10 Best Pink Blushes for Every Skin Tone in 2023

Pink blush is an easy choice for a fresh-faced look, the perfect staple in any makeup bag. The best pink blush shades can vary depending on your skin tone and whether you want a matte or shimmery finish.

Regardless of skin tone, light blushes add brightness to any look. But you certainly don’t need to limit yourself to a baby pink hue if you prefer something bolder. 

Whether on a budget or ready to splurge, these are some of the best pink blushes, from creams to powders to liquids. With our included color-theory tips, we’re here to inspire you to rock a pink shade with the perfect application.

Best pink blush overview:

• Best overall: NARS Liquid Blush in Orgasm
• Best drugstore: NYX Cosmetics Sweet Cheeks Creamy Powder Blush Matte in Rose & Play
• Best sheer blush: Glossier Cloud Paint in Puff
• Best multipurpose: ILIA Multi-Stick in Tenderly
• Best stick: E.l.f. Cosmetics Daily Dew Stick in Cool Berry
• Best cheek tint: Benefit Cosmetics Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint in Playtint
• Best blush stamp: Kaja Cheeky Stamp Blendable Blush in Sassy
• Best pro pick: Bobbi Brown Blush in Sand Pink
• Best for dry skin: Pixi Beauty On-the-Glow in Ruby
• Best powder: Sephora Collection Colorful Face Powders in Date Night

How we chose the best pink blushes

To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including the color profile, texture, finish, and more, to create a short list of the top pink blushes for every skin tone. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best pink blushes for each category.

Our picks for the best pink blush

Orgasm is the iconic peachy-pink shimmer that deserves a spot on every blush list. This product from NARS is a liquid blush that offers a dewier look. It’s earned cult-favorite status because it’s a shade that — while light in the container — is virtually universally flattering on almost any skin tone.

Plus, the liquid iteration of this pressed powder fave has a moisturizing formula that’s easy to blend. It offers buildable pigmentation and presents itself as a warm pink tone with just a hint of golden shimmer.

However, the liquid format may prove challenging for some makeup beginners. Learning to apply the right amount of product to achieve a wash of color rather than an opaque layer may take a few tries to get right.

Size: 0.5 oz | Finish: Shimmer | Opacity: Medium | Formula: Liquid

You don’t need to spend the equivalent of your cell phone bill just to get a blush that works for your skin tone. This creamy powder blush from NYX Cosmetics offers a great flush of color with a matte finish.

The best-selling vegan blush allows for a buildable wash of color and is easy to apply and blend for the perfect effect. And, with 1.17 ounces of product in the pan, you get quite a bit of blush — especially for the low price you’ll pay. 

Even though it’s affordable and features a bold color within the pan, the pigmentation isn’t quite as sharp when actually applied.

Size: 1.17 oz | Finish: Matte | Opacity: Sheer | Formula: Vegan powder

If you’re committed to keeping things as soft and dewy as possible, this Cloud Paint blush is a must. The cruelty-free cream blush formula comes in a little squeeze tube that dispenses just the right amount of product. 

It goes on sheer and blends easily, but you can build it up a little if necessary. Puff is a gorgeous neutral pink that’s the very definition of fresh. Plus, the blush offers a creamy finish that suits all skin tones.

Size: 0.33 fl oz | Finish: Dewy | Opacity: Sheer | Formula: Gel cream, cruelty free

If you’re trying to avoid buzzy synthetic ingredients, then ILIA makeup should definitely be on your radar. This cream blush stick has a nearly all-natural formula based on botanical oils and waxes. And if that’s not enough, it’s also a fragrance-free, cruelty-free, silicone-free, and gluten-free product.

The blush moisturizes your skin while imparting a soft flush of cool, pale pink. Since this formula has a cream base, it offers easy application with a buildable formula. We suggest using it for a monochrome look on your cheeks, lips, and even eyes.

Size: 0.18 oz | Finish: Luminous | Opacity: Sheer | Formula: Clean, cruelty free

Affordable doesn’t have to mean poor pigmentation. And if you love a cool soft pink hue that can also pull extra duty as a highlighter, the Daily Dew Stick from E.l.f. Cosmetics in Cool Berry is the way to go. The stick format makes this a goof-proof option for both newbies and makeup pros. 

This blush stick gives you a dewy glow for that fresh-faced effect that everyone loves. Even though this is a bit of a frostier hue, it still offers a gorgeous color payoff on darker skin tones without creating an ashen cast.

Size: 0.52 oz | Finish: Shimmer | Opacity: Sheer | Formula: Cream stick

Liquid blushes often boast an imperceptible formula when it comes to both look and feel. This buildable sheer product from Benefit Cosmetics is a great starter blush for anyone who’s not used to wearing makeup. If you just want a hint of color, apply a little. But for a bolder effect, layer on the stain and blend it out quickly.

This tint can be used on your lips and face and is designed to be long-lasting, so it won’t budge until you’re ready to take it off. But, as with many liquid blush products, you may find that you experience a bit of a learning curve while trying to use it. Even though this is a tint, it’s easy to apply too much and find yourself looking at a face full of bold color when all you wanted was a subtle pink wash.

Size: 0.2 oz | Finish: Luminous | Opacity: Sheer | Formula: Liquid

You’ll appreciate the Cheeky Stamp from Kaja if you like the idea of cute application and buildable liquid coverage. This blush stamp is travel-friendly with its cushion formula and built-in sponge applicator. 

Thanks to the vegan, cruelty-free finish, you can also use this blush without the guilt. But you might be surprised to find that while it’s a liquid formula (because that’s what cushions are), the Cheeky Stamp offers a natural finish rather than a dewy or luminous one.

Size: 0.17 oz | Finish: Natural | Opacity: Sheer | Formula: Liquid, vegan, cruelty free

This blush is a warm medium pink that works best on those with gold and olive undertones and medium-to-deep skin. The blendable texture is a silky dream with great pigmentation. If you want a pink blush shade that shows up on the first swipe, and you’re not afraid of blending, this one’s for you. 

While this is a fairly universally flattering shade that works with most skin tones, a concern many people may have — especially vegans or people that refuse to use products that contain animal byproducts — is that it contains lanolin, an oil that’s derived from sheep’s wool.

Size: 0.13 oz | Finish: Matte | Opacity: Medium | Formula: Powder

When you have dry skin, cosmetics with a powder or matte formula can amplify your skin woes. If you’re constantly battling the flakes, this hydrating On-the-Glow Blush stick from Pixi Beauty is the perfect solution. 

The formula offers a dewy finish and is infused with ginseng, aloe vera, and a blend of fruit extracts to help keep your skin hydrated. While the brand offers three different shades, the Ruby color provides a warm, deep pink hue that’s great for darker skin tones or anyone who loves a bolder blush. Because of the application method, you can quickly build your color opacity but note that it might get messy.

Size: 0.6 oz | Finish: Dewy | Opacity: Sheer | Formula: Balm, cruelty free

If you’re looking for a relatively affordable blush from a trusted brand, you can’t go wrong with the actual Sephora Collection. These wallet-friendly cosmetics can stand up to any of the other brands sold in their stores — and the Colorful Face Powder in Date Night is no exception. 

While this bolder pink might be a bit intense for fairer skin tones, most will get a perfectly-milled pressed powder formula that applies like a dream and offers a matte finish.

Size: 0.12 oz | Finish: Matte | Opacity: Medium | Formula: Powder

How to pick the right pink blush for you

When choosing the right pink blush for you, consider these factors:

Finish

• Matte. A matte finish doesn’t reflect light, usually lacks shimmer, and can look flat. We suggest pairing a matte finish with a highlighter or bronzer.
• Luminous. This finish uses shimmer to offer a natural glow. 
• Dewy. Since these formulas often have hydrating ingredients, a dewy finish blush reflects light. Dewy blushes usually have a gel, cream, or liquid formula. 

Your undertone

• Cool and beige undertones. This undertone has the most variety for pink blushes. Opt for cool-toned, neutral, and warm pink blushes. 
• Warm and olive undertones. Warmer undertones can make pink blushes appear a bit brighter. While traditional cool-toned pink blushes will work, this undertone group can also wear coral or peachy shades like our best overall pick for the iconic NARS Liquid Blush in Orgasm. 
• Deep undertones. Because of the naturally-deep coloring in your undertones, cool-toned blushes usually won’t be a match. These shades rely on white pigment, which can appear chalky or create an ashy effect. Instead, opt for deeper pinks like berries or dark rose tones. For deep undertones, darker shades will appear as pink, creating a natural flush that complements your skin tone. 

Formula

• Powder. Of all the formulas, people are most familiar with powder. When applying powder, you can use your fingers or a brush for easy blending. Note that this also includes the cream-to-powder subcategory.
• Creams, balms, and gels. Along with offering a dewy complexion, these formulas tend to provide buildable color. You can shift between a wash and a bolder look, depending on the amount of color you want to apply. These formulas also work best if you apply them using your fingers or a blending sponge. To maintain the dewy effect, use a damp sponge when blending out the color. 
• Liquids and tints. Liquid and tint blushes allow for the most flexibility, as you can easily opt for a wash of color by simply applying a small amount of product. Meanwhile, if you continue to reapply, you’ll get more opacity and depth of color. However, tints can have a steeper learning curve as they dry down quickly and can be more difficult to correct once the color is “locked” into place. 

Your skin type

• Normal skin. With normal skin, the world is your oyster. You can easily wear matte, luminous, or dewy blush since your skin will work with all types of blush formulas. 
• Dry skin. If you have particularly dry skin that struggles with flaking, dewy finish formulas (especially gels, balms, and hydrating liquids that don’t dry down) are your best bet, as they infuse moisture. 
• Oily skin. For those with oily skin, it’s best to stick with matte powder formula textures to avoid excess oil production.

FAQs

What skin tones look good in pink blush?

Any skin tone can wear pink blush. However, picking the right pink tone that matches your undertone is critical. People with cooler undertones will have a lot of versatility, as most pink blushes are cool-toned. Warmer undertones can wear cool-toned pinks but can also handle pink-peach shades. Meanwhile, darker skin tones should usually avoid cool pinks, which can create an ashen effect. Instead, opt for rich berries and dark roses. 

How do I find the right blush for my skin tone?

Finding the right blush requires paying attention to not just your skin tone but undertone. While cool undertones can play with a broader range of hues, people with warm undertones should focus on cool-toned pinks and pink-peach shades. Meanwhile, darker skin tones should focus on deeper hues like berry or dark rose. 

What’s the most natural-looking blush?

Natural is a relative term and depends on your preferences regarding color and finish. While blushes traditionally come as pressed powders that range from matte to luminous, you can also find plenty of creams, gels, and liquids that can provide a natural flush of color. Ultimately, rather than getting hung up on a specific brand or shade, focus on the amount of product you apply, how you use it, and picking the most complementary shade for your skin tone.