12 Best Liquid Blushes for 2023

Blush has come a long way over the years. Once upon a time, paint pots were the only option a person had to add a bit of brightness to their face. As time progressed, blush shifted to powder form. While this made application less messy, powders could sometimes look cakey or settle into fine lines. 

Now we’ve come full circle, and liquid blushes are once again all the rage. They come in a variety of finishes and colors, and there’s something for everyone in this beauty category. From budget to splurge and everything in between, we’re highlighting some of the hottest liquid blushes in stores today. 

Best liquid blushes overview:

• Best overall: NARS Cosmetics Liquid Blush
• Best budget: ColourPop Cheek Dew Serum Blush
• Best multipurpose: Aleph Beauty Cheek/Lip Tint
• Best no-mess: Kaja Beauty Cheek Stamp
• Best drugstore: NYX Cosmetics Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint Cream Blush
• Best sheer: EM Cosmetics Color Drops Serum Blush
• Best stick: Pixi Beauty On-the-Glow Blush
• Best splurge: Kevyn Aucoin Glass Glow Face and Body Gloss
• Best for texture: Glossier Cloud Paint
• Best for deeper skin tones: Milani Cosmetics Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush
• Best travel: ILIA Beauty Color Haze Multiuse Pigment
• Best shifting: Tarte Maracuja Juice LIp & Cheek Shift

How we chose the best liquid blushes

To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including finish, shades, and more, to create a short list of the top liquid blushes. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best liquid blushes for each category.

If you’re even mildly interested in makeup, NARS Cosmetics needs no introduction. In particular, the brand’s Orgasm blush is a cult favorite with many devoted fans. The company has had so much success with this particular color that it’s been converted into a variety of mediums — pressed powder, cheek sticks, and now a true liquid blush.

Although Orgasm isn’t the only shade you can find for the brand’s Liquid Blush, it’s such a popular, universally flattering hue that it’s rarely in stock online, though you may have better luck in stores. The liquid blush is richly pigmented, meaning you don’t need a lot to enjoy significant color payoff. But you’ll need to use a beauty tool or your fingers to apply, as this blush doesn’t come with an applicator.

Shades: 4 | Finish: Natural

ColourPop is to the beauty world what Forever21 is to retail. It’s a fast-beauty brand constantly releasing innovative products that appeal to a wide range of beauty mavens — especially those on a budget. The brand rose to prominence during the matte liquid lip craze and hasn’t looked back. 

The Cheek Dew Serum Blush is a sheer liquid cream that applies with a dewy finish. People with oily skin might want to steer clear, as we can see this getting messy very quickly. However, it’s a true serum, as it’s packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E to hydrate and nourish your skin. But you’ll need to apply with a sponge, brush, or your fingertips since it doesn’t come with an applicator. 

Shades: 4 | Finish: Natural

Technically speaking, most liquid blushes can be used on other parts of your face. However, not all of them are safe for your eyes. Aleph Beauty is taking the world by storm with multifunctional products designed to pull double and sometimes triple duty in your beauty arsenal. The Cheek/Lip Tint is not a true liquid but rather more of a richly pigmented balm. 

It comes in pot form, so you’ll need some tools — using your fingers works too. We like that it offers a satin finish for the lips, which translates to dewy for your cheeks. With seven colors, we love the wide shade range, including a few intense hues that are perfect for beauties with deeper skin tones or that can double as contour or bronzer. Note that some shades have a slight shimmer.

Shades: 7 | Finish: Satin/dewy, shimmer

If you love K-beauty, you’ll appreciate this unique blush product from Kaja Beauty. The all-things-cute brand produces fun yet functional products. The Cheeky Stamp is another fan-favorite with a strong cult following. 

This is technically a cushion blush. But if you know cushions, you’ll understand that they’re filled with liquid. Like other liquid blushes, it touts a buildable color payoff and gives you a light natural glow finish. Available in seven colors, this is a mess-free option since it comes with a built-in heart-shaped applicator sponge to help you apply like a pro.

Shades: 7 | Finish: Natural

We can’t overlook the drugstore niche for this important product category. Thankfully, NYX Cosmetics is a brand that always has its finger on the pulse of beauty trends. The Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint Cream Blush is an affordable entry with a solid shade range that appeals to many beauties. 

We like that this pick comes with a doe foot applicator for easy placement. Choose from six shades to create buildable coverage. This is a creamy blush that’s intended to give you a second-skin finish. You’ll also like that this is a vegan and cruelty-free blush. 

However, some reviewers noted that this product isn’t richly pigmented, so you may need to use more product to get adequate color payoff depending on your skin tone. Meanwhile, others mentioned that blending could be challenging at times.

Shades: 6 | Finish: Natural

You’ll appreciate this entry if you’re old enough to remember when beauty influencers were still up and coming. EM Cosmetics is the brainchild of OG beauty influencer Michelle Pham. These days she’s more focused on her beauty empire than influencing, but EM Cosmetics is a brand that’s all about easy makeup that doesn’t require a degree in calculus or geometry to apply it. 

The Color Drops Serum Blush is a pretty but truly liquid blush product. Available in eight colors, the thinner blush is subtle and buildable. You’ll get a dewy finish, and it comes with a dropper applicator — so you’ll still need to use your fingers or a tool to blend it. We also love that the formula is packed with evening primrose oil and ceramides to nourish your skin. The only drawback is that the thinner formula means achieving a bolder look requires a lot more product.

Shades: 8 | Finish: Dewy

Yes, we know, this isn’t a liquid; it’s actually a balm. But it’s a worthy entry because the On-the-Glow Blush balm stick from Pixi Beauty is close enough to a liquid but perfect for ease and transport. When you don’t want to hunt down beauty tools for blending or find a liquid splattered all over your cosmetics bag, you’ll be glad to have this blush stick.

Available in three universally flattering shades, the balm is formulated with ginseng, aloe vera, and a mix of fruit extracts to hydrate and condition your skin. Although the shade range is limited, the pigmentation is rich. But be aware that the brand isn’t lying about the glow. This is a highly dewy product, so if you have oily skin, you might want to bring blotters with you to rock it.

Shades: 3 | Finish: Dewy

Ready for a splurge that can work on more than just your face? Kevyn Aucoin’s Glass Glow Face and Body Gloss is a great solution if you want to give yourself a bit of shimmer or shine, and you can use it anywhere on your body, not just on your face. 

Choose from six colors, including clear, if you want to create glass lids or skin. This gloss is enriched with passion fruit oil and marula oil to boost your skin’s hydration. Technically this is a gel, but it can easily be blended out. Just note that a little goes a long way because it’s a high-shine option — especially if you’re a skin gloss newbie.

Shades: 6 | Finish: Megashine

For the minimalists, you’ll appreciate Glossier’s Cloud Paint. Dubbed the most user-friendly blush under the sun, Cloud Paint is a multifunctional paint tube. While primarily intended for your cheeks, you can use it anywhere on your face. 

We like it because this specific liquid blush is designed to create a soft-focus effect, thanks to the inclusion of special blurring pigments. This means that if you’re struggling with texture — whether dry skin or breakouts — this blush won’t magnify them. Choose from eight shades and enjoy buildable coverage with a natural finish. 

Some reviewers noted that the packaging isn’t goof-proof, though. Be prepared that a lot of the paint might come flying out when you squeeze the tube.

Shades: 8 | Finish: Natural

Buying blush can sometimes be frustrating when you have more melanin. Pinks can appear chalky if you’re not careful. More importantly, poor pigmentation can mean you need to use more product to get the same level of color payoff as someone with a fairer skin tone. 

Thankfully, Milani Cosmetics’ Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush is here with a great set of blushes that are richly pigmented and deep skin tone approved. This pick offers a blendable and buildable creamy liquid formula that contains ingredients intended to help your skin. The vegan formula features pomegranate oil, rose extract, and watermelon. Better still, this multiuse product can also be used as a lip color.

Shades: 6 | Finish: Dewy

Technically speaking, everything in our roundup is fairly travel-friendly. But we’re suckers for a multifunctional product that helps cut down on clutter in your makeup bag. So, if you’re trying to make room in your carry-on, you’ll like that ILIA Beauty’s Color Haze Multiuse Pigment is intended to be used pretty much however you want on your face. 

The brand is explicit regarding which skin tones are most compatible with the various colors, ensuring that you get the ultimate color payoff. Along with strong pigmentation, this cream blush (which doubles as a lip tint) is infused with jojoba and coconut oil to nourish your skin. Note that it’s intended to be a wash of color, but you can build for a bolder effect. While it’s perfectly designed for lip applications, you’ll need a beauty tool or your fingers to apply it on your cheeks.

Shades: 5 | Finish: Natural

If you remember mood rings, you’ll love our final entry from Tarte. These pH-matching lip products aren’t exactly new, as many brands have been doing them for years. But we’ve never seen a lip/cheek tint incorporating this feature. Tarte has decided to enter that foray with its Maracuja Juicy Lip & Cheek Shift. 

What you see are six bold pastel hues that automatically shift into your perfect pink shade depending on your body’s natural pH. Essentially, it’s a mood ring for your lips and cheeks. This pick is infused with a variety of skin-loving ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, maracuja oil, acai, goji, grapeseed oil, and various other fruit extracts. 

The only odd factor here is that the brand promises that no matter which color you pick, they all shift to the same pink hue after being exposed to your pH. So, you might not like the result. Reviewers also noted that the packaging could occasionally be faulty, with the cap cracking and causing leaks.

Shades: 6 | Finish: Dewy

Make those cheeks pop

Liquid blush can be a game changer for those who want more control over color payoff or even struggle with dry skin. These hydrating formulas glide over your skin and are often infused with skin-friendly ingredients that boost your skin’s health and complexion.

More importantly, most liquid blushes are richly pigmented, meaning you don’t have to use a lot to get the right depth of color. If you’re looking for the ultimate blush, you can’t go wrong with NARS Cosmetics’ Liquid Blush. But if you’re shopping on a budget, ColourPop’s Cheek Dew Serum Blush is an excellent choice.

How to pick the right liquid blushes for you

Liquid blush isn’t always a fit for all skin types. It’s usually best for normal and dry skin. However, other factors, such as the application method and your skin tone, should also influence your decision. 

Application

We made a point to mention when a product came with an applicator or when it was a bit more challenging to apply. By default, liquid blushes require some type of applicator (your fingers count) — especially if they’re true liquids or come in a balm or cream pot form. 

When an applicator is included, it’s usually a sponge so you can blot it into your skin. While many makeup artists love the idea of using your fingers to warm up a product and sheer it out, not everyone enjoys having dirty hands. Plus, your hands carry bacteria which can encourage breakouts. So, if you want to get into liquid blushes, consider investing in a brush or blending sponge so that after applying the initial product, you can blend it out with a tool other than your fingers. 

Witt liquid blushes, we consider this advice to be best: A little goes a long way. We focused primarily on richly pigmented blushes. So, it’s always best to start with a small amount and blend it out. You can always add more if it’s not as bold as you’d like. But if you start too strong, all you can do is wipe it off — along with any other makeup under it — and start over, which can be a pain. 

Skin type

Generally speaking, liquid blushes aren’t typically recommended for oily or acne-prone skin types. Because this category usually features creams or dewy finish formulas, they’re not traditionally compatible with oily skin types. 

While you’re not entirely barred from liquid blushes, just know that you’ll need to focus on a good setting powder to prevent it from shifting. More importantly, avoid dewy finish formulas, as this will only encourage oil production. 

Skin tone

As you probably noticed from our roundup, universal shade compatibility is a big deal. No one wants to be told that because they have a darker skin tone, they should stay away from soft pinks. Likewise, someone with fair skin shouldn’t be shooed away from a deep red or berry hue. 

Instead, consider color payoff, intensity, and buildability. The nice thing about liquid blushes is that because they lack the core powder base found in pressed blushes, you’re not necessarily barred from any color because of fears over chalky finishes. 

However, you may need to adjust how much product you apply to achieve your desired intensity. For example, someone with very deep skin may need to apply just a bit more product to wear a pink or coral hue. Meanwhile, a person with fair skin should use rich red or deep berry sparingly — unless they prefer a bolder look. 

FAQ

Which liquid blush is best for a natural look? 

Choose blushes that offer a natural finish. This means that they won’t create a high shine or dewy look on your cheeks. NARS Cosmetics’ Liquid Blush is a great pick with a natural hue. 

Is liquid blush better than powder?

Formulation choices come down to preference. However, a liquid blush is better if you have dry skin because it’s hydrating and less likely to magnify dryness or flakes. Meanwhile, a powder can be a better choice for oily skin because it’s less likely to shift on your face. 

What liquid blush looks good on everyone?

The truth is that many brands these days are focusing on liquid or cream blush formulations that are universally flattering because you can customize the amount of product you apply. NARS Cosmetics’ Liquid Blush in Orgasm is known as a truly universally flattering pick. However, almost every entry in our roundup features a wide color selection that’s universally flattering whether you have a fair or deep skin tone.