Back by popular demand, I’m rounding up the liquid blushes I’ve tried. Blush trends and new releases are coming at us full speed with no signs of slowing down. Generally, 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 3 favorites!
Armani and YSL
Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint ($39, Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus) is the best formula for me for lasting strength, flexibility and appearance. They have a nice soft matte drydown that doesn’t set too quickly, making it easy to blend without having to rush. The colors are easy to build without looking or feeling heavy. I think the color range is limited and I wish they had more options, but the four I have are great. The lighter baby pink shade 53 is hit or miss, but I was really surprised at how wearable and radiant 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 applicator like a flat angled sponge which I’m not the biggest fan of but it’s not terrible. The colors are limited, 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 peach shade wouldn’t show up at all, but a few seconds after blending it shows up in a darker (but still light) peach. I think the lasting power and nice drydown are both excellent. For some reason though, they take a bit more blending effort to get an even application which isn’t very strong. Even after blending, I would recommend taking a clean brush and buffing out the edges for a smoother look. Demonstration of it shades I tried here.
Chanel
Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush ($52, Chanel.com) is the purest choice of all liquid blushes. These will be best for someone who doesn’t want to wear a lot of makeup and wants something super light. The finish is natural and fresh. The lighter colors picked up very sheer on my skin (barely visible) but the 3 deeper ones have better pigmentation for medium tanned skin. I really liked the formula, but to be honest I haven’t been looking for them because they take a bit longer to blend. Full review + swatches here.
Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury Blush Matte Beauty Stick ($42, Charlotte Tilbury, Sephora, Nordstrom) has a great soft matte formula that I found easy to blend and layer without looking overdone. Lasting power is very good. The only drawback is the limited color range. Demo here.
Hourglass
Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush ($36, Sephora and Nordstrom) wins for best color gamut. I think the colors they launched are the most flattering for a fresh look. They stay cool on the skin and the lasting power isn’t as good as other brands – but that’s to be expected with any cool-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 are looking for a formula for long clothes, this is it! I had to rub the formula off my hand to remove it, although any cleansing oil would make removal easier. They have 3 cream finishes and 3 shimmer finishes. I think the colors are very beautiful and easy to combine. You can find them in a wide variety of places, but Target usually has the best prices. The only downside is that the packaging is not as luxurious as some of the other brands.
NARS
NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush ($32, Nordstrom) is another favorite, but to be perfectly honest it’s a formula I’ve neglected. If you want a natural look, these are great. The formula has a slightly translucent quality that makes it look more natural on the skin. They almost feel like a creamy gel. They really never dry down to a matte finish, so they stay slightly dewy, but they last a long time on me. Full review here and here.
Rare Beauty
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush ($14 – $23, Sephora) seems to be the most popular liquid blusher out there. I love the color range, but the pigment is so intense that I wouldn’t recommend it for a natural look. A tiny dot is enough to cover each cheek. They are easy to blend, but also very easy to overdo. For a blush newbie, I suggest 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 beautiful shades for fall. More samples + views in this blog post here.
Ciele and Saie Beauty
Ciele blush and PROTECT SPF 50 Liquid Blush ($34, Sephora) is a formula that many of you suggested 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 cooling or conditioning. They blend easily and just a little goes a long way. The pigment is not as intense as the Rare Beauty ones which make the Ciele blush easier to wear and look more natural.
Saie Dew Blush Liquid ($25, Sephora) is another popular one that I’m sorry to say I don’t love. These are also loved by so many. I find the formula thick and very dewy, but I know that’s the way it should be. I’ve tried a few and the packaging doesn’t look or feel good. The applicator on the cap is a bit wobbly on all the ones I have.
Take it
Tarte has 2 types of liquid blush: the Maneater Blush and Glow Cheek Plump ($29, Tarte Cosmetics and Ulta Beauty) which I LOVE and a newer one 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, the color range, the finish and the lasting power. These come with a sponge-tipped applicator and are super easy to blend.
The Glow formula is a bit more natural looking, but not too shimmery. I would say that of all the blushes I’ve worn, these always get the most compliments. The Satin formula is a bit more pigmented but not as intense as the Rare Beauty ones. I don’t know that I really notice a thickening effect on the skin, but the liquid formula is very nice and gives the cheeks a healthy look.
Here are my top picks by type:
- Overall Best: Tarte Maneater Blush and Glow for color range and formula (Tarte has several set packs like this Duo or this 4-piece set)
- Best formula: Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint
- Best Color Range: Hourglass
Tools
One last tip about tools. I think you can use any cheek brush in your stash to blend. I have used a range of powder to liquid blush brushes. I will often use a foundation brush for cream or liquid blush as well. If you’re looking for a new one to try, here are a few that I like.
Hourglass No 15 Blush Brush it’s my favorite right now. It’s not too dense so it’s a bit fluffy around the edges. THE Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush it’s also great for blush.
Love it Laura Mercier Blush Brush as it is synthetic. 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 but inside a set on QVC. Their #7 brush is for foundation but works well with liquid blushes as well.
For a good economic choice Real techniques it is the best. I adore them 449 Brush with tapered cheek ($7.99).
This completes my liquid blush! There are dozens more that I haven’t tried and I haven’t even covered cream finishes. If you love liquid blush, let me know what your favorites are!
