A touch of blush on your cheeks is the cherry on top when pulling your makeup look together. Nothing brightens your complexion quite like the right cheek colour. Whether you prefer a soft, barely-there flush, a vibrant pop of colour or a sculpted, radiant finish, today’s blushes come in creams, liquids and powders to suit every skin type and complexion.
We’ve compiled our favourite blush products to shop now, alongside a guide to prepping your face and which type of blush is right for you: cream, powder, liquid or tint/stain.
Liquid
Lightweight and long-lasting, liquids deliver a fresh, seamless glow. Apply sparingly – just a dot or two is enough.
Best Liquid blushes:
MCoBeauty Super Glow Blush Drops
$17.49 at Chemist Warehouse
Illuminate your cheeks with this iconic blush, full of light-reflecting pigments.
Benefit Floratint Lip & Cheek Stain
$46 at Adore Beauty
A creamy formula that blends effortlessly for a natural glow.
L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush
$22.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Want a lit-from-within finish? This luminising blush melts into the skin, blends effortlessly and delivers an intense colour payoff.
Cream/mousse
Perfect for dry or mature skin, cream blush melts into the complexion for a dewy, skin-like finish.
Best cream/mousse blushes:
Trinny London Lip & Cheek Sheer Shimmer
$54 at Trinity London
This lip and cheek stain – or tint as it’s often known – offers high-pigmented, lasting colour.
Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint in pHreeze
$52 at Sephora
This long-wearing wonder reacts to your skin’s unique chemistry to create a custom pink hue for your lips and cheeks. Intrigued to know more? We put the viral Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint in pHreeze to the test, and here’s what happened.
Powder
Ideal for normal to oily skin, powders are easy to build and help keep shine at bay.
Best powder blushes:
Natio Blush & Bronze in Sunkissed
$24.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Illuminate your look with a softly shimmering bronzer, highlighter and blush – all in the one pocket-sized palette.
Hourglass Mini Ambient Lighting Blush Luminous Flush
$96 at Sephora
Illuminate your cheeks with this iconic blush, full of light-reflecting pigments.
Fab Foundation
L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluron Tinted Balm Foundation
$27.62 at Chemist Warehouse
Give your blush the perfect backdrop with the new L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluron Tinted Balm Foundation. The lightweight formula features an 80% skincare base and is enriched with hyaluron and a nourishing oil blend to create a radiant finish. Its buildable, skin-like coverage melts effortlessly into the complexion, while the on-the-go compact, complete with an integrated mirror and applicator, makes touch-ups easy.
How do I prep my skin before applying blush?
Blush looks best on hydrated skin. Prep with a fast-absorbing hydrator, like the Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Crème-in-Gel to deliver intense nourishment and boost that fresh, radiant glow.
Which shade of blush complements my makeup best?
Our Beauty Editor’s top tip? If you’re rocking a peach eye or coral lip, go for a warm, apricot blush. If your makeup leans cooler with mauves or berry tones, pick something pink or plum-based. This way, your face will feel balanced, rather than looking like separate parts.
What type of blush is best for my skin type?
1. Powder blush
Best for: Oily or combination skin for a matte, buildable finish.
How to apply:
- Use a fluffy, angled or round-style blush brush.
- Tap off excess product before applying it.
- Sweep over cheeks using light, circular motions.
- Blend well to avoid harsh lines.
Applicator: Revlon Blush/Bronzer Brush, $27 at Life Pharmacy
2. Liquid blush
Best for: Any skin type looking for sheer to intense colour.
How to apply:
- Use the applicator to add a couple of tiny dots to each cheek.
- Blend quickly with fingers, a brush or a damp sponge.
- Start small – a little product goes a long way.
Tip: These dry fast, so blend quickly.
Applicator: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush Brush, $51 at Sephora
3. Cream blush
Best for Dry or normal skin types after a natural, dewy finish.
How to apply:
- Use fingers, a stippling brush or a makeup sponge.
- Warm up the product with your fingers or tool.
- Dab onto the skin in small dots and blend with tapping motions.
- Build gradually for intensity.
Applicator: LYS Beauty Stippling Blush Brush, $38 at Sephora
4. Blush stain (tint)
Best for A flushed-from-within look on minimal makeup days.
How to apply:
- Pop a dot or two on each cheek.
- Blend with fingers quickly – stains set fast.
- Use a damp sponge if you want to diffuse it further.
Tip: Can use on lips and eyes too.
Applicator: Mecca Max Beauty Bullet Flawless Sphere, $11 at Mecca
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