The 13 BEST Types Of Blushes & How To Wear Them [Ultimate Guide] (2025)

Ahhhhh, blush! Blush is one of the most transformative makeup products available. It instantly brightens up your face, enhancing the existing shape of your cheeks and adding a natural flush of color to your face.

From cream blushes to powder blushes, each type has its own unique features that can make application easier or more difficult depending on skin type and makeup experience—which is why it’s important to find the right blush for your needs.

In this blog post, I’ll take an in-depth look at all the different types of blushes out there, as well as discuss how to apply blush for the best results. Whether you have oily skin, normal, combination or dry skin, come join me as we explore the world of blush!

What is blush?

Blush is a cosmetic product used to add color and highlight the cheeks, creating a healthy, natural-looking glow. When applied correctly, blush can give your face more dimension and accentuate your features.

Besides adding some color to your face for a healthy glow, blush can also change the appearance of your face shape based on how and where you place blush. Blush comes in a variety of colors, textures, and formulas so that you can find a blush that works for you regardless of your skin tone, face shape, and makeup preferences!

Types of blushes & how to apply them

Powder Blush:

Powder blushes are great for adding a subtle flush of color to your cheeks. They tend to have a matte finish, so they’re perfect for creating a natural-looking effect. You can use either a brush or sponge to apply it – each provides different coverage and intensity.

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Cream Blush:

Cream blushes provide more of a dewy, luminous finish than powder blushes. They also tend to have more pigment and coverage so they’re great for creating bolder looks. They can be applied with fingertips, a brush or even a sponge for more precise application.

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Gel Blush:

Gel blushes provide an intense flush of color and a natural-looking finish. They go on very smoothly and blend easily, making them ideal for a more subtle effect. Applying with fingers or a sponge works best for this type of blush.

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Highlighting Blush:

Highlighter blushes are designed to create a subtle glow on the cheeks. They typically have a light, shimmery finish that is great for adding a subtle touch of radiance. A brush or sponge is the best way to apply this type of blush, as it will provide a more even application.

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Stain blush:

Stain blushes are great for creating a long-lasting flush of color. They provide a natural tint of color and tend to be longer-lasting than powder or cream blushes. The best way to apply this type of blush is with your fingertips – to provide the most control over where you want the color to go.

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Liquid blush:

Liquid blushes provide buildable coverage that is usually more pigmented. They are also great for layering with other products to create more depth and texture. You can apply it with your fingertips or a sponge for more precise application and blending.

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Mousse blush:

Mousse blushes provide a soft, velvety finish that provides a sheer wash of color. They are great for creating an effortless look and provide a natural-looking glow. Applying with your fingertips is the best way to go, as it will give you more control over the intensity.

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Mineral blush:

Mineral blushes are made of 100% pure and natural minerals and provide a lightweight, long-lasting finish. They offer sheer color that can be built up for more intensity. A brush is the best way to apply this type of blush.

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Shimmer blush:

Shimmer blushes provide a luminous finish and are perfect for creating a glowing, radiant look. They can be applied with either a brush or sponge for precise application and blending.

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Matte blush:

Matte blushes provide a natural-looking flush of color with a matte finish. They are great for creating a subtle, everyday look and can be applied with either a brush or sponge.

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Satin blush:

Satin blushes provide a subtle sheen and a natural-looking finish. They are great for creating an effortless look and can be applied with a brush or sponge.

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Sheer blush:

Sheer blushes provide a light wash of color and a natural-looking finish. They are great for creating a subtle, everyday look and can be applied with either a brush or sponge.

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Ombre Blush:

Ombre blushes provide a gradual blend of color with a soft, natural-looking finish.

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How to apply blush

Applying blush correctly can help to give your complexion a natural, healthy-looking glow. But like any makeup technique, it’s important to know the basics before getting started.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply blush for a beautiful finish:

1. You want to apply blush as one of the last few steps to your makeup. Blush should be applied after you’ve already applied your foundation, concealer, eye look, and setting powder.

2. To make sure your blush has a natural look, start off with a smaller amount and build up as needed. Start by picking up some blush with your sponge or brush.

3. Tap off any excess to ensure you don’t apply too much (remember it’s much easier to apply more blush than remove it). Apply the blush to your cheekbones.

To do this, blend in a sweeping motion, moving outward and upward towards the temples. Make sure to smirk as you blend to see your cheeks. If you want a more intense color, lightly layer more blush on top.

4. Finish off the look by blending out your cheek area with a clean sponge or brush to make sure everything is blended seamlessly and looks natural.

And voila! You have mastered the perfect blush application that will give you a beautiful, healthy-looking glow.

The best type of brushes for blush:

Blush brush:

This is the most common and versatile type of blush brush. It has a large, wide handle that makes it easy to control and use for precise application. The bristles are usually made of natural or synthetic fibers that help you get an even application of product onto your cheeks.

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Angled Blush Brush:

As the name suggests, this brush comes with an angled shape which helps you apply blush in a more precise manner. The bristles are typically made of natural or synthetic fibers, and the handle is usually long enough to provide adequate control while applying blush.

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Flat Brush:

This type of brush has a very flat surface that makes it perfect for contouring your cheeks. The bristles are usually made of synthetic or natural fibers that help create an even application of blush.

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Dome Blush Brush:

This brush comes with a rounded surface and is designed to provide a more sheer and diffused application of blush. It also helps you blend the product quickly and evenly onto your cheeks. The bristles are typically made of natural or synthetic fibers.

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Sponge:

Okay, so technically, a sponge is not a brush but it’s a popular way to apply blush. A sponge works well to give your blush a softer and more natural look. It is also great for blending your blush onto your cheeks without leaving any harsh lines or streaks. You can find sponges made of both synthetic and natural materials. My personal favorite is the beauty blender.

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No matter which brush you choose, it is important to always use a clean and dry brush when applying blush to your cheeks. This will help you get an even and natural-looking flush of color on your face.

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Keep in mind that the type of brush that works best for you may vary depending on your skin type and the blush product you’re using, so it’s always a good idea to experiment with different brushes until you find the one that works for you.

How to choose the right blush color for you:

Choosing the right blush color can be a little difficult, so here are some tips and tricks when it comes to finding the right blush color:

What is your skin tone?

Start by considering your skin tone. If you have a light complexion, opt for soft and subtle pinks or peaches. For medium to tan skin tones, a warm pink or coral is best. And if you have darker skin tones, try warmer shades such as deep berry, orange or bronze.

What type of finish do you want?

The next step is to consider what type of finish you want from your blush: shiny, matte, satin or shimmer? Shiny blushes are good for adding dimension to your face and can be used as a highlighter.

Matte finishes give an all-over natural flush and are best for a subtle look. Satin blushes are perfect for creating definition, while shimmer finishes give your cheeks a soft glow.

What is your makeup style?

Think about what type of makeup look you’re going for. If you’re going for a natural look, opt for matte finishes and neutral colors. If you want an evening look, then shimmery tones can help to create a more dramatic effect.

What is your age?

Age can also influence the type of blush you use. If you are younger, you may want to go for brighter colors and finishes such as shimmer or satin. For mature skin, matte blushes can help create a more youthful look as shimmer blushes can make the skin look older since glitter can enhance wrinkles and fine line.

What activities will you be doing?

Different types of blushes have different longevity. For example, if you’re going swimming then a powder blush may not be a good option since it doesn’t last long with water. A cream or liquid blush may be a better option since it is more water-resistant and can last longer. For a full day on the town, gel blush is a great choice since it can last all day and won’t smudge or fade away.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different blush colors and finishes until you find the perfect one for your complexion. Just remember to start with a small amount and slowly build up your color.

Following these tips can help you choose the perfect blush for any look or occasion. With the right blush, you’ll be able to achieve a healthy and natural glow that will make your skin look flawless!

Blush placement based on your face shape:

Did you know your face shape can help you determine where to place your blush? Blush can help change the appearance of your face shape, so here are some tips:

Rectangle face shape:

For rectangular face shapes, blush should be applied to the apples of the cheeks and blended upwards towards the hairline. This will create a more rounded shape.

Oval face shape:

Oval face shapes are best suited to apply blush in a C-shape from the temples to just above the apple of the cheek for natural contouring.

Round face shape:

Round face shapes should use blush to create a subtle contour. Begin at the temples and then blend down towards the apples of your cheeks in an upwards motion.

Square face shape:

Square face shapes should apply blush to the apples of their cheeks and blend outwards, along the cheekbone towards the hairline for a softer look.

Heart face shape:

Heart shaped faces should apply blush in an upside-down triangle shape, blending from the temples to just above the apples of their cheeks and out towards the hairline.

Diamond face shape:

Diamond face shapes should place blush along the cheekbones and blend outwards towards the temple area. This will help soften features and create a more balanced look.

No matter what your face shape is, the key to applying blush is blending! Blend as much as possible to help create a more natural look. With these tips in mind, you should have no problem finding the perfect placement for your blush.

Blush do’s, and don’ts

Here are few blush do’s and don’ts. However, disclaimer: there are no rules when it comes to makeup.

Do what works for you.

While these are some simple guidelines to follow, you get to determine what you want to do and don’t want to do when it comes to makeup!

Do:

• Do use a light hand when applying blush. You can always apply more blush, but it is much harder to remove it once it’s been applied.
• Do blend out your blush with a brush or beauty blender so you don’t have any harsh lines.
• Do choose a blush color that complements your natural skin tone. If you’re a lighter skin tone, use natural blush colors. If you’re darker, choose a blush in the cranberry, deep pink or orange color.
• Don’t use blush that is too dark for your skin tone; this can make you look clownish.
• Do experiment with the placement of your blush to play around with how your blush shapes your face.

Don’t:

• Don’t apply blush in a heavy or unnatural-looking line along your cheekbones.
• If you’re older, don’t use shimmery or glittery blush as this will emphasize wrinkles and pores more than it should. It’s best to opt for matte colors instead.
• If you’re darker, don’t use pastel blush colors. Black women don’t blush (as far being able to see us blush), so light pastel colors will only make us look ashy. Instead opt for rich colors like cranberry, deep pink, bronze and orange (my personal favorite!)
• Don’t apply blush to your forehead or down the sides of your nose. Blush should be applied only on the cheeks and cheekbones.
• Don’t forget to blend out your blush with a brush or beauty blender. Blending is key! If you don’t blend, it can look unnatural and harsh on the skin.

These are some basic do’s and don’ts when it comes to applying blush!

Frequently asked questions: types of blushes

What type of blush is most natural?

When it comes to finding a blush that looks natural, powder blushes are typically the most popular choice.

Powder blushes come in various shades, allowing you to find one that best matches your skin tone. They are easy to apply and blend nicely into the skin with very little effort.

Cream blushes can also be used for a more natural look, but they are often harder to blend and may require more precision when applying.

Another type of blush that looks super natural is tint and stain blushes. These are typically liquid and blend easily with the skin. They give a sheer, natural-looking flush that can last all day long.

Whichever blush you choose, make sure to blend it in well for a seamless look. Your cheeks should still have a natural flush without looking overly done up.

What is the two finger blush rule?

The two finger blush rule is a makeup application technique used to create a natural-looking flush of color on the cheeks.

To apply this blush, starting at the apple of your cheek, lightly brush two fingers along the cheekbone and up toward the temples. This will give you just enough blush to provide a natural-looking glow without appearing too heavy.

What goes first foundation or liquid blush?

Do you put blush under foundation? This is a very common question. Although both foundation and liquid blush can be worn together to achieve an even complexion, it is important to know which one should go first.

Foundation should always be the base layer when applying liquid blush. This will help ensure that the blush is evenly distributed over your face for a natural look. If you apply the liquid blush before the foundation, it may not blend as well or show after the foundation.

Why does my blush fade quickly?

Blush can fade quickly on the skin if it’s not applied correctly or blended in. Factors like oily skin, humidity, sun exposure, and poor product selection can cause your blush to fade faster than normal.

To avoid this, it’s essential to use a high-quality blush that will last longer on the skin and choose products build for longevity such as liquid and cream blushes which tend to last longer than a powder. Additionally, using a primer or setting powder before applying your blush will help it stay in place all day.

Can you use your lipstick as a blush?

Yes, you can, and fun fact most women did prior to the ’80s (my grandmother still does!)!

The trick is to use a small brush to apply your lipstick to the apples of your cheeks and then blend it out using a clean finger or a beauty sponge.This is an easy way to add color to your face without having to buy additional makeup products.

The key is to blend it out for a subtle flush of color to ensure that your lipstick doesn’t move or fade throughout the day.If you want to go for a bolder look, try layering and building up the color until you reach your desired intensity.

Here’s a video where I used my lipstick as a blush too!

If you love beauty tutorials, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel!

List of blushes and finishes:

1. Powder Blush
2. Cream Blush
3. Gel Blush
4. Highlighter Blush
5. Stain Blush
6. Liquid Blush
7. Mousse Blush
8. Mineral Blush
9. Shimmer Blush
10. Matte Blush
11. Satin Blush
12. Sheer Blush
13. Ombre Blush

Conclusion

Blush is one of the most versatile makeup products out there. With so many options on the market, you can find the perfect product to fit into your beauty routine!

Now that you know all about the types of blush and how to apply it, you’re ready to go and rock your favorite look. Don’t forget – when selecting a color, pick something that compliments your skin tone, not something that overwhelms it. Also, remember to keep those blush do’s and dont’s in mind, too!

Experiment with different shades until you find one that looks great on you, or why not try blending two shades together.

Let your inner glow shine with a natural-looking flush that enhances all features while adding an extra sparkle to your look! So now, why not share with me – What is YOUR favorite blush color? Comment down below!