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There's lots to love about powder and cream blushes, but the best liquid blushes deserve the spotlight, too. Liquid blush formulas are supremely buildable, blendable, and highly pigmented. Upon first swipe, they lend a particularly natural flush—but with each layer, your newfound glow only continues to pop. Plus, many liquid blushes are infused with skin-loving ingredients like moisturizing glycerin, conditioning shea butter, and antioxidant-loaded aloe. Do you still need convincing? Some also double as lip and/or eye tints. From up-and-comers to classics, we've rounded up 13 of the best liquid blushes, handpicked by Allure editors and professional makeup artists, to help you achieve a glowing, natural flush that amps up any look.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Cheek Tint, $39
- Best Long-Lasting: Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush, $36
- Best Splurge: Chanel Les Beiges Liquid Blush, $52
- Best for Blending: Anastasia Beverly Hills Blurring Serum Blush, $25
- Best Semi-Matte: Saie Dew Blush, $25
- Most Versatile: Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Rose Lip & Cheek Tint, $26
- Best Matte: Huda Beauty Blush Filter Liquid Blush, $21
Frequently Asked Questions
- How are liquid blushes different from other blushes?
- How should I apply a liquid blush?
- Meet the experts
- Our staff and testers
- How we test and review products
Best Overall: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Cheek Tint
Why it's worth it: Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Cheek Tint is a Sabrina Carpenter favorite (as confirmed by the singer's very own makeup artist), and for good reason. The long-lasting, lightweight, silky blush stays put for 12 hours and comes in six glorious hues. For even more glowiness, you can layer the blush with Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Glow Blush.
Tester feedback: "I love blush! I'm probably blush blind, but I don't care, and you can't stop me. Armani's Liquid Silk Blush is one of my favorites—it's not super sheer (which I love because when I'm wearing blush, I want people to know!) but blends easily, so I think it's a great formula for beginners because it's forgiving," says commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann. "I'm wearing Delicate Mauve, which is, to date, the most perfect dusty pink shade I've found for my particular skin tone. If I could wave a wand and naturally produce that shade on my cheeks, I would, but until then, I'll stick to wearing this blush pretty much every day."
Key ingredients: vitamin E, dimethicone | Finish: silky | Shades: 6
Best Long-Lasting: Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush
Why it's worth it: "This formula is incredible," New York City-based makeup artist Karol Rodriguez said of the Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush. "The finish is similar to the texture of a blurred lip; it's soft and velvety," adding that it's really "such a pigmented and liquidy blush." McGrath is another fan of the formula, which won a 2024 Best of Beauty Award. "It's become my go-to for high heat and humidity days because I find it stays in place for longer than any of the other cream or liquid formulas in my] current collection," she said in her review.
Tester feedback: "The Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush is super pigmented, so one drop of its light, serum-like formula is all I need for a glowy, radiant flush," says commerce writer Jen Hussein. "This hyaluronic acid-spiked blush has a similar texture to a lightweight skin tint and stays put throughout the day like a stain."
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, white lupin seed extract | Finish: sheer, buildable | Shades: 7
Best Splurge: Chanel Les Beiges Liquid Blush
Why it's worth it: As per, we're blushing over all things Chanel, like this elegant bottle of Les Beiges Liquid Blush. The formula uses MicroFluidic Technology (okay, science!), meaning upon application, you can see little droplets of pigment before they promptly melt into the skin. The aesthetic power of the neutral pink shade range is complemented by skin-loving, hydrating tamarind seed extract.
Tester feedback: "I always want my blush to pop, whether that's immediate or via a buildable formula. Chanel's Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush is somehow both—on one hand, it's made out of 75% water, but my shade of choice (Intense Coral) is surprisingly pigmented upon initial application," says commerce editor Sarah Han. "That being said, you can very easily diffuse/tone down with a brush or sponge and then add layers as needed. Makeup is a sensory process for me, and the physical act of breaking apart the micro-droplet pigments contributes to the joy I get from doing my makeup."
Key ingredients: tamarind seed extract, glycerin | Finish: sheer | Shades: 6
Best for Blending: Anastasia Beverly Hills Blurring Serum Blush
Why it's worth it: With a skill set that extends far beyond the brow, the good people at Anastasia Beverly Hills blessed us with this Blurring Serum Blush—a buildable, fast-drying, liquid blush that fits every mood. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King previously told Allure the product's quick drying time can be attributed to a combination of silica and isododecane. Once your first layer sets, you can go back in with a few more drops and blend out. Plus, this stuff is an a-little-goes-a-long-way champ, according to senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor, who wrote, "I've been using just a few dots of the stuff each day and don't feel like I've made a dent in the tube."
Tester feedback: "This blush is pure magic—light as air, hydrating like skin care (shoutout to the glycerin in it!), and it melts into my skin for the perfect 'just blushed' look," says shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis. "It's like my cheeks got a filter upgrade, and it actually stays put all day."
Key ingredients: niacinamide, pomegranate peel extract | Finish: sheer | Shades: 5
Best Semi-Matte: Saie Dew Blush
Why it's worth it: According to Florida-based makeup artist Allison Kaye, Saie's Dew Blush "blends out like a dream," and a little product goes a long way. Its water-based, gel-cream formula offers a creamy yet buildable texture for the perfect flush of color. Ingredient highlights include nourishing glycerin and antioxidant-loaded staples like licorice and elderberry extracts. The TikTok-viral blush comes in six gorgeous shades, the most popular being Chilly (a cool-toned mauve pictured above).
Tester feedback: "I love a bold blush, so Saie's super-pigmented formula is my go-to," says interim commerce director Deanna Pai. "It looks intense when you first dab it on—and I quickly learned how to have a light hand—but always blends out to a pretty wash of color."
Key ingredients: glycerin, licorice root extract, elderberry extract | Finish: semi-matte | Shades: 8
Best Color Payoff: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Why it's worth it: Selena Gomez really ate when she whipped up Rare Beauty's Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, which has racked up several Readers' Choice and Best of Beauty Awards. Not only is it a bonafide Allure-editor favorite, but it's an internet sensation, too. Available in matte and radiant, highly-pigmented finishes, the liquid blush is accompanied by a generous doe-foot applicator, whose praises are sung by New Jersey-based makeup artist Sara Talias. Take your pick of 13 hues, including Grateful (a candy-colored red), Faith (a matte dark purple), and Lucky (hot pink).
Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, lotus flower extract, mica | Finish: matte, dewy | Shades: 13
Best Applicator: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand
Why it's worth it: The Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand is viral inside and outside the Allure offices for its stunning matte finish. Like the brand's best-selling Beauty Light Wands, the Beauty Blush Wands have a circular-shaped sponge applicator: Simply dot, blend, et voila. Choose from four shades: Pink Pop (classic pink), Peach Pop (peachy-nude), and Dream Pop (cherry-pink cross).
Tester feedback: Allure's content director, Kara McGrath, calls this blush her go-to. "When I want a blush that's going to melt right onto my skin, I reach for the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand in Pillow Talk Pink Pop," she previously explained. "Although it's a matte formula, it plays well with creamy base products, blending easily to give me a pink-peachy glow."
Key ingredients: silica spheres, mica | Finish: matte | Shades: 4
Best Natural Finish: Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush
Why it's worth it: While Nars' fan-favorite Orgasm powder blush dates back decades, the Liquid Blush didn't come out until 2017. Since then, it's become a beloved staple for makeup pros and amateurs everywhere, thanks to its lowkey shimmer and super smooth application shimmer. The classic has been reinvented to include five shades beyond Orgasm (pictured above), like Insatiable, a deep plum. Each tube includes a dose of skin-loving ingredients such as sodium hyaluronate and vitamin E for a radiant finish.
Key ingredients: vitamin E, sodium hyaluronate | Finish: natural | Shades: 8
Best Drugstore: Milani Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush
Why it's worth it: With its wallet-friendly price tag, lightweight liquid formula, and sheer finish, Milani Cheek Kiss Blush is an all-timer of a drugstore pick. Since each of the six shades clocks in at $11, you need not feel guilty about stocking up on more than one. Might we suggest the unlikely but deeply appealing Cheeky Coral and Berry Smooch pairing? Bonus: it can even be used on the lips for a monochromatic look.
Key ingredients: pomegranate, rose extract, watermelon extract | Finish: buildable | Shades: 5
Most Versatile: Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Rose Lip & Cheek Tint
Why it's worth it: Benefit Cosmetics's Benetint Rose Lip & Cheek Tint has a fascinating history that dates back over 40 years (fun fact: it was initially created as a nipple tint). Today, the multi-use cheek stain is famous for its sheer, natural finish and non-drying formula. Its signature rosy hue can easily be applied to the lips and cheeks via a user-friendly doe foot applicator.
Tester feedback: "When in doubt, I reach for my trusty bottle of Benetint," says contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman. "It's by far the longest-lasting option in my arsenal, and the color can do no wrong." She warns, however, to blend quickly to avoid a concentrated, no-budge splotch. She also has a bottle of orangey-pink Floratint.
Key ingredients: N/A | Finish: sheer | Shades: 6
Best Buildable: Freck Beauty Cheekslime Blush + Lip Tint
Why it's worth it: The goodness of Freck doesn't stop with its iconic freckle pen. Nay, it extends into the world of rosy, radiant blush with the Cheekslime Blush + Lip Tint. Los Angeles-based makeup artist Shadi Malek previously called the product hydrating, long-wearing, buildable, blendable, and "effortlessly melting." You'll find glycerin, a moisturizing plant-based collagen, and anti-inflammatory carrot root extract in the formula.
Key ingredients: glycerin, plant collagen, carnauba wax, rice extract | Finish: sheer | Shades: 6
Huda Beauty's Blush Filter Liquid Blush
Why it's worth it: Huda Beauty's Blush Filter Liquid Blush is the soft-focus, super-radiant, and endlessly customizable pick that carried us from summer to fall—and now all year round. Its high bendability makes it easy to go from a sheer wash of color to a high-impact, punchy flush. If you want to add an extra dimension to your look, pick out two shades, one light and one darker, and press three dots of the lighter hue on top of your cheekbone, followed by two dots of the darker shade under the top row.
Tester feedback: "With Huda Beauty's Blush Filter Liquid Blush creamy, pigmented formula, a little goes a long way, so I start with no more than one dot on each cheek," wrote Talia Gutierrez, associate special projects manager. "It requires a few swirls with a dense makeup brush to blend it completely, but the smooth, matte finish is worth the extra time. I can't get enough of the shade Peachy Sorbet, which complements my olive-toned skin, giving me a natural-looking flush. Any extra gets applied to my eyes and lips."
Key ingredients: silica, mica, vitamin E | Finish: matte | Shades: 5
Best Brightening: Tarte Blush Tape Liquid Blush
Why it's worth it: Tarte's Blush Tape Liquid Blush is perfect for those seeking a lit-from-within glow. The sponge-tip applicator (similar to the one you'll see on Sculpt Tape Contour) is super easy to use, and all it takes is a super light squeeze of product for comprehensive coverage. We'd also be remiss not to mention its skin-care-infused formula that features moisturizing glycerin, mango and shea butters, and brightening licorice root extract. Choose from shades of Pink, Beach, and Berry for a buildable pop of radiant color.
Key ingredients: glycerin, mango extract, shea butter, licorice root extract | Finish: glowy | Shades: 6
Frequently asked questions
How are liquid blushes different from other blushes?
Kaye explains that liquid blushes have the thinnest and lightest consistency than powders and creams. Thanks to their buildability, it's safe to say that liquid blushes are most straightforward to blend, though fair warning: A little goes a very long way.
How should I apply a liquid blush?
New York City-based makeup artist Tobi Henney recommends starting with the apples of your cheeks and blending upward. Conversely, "if you want a more sun-kissed effect, you can lightly apply across the bridge of the nose where the sun would naturally hit the face," she says. There are also several other blush techniques, including the TikTok-famous "W" application trick, in which you apply blush in the shape of a "W" where the sun would naturally hit.
No matter the application technique you opt for, Kaye recommends applying the liquid blush directly from the applicator onto the cheeks before blending with a foundation brush or makeup sponge. Alternatively, dab the product into your skin with your fingers for a more natural finish. Another tip—NYC-based makeup artist Joseph Carrillo previously told Allure that "liquid and serum blushes blend better on hydrated skin, giving a smooth and even application."
Meet the experts
- Allison Kaye, a makeup artist based in Florida
- Sara Talias, a makeup artist based in New Jersey
- Shadi Malek, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
- Karol Rodriguez, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Tobi Henney, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Joseph Carrillo, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best liquid blushes, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we can fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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