The 10 Best Liquid Blushes, According to Experts and Editor Testing (2024)

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Arguably the most iconic liquid blush, Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush took TikTok by storm when it launched in 2020. Since, the product has garnered over 250 million posts on the app, where beauty lovers share tutorials with their favorite shades —Happy is a crowd favorite. So what’s to love? “Known for being highly pigmented and creamy, a little of this blush goes a long way and truly packs a punch,” says Shola Akintobi, owner of Best Face Forward makeup studio. “The eleven shades have something for everyone, as they are available in matte or dewy finishes.”

Beyond its highly pigmented color payoff, Rare Beauty’s liquid blush also imparts a diffused, filter-like effect on the cheeks. It’s not overly dewy or too matte, instead mimicking your skin’s texture for a believable flush.

Editor testing and review notes:“There’s a real learning curve when you first try Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, but all you have to do is repeat after me: Less. Is. More. One dot is more than enough to define your cheeks, and if you overdo it, you’ll be buffing into the wee hours of the night. I’ve tried applying the liquid a number of ways, dotting the doe foot wand directly on my cheek and dabbing it onto my fingertips then tapping on my skin. After much trial and error, I’ve discovered a winning technique: Dot the blush on the back of your hand, swirl a densely-bristledblush brushonto the pigment, then lightly buff the brush on your cheeks. With that technique, you’ll get a watercolor-like finish that requires minimal blending and lastsallday.”

Price upon publish date of this article:$23

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This liquid blush is a star in its own right, appearing on the cheeks of celebs like Demi Moore, Phoebe Dynevor, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Rita Ora during 2024 awards show season. Available in four shades that range from the fan-favorite Pillow Talk pink to cherry red, these blushes diffuse on the cheeks for a seamless, skin-brightening effect. The wand features a built-in applicator that helps you deposit the right amount of product — our editors do two dots per cheek for a no makeup makeup look and three for a bolder finish.

Editor testing and review notes: I’ve tested the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand in all four seasons, and it’s one of the few matte-finish products I can’t live without. This is one of those products you don’t need a mirror to apply perfectly — Charlotte Tilbury formulated the blush to sheer out quickly without splotches or streaking. The matte finish isn’t so matte that your skin feels dry or looks splotchy, even if you have dry skin.”

Price upon publish date of this article:$42

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This longtime bestseller continues to reign supreme because it’s easy to use and “hard to go overboard” when applying, Viehman says, making it ideal for beginners. “The unique gel texture of Glossier’s Cloud Paint melts into skin and leaves a dewy finish,” she adds. “The formula contains blurring pigments, which are perfect for those with breakout-prone skin, texture or fine lines.” Glossier Cloud Paint is newly available in bronzing shades for summer 2024, so you’re spoiled for choice with these warming additions to the ten existing blush shades from the brand. “I love using the shade Dawn on deeper skin tones to get a sun-kissed, just-got-back-from-the-beach look,” says Viehman.

Editor testing and review notes: “A dot of thisliquid blushis plenty to give your cheeks a flush of color. The buttery texture blends well on bare skin, or over foundation — we recommend using clean fingertips or a makeup sponge to diffuse it. I love that this blush has a hint of mica in it, which creates a soft illuminating effect on my cheeks (highlighter is optional with this amazing liquid blush).”

Price upon publish date of this article:$22

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Elf Cosmetics products are known to deliver major bang for your buck, and the Camo Liquid Blush is a low-commitment way to test out a liquid blush formula with its $7 price tag and nine neutral-to-bold colorways. The medium-intensity color payoff allows you to easily control the intensity of your cheek look with this best drugstore liquid blush. Two dots create a natural, lifted look when you place it near the high planes of your cheeks; go with three to four dots for a more statement-making effect. The Comin’ in Hot Pink shade is a favorite on TikTok, where creators with fair to deep skin tones demonstrate how it instantly brightens the cheeks; go with Dusty Rose (shown) for something more muted.

Editor testing and review notes: “I wasn’t expecting Elf Cosmetics’ blush to feel as luxurious on my skin as it did —this liquid blush melted onto my cheeks for a stained look that felt comfortable during the 12 hours I wore it. The doe foot applicator is smaller than other liquid blush wands I tested, which gave me better control over placement and the amount of pigment I applied.”

Price upon publish date of this article:$7

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Think of Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush as a highlighter-blush combo: Rather than a true blush that deposits a rich wallop of pigment, this one is sheered out with reflective, shimmery pigments that refract light. With over 119,000 hearts on Sephora’s Loves List and millions of views on TikTok, the results are in: This liquid blush is a stellar choice for all skin tones and skin types. It’s available in eight shades, however the Meghan Markle-approved org*sm tone is a flattering favorite that accentuates fair to deep skin tones with its pink pigment and flecks of gold. More to love: This Nars blush has vitamin E in the formula to soften skin.

Editor testing and review notes: “Nars Afterglow Liquid Blushis so fun to play with — the fluid’s sheer payoff makes it impossible to mess up. I’ll dab two dots per cheek on bare skin for a just-left-the-gym flush, or pack it on over tinted moisturizer for a little more drama. Its subtle luminosity makes highlighter purely optional.”

Price upon publish date of this article:$32

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For an effortless flush, makeup mogul Natasha Moor swears by this longtime cult-favorite from Benefit Cosmetics, which has been one of the brand’s bestsellers in 1976. Although it’s now available in six shades, the classic Benetint tone works on all skin tones. “I like the sheer kiss of color this classic provides for cheeks and lips,” says Moor. “It’s best for those who want a very natural finish and works for all complexions.” As a combo lip and cheek tint, you can also use this liquid blush to create a monochromatic look in seconds that’ll last all day.

Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve been using this product for years and years — it never steers me wrong. It’s doesn’t dry fast or leave patchy color like other stains I’ve tried, and I love how easy it is to blend with my fingers (which I found to be the best application method). The formula is very thin so it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing anything on your skin. Matching your lips to your cheeks will always get you the most natural all-over flush, and I’m obsessed with results whether I’m wearing the classic rose shade or the pink Floratint tone.”

Price upon publish date of this article:$21.31

$25

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To achieve a subtle, dewy glow, reach for Saie’s water-based blush made from ingredients like mulberry and elderberry that treat your skin while imparting a gorgeous tint. “Its buildable formula comes in eight shades that range from a light pink to berry,” Viehman says. “Use a stippling brush or your fingertips to apply and build up as desired for a dewy flush.”

Editor testing and review notes: “This Saie liquid blush is like a less pigmented version of Rare Beauty’s blush — it’s a little easier to work with as you have more control over the intensity of the shade, building your way from barely-there to bold. I usually use a blush brush to transfer the pigment from the wand to my cheeks, which prevents the blush from dislodging any bronzer or contour I’m wearing underneath.”

Price upon publish date of this article:$25

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Use Chantecaille’s creamy liquid blush for a full-coverage look that doesn’t feel cakey or over-the-top. The formula comes in four playful hues — from a bright peach to a flirty raspberry — that add a healthy, all-over glow that doesn’t quit, even on super dry skin types. Since only a small amount is needed for application, each tube comes with enough product that will carry you through multiple seasons. The emollient texture makes this an excellent liquid blush for mature skin types, providing a plumped look without settling into fine lines.

Editor testing and review notes: “This liquid blush is impressively easy to work with: Just dab a few dots onto your cheeks and blend it out with your fingertips or a dense-bristled brush. The soft pink shade Happy is my go-to for bringing life into my cheeks. It has a subtle color payoff, so if you’re like me and want a little more intensity, try dabbing it over a powder blush for added sheen and dimension.”

Price upon publish date of this article:$48

$39

$39

If you’re one of the 14 million TikTok beauty lovers looking to recreate Sabrina Carpenter’s glowing, bold blush look, we have the ticket. For her 2024 Coachella performance, the singer layered Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Cheek Tint in Bold Pink and Delicate Mauve to create her mega-flushed look. This luxury liquid blush joins Armani Beauty’s cult-favorite Luminous Silk line, which also includes the red carpet liquid foundation that makeup artists swear by for an airbrushed skin look. Similarly, this blush melts into the skin with budge-proof pigments.

Editor testing and review notes: “Armani’s liquid blush has a thicker consistency than other liquid blushes I tested, which creates more opacity (aka a more intense color payoff) when you apply it. That said, I didn’t have trouble blending this onto my skin for a more natural look — teamed with a hydrating makeup primer, it applies evenly and stays exactly where you place it no matter how humid it is outside.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $39

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Although technically a highlighter, the tinted shades of Dior’s Forever Glow Maximizer Highlighter go on like some of the best liquid blushes we tested — with a little more luminosity. This new launch is our favorite way to create a no-makeup makeup look, as the formula gives skin a glass-like effect with a hint of pigment that looks natural, not painted on. Available in six tinted shades (plus a pearly white one), you can choose from warm bronze tones, cool-toned pink, and on-trend peach.

Editor testing and review notes: “I get so many compliments on my skin when I’m wearing this product, which gives my skin a gorgeous gleam that reads as healthy, hydrated skin. The doe wand has a flat tip to create the perfect dots on my cheeks and on the bridge of my nose, and it blends out so easily without streaks or lines of demarcation.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $45