendability and look. These have a nice soft matte dry down that doesn’t set too fast making it easy to blend without having to rush. Colors are easy to build without looking or feeling heavy. I do think the color range is limited and wish they had more options, but the four I have are lovely. The lightest baby pink shade 53 may be hit or miss for you, but it really surprised me how wearable and brightening it is on my medium tan skin. Demo with 50.3 here.
YSL Make Me Blush Liquid Blush ($39, Sephora) is the newest formula I’ve tried. These have an angled sponge tip applicator like a flat angled sponge which I’m not the biggest fan of, but it’s not terrible. The colors are limited, much like the range from Armani or Charlotte Tilbury. On my skin the shades tend to darken/oxidize slightly but I’m not sure if that will be the case for everyone. I thought the peachy shade would not show up at all but a few seconds after blending it shows up to a darker (but still light) peach. I think the lasting power and nice dry down are both excellent. For some reason though they take a little more blending effort to get an even application that isn’t too strong. Even after blending I would recommend taking a clean brush and buff out the edges for a smoother look. Demo of the shades I tried here.
Chanel
Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush ($52, Chanel.com) is the sheerest option of all the liquid blushes. These are going to be the best for someone who doesn’t want to wear a lot of makeup and wants something ultra lightweight. The finish is natural and fresh. The lighter colors pulled very sheer on my skin (they barely show up) but the 3 deeper ones have better pigment for medium-tan skin. I really liked the formula but to be frank I haven’t been reaching for them since they do take a bit more time to blend. Full review + swatches here.
Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand ($42, Charlotte Tilbury, Sephora, Nordstrom) has an excellent soft matte formula I found easy to blend and layer without looking overdone. Lasting power is very good. Only downside is the limited color range. Demo here.
Hourglass
Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush ($36, Sephora and Nordstrom) wins for best color range. I think the colors they launched are the most flattering for a fresh look. They do stay dewy looking on the skin and the lasting power isn’t as good as other brands – but that is expected with any dewy looking blush. Full review + swatches here.
L’oreal
L’Oreal Lumi Le Liquid Blush ($11.99, Target) is an impressive formula for pigment, color and lasting power. If you’re looking for a longwear formula, this is it! I had to scrub the formula off my arm to remove although any cleansing oil would have made the removal easier. They have 3 cream finishes and 3 glowy finishes. I think the colors are really beautiful and easy to blend. You can find these at a wide range of places but Target usually has the best prices. The only downside is the packaging isn’t quite as luxe as some of the other brands.
NARS
NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush ($32, Nordstrom) is another favorite, but to be completely honest it’s a formula I’ve neglected. If you want a natural look these are outstanding. The formula has a slightly translucent quality making it look more natural on the skin. They almost feel like a creamy gel. They don’t really ever dry down to a matte finish so they remain slightly dewy looking but on me they last long. Full review here and here.
Rare Beauty
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush ($14 – $23, Sephora) seems to be the most popular liquid blush out there. I love the color range but the pigment is SO intense that I would not recommend this for a natural look. A tiny dot is enough to cover each cheek. They are easy to blend, but also very easy to over-do. For a blush novice I recommend dabbing on the back of the hand first and then dipping your brush into the product. They launched a Holiday Mini Blush and Luminize Trio ($35) which I think has pretty shades for fall. More swatches + looks in this blog post here.
Ciele and Saie Beauty
Ciele blush and PROTECT SPF 50 Liquid Blush ($34, Sephora) is a formula a lot of you recommended I try. I picked up 3 shades to try and love the formula, applicator and lasting power. These have a nice soft dry down that isn’t too dewy or emollient. They’re easy to blend and a little goes a long way. Pigment isn’t as intense as the Rare Beauty ones making the Ciele blush easier to wear and they look more natural.
Saie Dew Blush Liquid ($25, Sephora) is another popular one that I’m sad to say I do not love. These are also well loved by so many. I find the formula thick and way too dewy looking, but I know that is the way they are meant to be. I’ve tried a few and the packaging doesn’t look or feel good to be. The applicator attachment to the cap is a little wobbly on all the ones I have.
Tarte
Tarte has 2 formulas of the liquid blush: the Maneater Blush and Glow Cheek Plump ($29, Tarte Cosmetics and Ulta Beauty) which I LOVE and a newer Maneater Satin Blush Cheek Plump ($29, Tarte Cosmetics and Ulta Beauty) which is also nice, but I prefer the glow version. I love the formula, color range, finish and lasting power. These come with a sponge tip applicator and they’re super easy to blend.
The Glow formula is a little more natural looking but isn’t too shimmery. I would say out of all the blushes I’ve worn these always get the most compliments. The Satin formula is a little more pigmented but not as intense as the Rare Beauty ones. I don’t know that I really notice a plumping effect on the skin, but the liquid formula is really nice and gives the cheeks a healthy look.
Here are my top picks out of the formulas:
- Overall best: Tarte Maneater Blush and Glow for color range and formula (Tarte has a lot of bundle sets like this Duo or this 4-Piece Set)
- Best formula: Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint
- Best color range: Hourglass
Tools
One last tip on tools. I think you can use any cheek brush in your stash to blend. I’ve used a number of powder blush brushes for liquid. I’ll often use a foundation brush for a cream or liquid blush too. If you’re looking for a new one to try, here are a few that I love.
Hourglass No 15 Blush Brush is my favorite right now. It’s not too dense so it’s a little fluffy at the tips. The Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush is also excellent for blushes.
Love the Laura Mercier Blush Brush as it’s a synthetic one. Works well to blend powders and liquids, this is my most-used cheek brush.
It Cosmetics tools are also very good. They launched a Heavenly Luxe Cream Blush Brush #3 to go with the Cream Sun Blush earlier this year, but it seems to be sold out everywhere except in a set on QVC. Their Brush #7 is for foundation but it also works well with liquid blushes.
For a good budget friendly option Real Techniques is the best. I love their 449 Tapered Cheek Brush ($7.99).
That wraps up my liquid blush roundup! There are dozens more that I haven’t tried and I haven’t even covered cream finishes. If you love a liquid blush let me know what your favorites are!
