I love a good powder and cream blush as much as the next beauty editor, but the best liquid blushes have a special place in my heart. They’re easy to apply (I just swipe and blend with my fingers), are super buildable, and give a just-pinched flush that quite literally breathes life into my complexion. Did I just come back from vacation? Am I finally drinking eight cups of water a day? Are my Hydrafacial benefits kicking in?
Liquid blush is the secret weapon for a healthy, subtly flushed complexion for many of the pros. Makeup artist Dominique Lerma explains that it's because “liquid blushes are super high in pigment," so a few drops are going to go a long way. Not to mention: your bottle will last forever. "They tend to be skin-forward with ingredients that nourish your skin, too.” You'll find pore-tightening niacinamide, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and blurring pigments in a handful of the products on my list below.
While technically designed to give a flush to your cheeks, most liquid blushes also double as lipsticks and eyeshadow bases. “They’re so versatile,” Lerma says. “Use it as a stain, and you’ll get an I-woke-up-like-this flush on your lips.” With endless color options, finishes ranging from glowy to matte, and applicators for every preference, there’s truly a liquid blush for everyone.
Keep scrolling for the all-time best liquid blushes, from the cult-favorite Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush to the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand and more.
The Best Liquid Blushes
- The Best Overall Liquid Blush: Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand in Pillow Talk
- The Best Hydrating Liquid Blush: Chantecaille Cheek Jelly
- The Most Pigmented Liquid Blush: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
- The Best Luxe Liquid Blush: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Cheek Tint
- The Best Skin-Care Infused Liquid Blush: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush
Hear me out: This product is your blush and your highlighter. I’m deeply, deeply obsessed with this product and shout its praises from the rooftops. The liquid formula is finger-friendly, works across skin tones (there are three intensities to choose from), and quite literally reflects the light at every turn. Because of the opalescent finish and non-tacky texture, this blush ends up looking like an extension of your skin—you won’t see any harsh lines or blotchy patches. And, for what it's worth, Charlotte is the makeup artist of choice to many A-listers, including Kate Moss, Phoebe Dynevor, Jourdan Dunn and more, so you know your complexion will look red carpet-worthy
Application Method: Sponge-tip squeeze tube
What I Love: Multi-purpose; Foolproof application; Editor favorite
What I Don't: Packaging can be messy
Review for MC: "This editor-favorite blush has earned that title for a reason, it's a gorgeous cross between a blush and a highlighter. As someone who is constantly on the go and doesn't want to ever have to give up either step in my makeup routine, it's the perfect two-in-one cheek product that gives me glowy, blushed cheeks in practically no time at all." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Charlotte Tilbury blush.
If you have dry skin, a hydrating blush is non-negotiable. This Chantecaille liquid cream-gel fits the bill. It’s packed with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin to keep your cheeks looking dewy as opposed to rough and patchy. The formula is reminiscent of a stain, so the pigment is going to last all day. While that is a *huge* plus, I urge you to work fast. This guy dries down and locks in color on the quicker side, so pat-pat-pat as soon as it touches your skin.
Application Method: Squeeze tube
What I Love: Skincare ingredients; Hydrating
What I Don't: Dries quickly
Review for MC: "This blush from Chantecaille is perfect to pop into a makeup bag for on-the-go application. That being said, don't let the small packaging fool you, this blush packs a punch. The pointed applicator is perfect for dispensing product directly onto my cheek. There's no need for a makeup brush, either. I just use my fingers." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Chantecaille Blush.
If it were possible to get an Oscar for creating a blush, Selena Gomez and her development team would win it. A quick search on any social media site will result in thousands of reviews singing the praises of this blush, and for good reason. The formula packs a punch and blends subtly without losing pigment, and it works wonders for all complexions and skin tones.
Application Method: Doe foot applicator
What I Love: Pigmented; Long lasting
What I Don't: Difficult to apply at first (a little goes a long way)
Review for MC: "This is one of the best liquid blush lines on the market, period. Not only do these formulas come in both matte and dewy shades, but the shade range is unparalleled—they even have the neutral blush shade of my dreams, which is the shade Birtue. Just be careful if this is your first foray into the world of liquid blush, a little goes a very long way. I recommend one small dot—max." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Rare Beauty blush.
If you’re looking for an exceptionally lightweight formula that doesn’t make you fear looking like a clown, this water-based formula from Armani Beauty is here for you. Sheer colors heighten the natural skin base and work best on clean, foundation-free skin. This is hands-down the ultimate “no-makeup-makeup” blush.
Application Method: Doe-foot applicator
What I Love: Lightweight; Great colors; Looks natural
What I Don't: Expensive
Review for MC: "I got this blush after it was revealed to be one of Sabrina Carpenter's go-to's. After using it for a few months, I can see why the pop princess is obsessed. The formula glides onto the skin like butter, and these blushes are seriously pigmented. I've been loving the red shade, Flaming Red, in particular." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Armani blush.
Not only is this blush foolproof, but the two colors offered (watermelon flush and berry flush) are truly universal. The formula is buildable while also boasting fantastic skin-care ingredients like niacinamide and watermelon extract, which help to brighten and hydrate the skin, respectively. I swear it genuinely has made my skin better—I've gotten so many compliments since incorporating this into my beauty routine.
Application Method: Doe-foot applicator
What I Love: Buildable pigment; skin-care forward formula; Universal colors for every skin tone
What I Don't: More suited for no-makeup-makeup looks versus a full face.
Review for MC: "This blush is a fantastic addition to the Glow Recipe line. The shade watermelon is a gorgeous pink hue that adds the perfect touch of color to my cheeks, but when I want to dial up the color, I mix it with the berry shade. If you have dry skin (or just love a glowy cheek), you'll be a big fan of this one. Bonus: there are some really great skin-care ingredients in here for people who want their makeup to work for them." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Glow Recipe blush.
Other Liquid Blushes I Love
It’s relatively impossible to talk about the best blushes of all time without giving a shout-out to the NARS Orgasm Blush. While that powder gets a lot of hype, the liquid counterpart is just as good. It gives the same unmistakable pink hue, but with a dewier finish. Make sure to shake it up before you apply and start out slow—it’s super pigmented and a little goes a long way.
Application Method: Doe-foot applicator
What I Love: Color range suits all skin tones
What I Don't: Packaging can get messy
Customer Review: "I bought this product a couple months ago and I have been using it almost everyday since. It is the prettiest blush I have ever used! It look so nice and glowy on my skin and lasts all day still looks nice. I will be 100% be buying it again once it runs out. I love it so much!!looking nice. I will 100% be buying it again once I am done with it." — Sephora
Watercolor is the best way to describe this baby. It has a tinted, super sheer finish that leaves a little pinch of color wherever you want. In my experience, the magic recipe is three, itty-bitty dots placed along the cheekbone, blended in an upward motion towards the temple. It gives a lifted look without being too intense.
Application Method: Squeeze tube
What I Love: Lightweight; Multi-purpose; Buildable
What I Don't: Can lift up certain foundations
Customer Review: "I have been looking for the perfect sheer, dewy cream blush, and this is it. It is effortless to apply as it has a light and slick consistency that gives it good movability. Also, because it is sheer, it is buildable and forgiving if misplaced. A lot goes a long way, however. It gives my cheeks a natural and beautiful glow I haven't been able to achieve with other products. Love it!" — Sephora
Makeup in the back of a taxi? It happens more often than I care to admit—and this is always my MVP product pick. The pigment is relatively sheer and foolproof, so I feel fully confident applying it without a mirror. Plus, it's as multi-purpose as multi-purpose can be. Not only can you swipe it on your cheeks, but it also doubles as a tinted lip treatment. Ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and orange blossom create a nourishing, hydrating texture that you can apply on repeat.
Application Method: Squeeze tube
What I Love: Multi-purpose; Skincare ingredients
What I Don't: Not as pigmented as others
Customer Review: "I think I've found my favorite tinted balm. This is such an amazing, hydrating, easy application and super pigmented balm. I'm in love. The most beautiful color is soft plum. Don't go for the peach nude one unless you have very fair skin and are into almost invisible makeup. You also have to use a lot of product to get some color out of that one, and it doesn't really work on the lips." — Sephora
For mess-free application, a sponge-tip applicator is key. Just dot, blend, and you’re good to go. Plus, the Surratt shade range is absolutely stunning. Parfait and Barbe a Papa are ideal for cool undertones (think: pink or red) and Classique and Cantaloupe are a dream for warm tones (think: golden or yellow).
Application Method: Sponge-tip
What I Love: Great shade selection; Easy to apply
What I Don't: Expensive
Customer Review: "I was finding that my powder blushes looked dull on my skin rather than giving some healthy color. It was love at first try with this product, which I got in "Barbe A Papa." I have fair skin so I thought this was the safest choice. I found it to be lightweight and smooth formula. It is very pigmented and I was able to build the color from sheer to the intensity that I desired." — Bluemercury
Milani has been a staple in beauty routines since the brand’s inception in 2001. They have a Master's Degree in creating affordable products that still feel expensive. Don’t believe me, try this drugstore blush for yourself—pick up a few shades, actually, you’ll thank me later.
Application Method: Squeeze tube
What I Love: Affordable; Pigmented
What I Don't: Dries down quickly—act fast
Customer Review: "It is very blendable and you can get a nice flush to your cheeks. I bought the Berry Smooch and I am fair-skinned. To apply, I put several little pin dots along my cheek line and blend upward. Having never used liquid or cream blush, my learning curve was about two days." — Ulta
Meet the luxury car of liquid blushes. From the color variety to the large doe-foot applicator, Saie really outdid themselves with this pigment and formulation. A little goes a long way—directly apply the blush onto the apples of the cheeks and use your finger to gently blot it along your cheekbones.
Application Method: Doe-foot
What I Love: Blendable; Multi-purpose; Pigmented
What I Don't: Colors are slightly different than they appear online
Customer Review: "Beautiful, blendable formula that gives the skin a creamy, healthy glow. Surprisingly good longevity on my normal/combination skin. I have a medium golden complexion and Spicy gives me that sunkissed, post-exercise kind of flush." — Sephora
The best of both worlds: the skincare base that we love and expect from Drunk Elephant, paired with the subtle addition of pigment. You'll want to cover your entire body in these glow drops. I am not saying that I have done this, but if I did, their Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser does the removal job right.
Application Method: Squeeze tube
What I Love: Skincare ingredients; Glowy; Subtle
What I Don't: One shade
Customer Review: "I will say you’ll have to be a bit on the fair side BUT this gives a glow that can’t compare it is GORG on the skin and honestly didn’t break me out at all my skin seemed to better!" — Sephora
"Don't be alarmed by the dark color of this lip and cheek tint. Once on the skin, it turns into a beautiful rose shade that I think would flatter just about every skin tone," says Marie Claire's Associate Commerce Editor Brooke Knappenberger. Plus, the formula is super light and buildable so you can have as dramatic or as subtle of a blush look as you want.
Application Method: Brush tip
What I Love: Works for all skin tones; Buildable
What I Don't: Better for cheeks than lips
Customer Review: "I rarely have the time for a full face of makeup anymore, pairing this with a tinted sunscreen has brought so much life and glow back into my skin." — Sephora
What Do I Look for in a Liquid Blush?
- Color
The majority of the blushes on this list come in at least five shades, so you shouldn't have a problem finding one that's compatible with your skin tone. If you have a warmer undertone (think: yellow or orange), reach for blushes with a red or orange base. If your skin leans cooler (think: pink or red), you'll want to seek out a bright berry, mauve, or pink. That in mind, blush is really here to have fun with, so at the end of the day pick whichever shade your heart desires.
- Finish
The finish of your blush really boils down to personal preference. Naturally, most liquid blushes are going to give a dewier, glowier finish, but there are a handful that dry down matte.
- Pigment
I cannot emphasize this enough: Patch test! Liquid blushes tend to be uber-pigmented, so you'll want to dab a bit on your hand and see how far the pigment spreads before plopping a massive blob on the apple of your cheek. One, microscopic dot may be all you need.
Is Liquid Blush Good For Mature Skin?
Not all mature skin is the same, but there are a few things that many women experience as they start approaching their 50s and 60s. One of the most common changes is that skin gets exra dry. For that reason, liquid blush, which is typically fortified with hydrating ingredients, can prevent patchiness.
"Liquid blush is an amazing option for mature skin because it’s lightweight and easy to apply," says makeup artist Theo Turner. "Many liquid formulas are also infused with hydrating skincare ingredients like water and glycerin, which leave the skin more plump and radiant."
Is Liquid Blush Better Than Powder Blush?
The answer to this question depends on who you ask. "Many people gravitate to liquid blush because of its natural, skin-like finish, plus the fact that it can easily be applied with your hands or favorite dense brush," Turner says. If you're someone who's always on the go or even a beginner in makeup, liquid blush is extremely easy to get used to.
That being said, powder blushes are better for those with extra oily skin, people who want a matte finish, and ideal for a longer-lasting color.
Why Trust Marie Claire
Samantha Holender is a New York-based beauty editor and writer specializing in digital features, trend stories, and shopping roundups. She spoke with makeup artists about the newest and trendiest blushes in the beauty space to compile this list of the best liquid blushes on the market. Ariel Baker is a Beauty Writer with nearly a decade of experience. She also tested a handful of blushes on this list.
When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.
How We Tested
Marie Claire beauty writer Ariel Baker and Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender—along with a few editors and contributors—went through a vigorous testing period where they reviewed dozens of liquid blsuhes. After determining the top picks alongside makeup artists, they each tested the liquid foundation on their skin considering how long it lasts, how it applies, the ingredients, and how it feels to compile this list of the 13 best liquid blushes.
Meet the Experts
Dominique Lerma a Hollywood bred Internationally published Makeup Artist and Beauty Educator, known for her ability to create flawless complexions and innovative beauty looks. She grew her love for makeup artistry at a very ripe age and began beautifying faces for her fellow classmates at her all girl parochial high school. Her self taught passion flourished while she was given the opportunity of working with the world reknowned Mac Cosmetics and soon became a Viva Glam Ambassador. Her 9 years in the beauty industry has landed her on the pages of Instyle, Nylon, Runway, and Photo Vogue Italia. Dominique’s vast resume includes Beauty, editorial, celebrity, advertising, rebranding and bridal. She serves as a Beauty Educator for Frankie Rose Cosmetics and is a bilingual traveling sales representative for both Enzo Milano Professional Hair Styling Tools and Royal Langnickel Brush. Her creative expertise consists of Makeup artistry, hairstyling and men’s grooming.
Theo Turner is a makeup artist and content creator.
Jonet Williamson is a makeup artist and content creator.
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