Every makeup bag needs a few staple products—a lightweight concealer, a tube of mascara, lip balm and blush. A hero product year-round, blush can instantly transform your face and makeup to create various looks. From creams to powders and balms, there are tons of formulations and finishes to explore. By now, you’ve probably mastered the above and may even be a full-on pro at recreating viral looks like boyfriend blush. But liquid blush, the latest sensation, is a different animal.
Like cream formulas, liquid blushes tend to be ultra-pigmented. Too heavy of a hand can quickly result in a daringly bold look, while the wrong brush can give you a patchy look. If used right, they can create a soft finish that’s truly beautiful. “Liquid blushes are designed to be applied and diffuse easily, and since they are made to dry down, they’ll adhere to your skin for all-day wear,” says celebrity makeup artist Brittany Leslie. Given this year’s top blush trends, it’s clear that liquid blush will be sticking around for a while. Luckily, we’ve tapped two of the industry’s top experts for their pro tips. Below, they tackle everything from shopping for the perfect liquid blush to the best way to apply it for a natural look.
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Featured experts
- Brittany Leslie is a celebrity makeup artist
- Ana Tamayo is the executive director of product development for Polite Society
Choose the formula first
Shopping for liquid blushes can be a daunting task. Unlike a powder, it can be hard to determine the consistency of the product and how saturated it will be. That said, it’s a good idea to spot test before buying, just as you would with a complexion product. “You want to look for formulas that will blend well with your foundation,” says Ana Tamayo, executive director of product development for Polite Society. Liquid blushes can create a beautiful blurred effect when the formula plays well with your base products.
Once you’ve found a formula you like, the real fun begins. The rainbow of shades may be enticing, especially given how saturated the colors are. But, as Leslie explains, color is just the tip of the iceberg. “Liquid blushes come in an array of finishes, running the gamut of matte, dewy, glossy and satin,” she says. This makes customizing your look easier than ever.
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Use the right tools
Application may be the trickiest part of liquid blush, but like most makeup, it’s best not to overthink it. Whether you opt for a brush or your fingers, Leslie assures that you’ll be able to achieve a desirable look. However, she does advise against using a sponge. “Makeup sponges often soak up more product when applying, making the final look patchy,” she says. For this reason she recommends using either your fingers or a brush.
“Brushes are a bit more versatile and allow you to really control the amount of blush you apply,” says Leslie. So, exactly what kind of brush should you use? Leslie notes that using two different types often gives the most flawless finish. “A dense round option is ideal for buffing the product, while a fluffy brush helps blend it seamlessly into the skin,” she says.
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Decide when to apply
Powder blushes are almost always applied after foundation. But when it comes to liquid blush, you have options. For example, a light application on bare skin can result in a naturally flushed look, while a few dots on top of your foundation can give you a bold pop of color. “It really depends on the intensity and look you’re going for,” says Tamayo. If you’re planning to apply the blush under your foundation, she recommends using a bright shade that will create a nice diffused look. The key is to ensure it’s completely blended before adding the foundation.
Placement matters
Since liquid blushes are more saturated than powder formulas, it’s important to consider where they’ll be applied. The cheekbone and apples are the most notable areas for blush, and according to the experts, both are suitable for liquid blush. “If you’re using your fingers to create a light flush, apply a few small dabs to the cheekbone and then gently press it into the skin with light tapping motions,” says Tamayo. For a more intense look, she recommends applying the product to the back of your hand first and then building layers onto the cheekbones. “With this method, you want to work quickly, blending the color up toward the temples to create a diffused finish,” says Leslie.
Still, one of the joys of blush is that it knows no boundaries. Many of the top trends take blush far beyond the cheeks, and it’s even easier to do so with a liquid formula. “The bridge of the nose is a fun spot and gives you a nice monochromatic look,” says Tamayo. Regardless of where you choose to apply, just note that liquid blush is all about having fun. Layer several colors to create the sunset blush effect, or go for a pretty pink look with bubblegum shades like the ones listed below.
The best liquid blushes to try
1 / 8
Anastasia Beverly Hills Blurring Serum Liquid Blush ($25)
The soft-matte finish and color payoff of this liquid blush are almost too good to believe. But it’s the skin-care formula that makes it a real winner. Hero ingredients like niacinamide help blur imperfections, while pomegranate extract hydrates the skin.
2 / 8
Flower Beauty Ultralight Liquid Blush ($15)
With its cushiony gel-like consistency and plush applicator, this blush is a dream to apply. Just a few dots are all you need for a boost of color and a natural flush.
3 / 8
Huda Beauty Blush Filter Liquid Blush ($21)
Like your go-to ring light, this blush gives you an instant airbrushed look and delivers a soft-focus glow. Add a dab for a light touch or blend two shades for an ombré look that’s sultry and sweet.
4 / 8
Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Liquid Blonzer Blush + Bronzer ($28)
If you love a sun-kissed look, this is the liquid blush for you. The mineral microspheres deliver a subtle, soft glow. Even better? It blurs and smoothes the appearance of pores.
5 / 8
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush ($23)
There’s a reason this blush is so beloved in the beauty community. The creamy formula blends and diffuses beautifully. It never fails to deliver, whether you opt for the radiant or soft-matte finish.
6 / 8
Rel Beauty Hydrating Cream Blush ($26)
The liquidy formula of this blush is packed with natural ingredients like sea buckthorn seed oil for anti-aging properties and red algae extract to hydrate and improve elasticity.
7 / 8
Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush ($32)
Achieving a sun-kissed glow is a cinch with this dewy blush from Nars. The lightweight formula melts into the skin and is perfect for a natural flush or a bold rush of color.
8 / 8
E.L.F. Camo Liquid Blush ($7)
E.L.F.’s camo blush is adored for its long-wearing formula, but the bold shades and intense color payoff are just as noteworthy. The $7 price tag is just the cherry on top.
