The Best Natural-Looking Blush

A radiant yet natural-looking blush moment is achievable—you just need to implement a few key tips and tricks. Here are our expert techniques for creating a stunning cheek moment that mimics a realistic flush. 

Blush Formula Matters: Cream vs. Powder

Both cream and powder blushes look stunning on the skin and can offer a subtle kiss of color that’s perfect for daily wear. To find your best match, you’ll need to consider your skin type, as well as your beauty preferences and style. 

Powder blushes are excellent for achieving a natural cheek moment with a soft-focus finish. They are super easy to work with, allowing you to quickly add an even wash of color over the skin. Powder blushes work for all skin types, but are especially great for those with oilier skin. They can help keep oil in check to reduce shine. 

Cream blushes create a dewy finish that’s incredibly fresh and natural. They easily blend into the skin, adding sheer color coverage to the cheeks. Much like powder blushes, cream blushes work for all skin types. That said, they are especially ideal for drier skin. They add an extra dose of hydration to the skin, and won’t cling to dry spots or uneven texture. 

Best Natural Blush Shades

For the most harmonious look, pick a shade that matches your skin’s undertones (warm, cool, or neutral). This is key for achieving the most realistic flush. 

When choosing your perfect natural blush shade, you’ll also need to keep your skin tone in mind. A color that is too light or too dark for your complexion will end up looking unnatural. 

For lighter complexions, it’s best to apply light colored blush hues, such as a soft taupe or a rosey beige. Shades that are too deep can overpower light skin tones. 

Medium complexions look gorgeous in many blush shades, but for the most realistic flush, we recommend sticking with a color that isn’t too light or too dark. We love a taupe or a mauve rose on medium skin tones. 

Darker complexions will want to reach for a medium to dark blush color in a more understated hue. Some radiance-enhancing options include a soft peachy pink or a rosey taupe. 

Blush Application Technique

Once you have your ideal shade and formula, it’s time to learn how to apply blush naturally. 

Before you get started, you need the right tools for seamless application. For a cream blush, we recommend using a dense brush. This will help you effortlessly stamp the pigment into the skin. If you’re using a powder blush, we recommend applying it with a fluffy brush, as it will evenly disperse the powder over the cheeks. 

For a fresh and subtle cheek moment, start by applying a thin, even layer of blush across your cheeks. From there, you can layer in more blush until you’ve reached your desired look. Building your blush is essential for achieving the exact color coverage you want—and prevents you from overapplying!