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Blame it on Rare Beauty or viral TikTok beauty trends like ‘Boyfriend Blush’ — either way, liquid blushes are so back. And with summer here, the best liquid blushes are your shortcut to creating a budge-proof cheek look, whether you’re going for bold cheeks or a no-makeup makeup look.
“Liquid blushes are water based and heavily pigmented but sheer out for a gorgeous glow-from-within flush,” explains South Carolina-based makeup artist Claire Viehman. “Cream blushes are best for dry skin as they are moisturizing but don’t always have the staying power of liquid blush.”
Liquid blush may be worn anytime to “liven up your complexion,” according to Viehman. And while it works for all skin types, it’s especially ideal for dry or mature skin types, or for occasions when you need your makeup to last. “Wear liquid blush on top of a tinted moisturizer for an ‘I woke up like this’ look,” she suggests. “Or, layer it into a full face application for an added flush of color.”
We’ve seen a slew of new liquid blushes hit the market this year, where they join top-sellers like Charlotte Tilbury’s Blush Wand or the aforementioned Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. No two are the same: Some come with a matte finish, where others go big on sheen to mimic the look of a highlighter. To help you achieve a royal flush this summer, we’ve tested 22 top liquid blushes to narrow down this list of the very best.
Best Liquid Blushes of 2024
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Editor’s Choice: Top 3 Liquid Blushes of 2024
Choosing the right liquid blush depends on a number of factors, including the shades you lean towards, the amount of intensity you’re looking for, and whether you prefer a radiant or matte finish. With this in mind, there’s no one-size-fits-all, best overall liquid blush. Instead, our panel of testers with fair to deep and dry to oily skin types narrowed down the top three liquid blushes that suit various needs. Below, our winner’s circle:
- Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush: This TikTok-famous beauty product has a legion of loyal fans who swear by it for a statement cheek look — and our testers do, too. Out of all the liquid blushes we tested, this one delivered the most intense color payoff. We recommend it for those looking for a bold cheek look with a comfortable, skin-mimicking finish.
- Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand: Our pick for the best matte liquid blush is this wand by Charlotte Tilbury. A mainstay on red carpets for its airbrushed effect, our testers loved how smooth and evenly it applies, and that you don’t need to blend too much for a diffused look.
- Glossier Cloud Paint: A classic in the category, Glossier’s Cloud Paint is the best radiant-finish liquid blush our testers evaluated. The gel-cream texture provides a good amount of control over the pigment, making it an excellent choice for trying out new blush placements on the high planes of your cheeks without feeling like you’ve covered your face in pigments.
Editor’s choice
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
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-bristled blush brush onto 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 lasts all day.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $23
Editor’s choice
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand
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
Editor’s choice
Glossier Cloud Paint
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 this liquid blush is 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
Elf Cosmetics Camo Liquid Blush
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
Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush
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 Orgasm 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 Blush is 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
Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Rose Lip & Cheek Tint
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
Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Blush
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
Chantecaille Cheek Gelée
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
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Cheek Tint
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
Dior Forever Glow Maximizer Longwear Liquid Highlighter
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
Liquid Blush Trends 2024
For 2024, it’s all about a statement cheek. We’ve seen bold blush looks on myriad runways during recent fashion weeks (Christian Cowan’s fall 2024 show and Kim Shui and Coperni’s spring 2024 shows, to name a few), while celebs like Sabrina Carpenter have made a statement cheek their signature look. Elsewhere on red carpets, we’re seeing celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Demi Moore model two of the most popular blush shades of the season: Hot pink and warming peach.
On TikTok, this has manifested with trends like ‘Sunset Blush,’ a technique that involves layering on pink and peach liquid blushes with a dab of highlighter for a warm, ombre effect. Another TikTok blush trend that we’re crushing on? The ‘Boyfriend Blush‘ technique, which has over 70 million posts on the app. Rather than placing blush on the high planes of the cheeks for a lifted effect, this technique focuses pigments on the apples and hollows of the cheeks to create a rosy, flushed look — think a young Princess Diana or Devin Aoki.
How to Find the Liquid Blush for Your Skin Tone
To discover the right shade of liquid blush, dig into your current collection of lipsticks, advises New Jersey-based makeup artist Crystal Gossman. “I always suggest people try their favorite lipstick color on their cheeks to find what tones they like best,” she says.
For those with fair skin, try fresh pinks, corals and berry shades. Medium skin tones shine in rosy pinks and golden corals. Olive skin tones are best suited for orangey-peach or golden-toned blushes. Dark skin tones work well with brick reds, warm corals, and berry shades.
You can also look at your veins to get a sense of which hues are best for you. “If your veins appear green, you have yellow or warm undertones, so look for warm blushes in colors like orange, burnt sienna or raw umber,” says Akintobi. “If your veins appear blue, look for blushes in cool hues like pinks and mauves.”
The Best Way to Apply Liquid Blush
Begin with a good base by cleansing and moisturizing skin, and consider adding in a primer to prep for optimal blush application. “Using a primer is a great way to seal in moisturizer and fill in pores and fine lines,” says Seattle-based makeup artist Heidi Nymark. “It also creates a nice grip for the product.”
For a natural, sun-kissed look, take your ring finger and gently tap liquid blush on the apple of your cheeks upward. “The best beauty applicators are clean and sanitized fingers,” Akintobi says. “A little goes a long way. A pearl-sized amount is good for both cheeks — remember, you can always add more.”
Prefer a brush? Use a blush brush to apply a small amount to cheeks. Gently tap the product on for precise application and blend well into your foundation. “If you add too much, use your foundation brush to take the color down where you don’t want it,” Akintobi recommends.
Once you’ve landed on the desired level of color, set your finished liquid blush look with a dusting of translucent powder for maximum longevity.
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Meet the Experts
Heidi Nymark is a makeup artist with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Known for her ‘minimal with an edge’ style, Heidi creates a flawless, luminous finish to enhance her subject’s beauty, favoring natural and botanical products whenever possible. Having trained with Laura Mercier, Trish McEvoy, and Bumble & Bumble – her editorial work has appeared in Elle, Vanity Fair, Milk, Bambino, Highlights, and Noise.
Crystal Gossman is a New York City-based makeup artist. Gossman is a lover of all things beauty with over 10 years of experience, and her work has been featured in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar.
Shola Akintobi is the founder and CEO of Best Face Forward makeup studio, a luxury makeup concierge service providing professional women with talented makeup artists, hair stylists and nail technicians.
Natasha Moor is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of beauty line Natasha Moor Cosmetics. Moor has over 10 years of experience as a makeup artist.
Claire Viehman is a Savannah, Georgia-based makeup artist who specializes in bridal makeup.
Meet the Author
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over six years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, as well as the latest shopping trends and clothing brands.
