As a beauty editor, my favourite compliments to receive are about my skin – in particular, that I am looking "glowy". While my skincare routine and base are key to achieving that glow, I recently realised how important liquid blush is to the final overall look.
The best blushers of all kinds are seeing a resurgence of late, but particularly liquid formulas. From newer brands such as Rhode and Rare Beauty launching bestselling buys to seasonal trends like 'blush draping' doing the rounds, it’s all about the cheeks.
With the right blush placement, this makeup bag staple is also brilliant for adding a pop of colour and brightening the complexion. It’s especially handy if you experience tired, dull skin or if you are usually in a rush in the morning, as it makes a huge difference to your makeup look with minimal effort. As blusher’s number one fan, here I’ve reviewed my go-to products in non-powder formulas for the ultimate glowing pop of colour. Prepare to add at least one of these to your basket...
7 of the best liquid blush buys, according to a beauty editor
Why you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
RRP: £36 for 12ml | Number of shades: 6
If you’re a big fan of Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (and who isn’t?), you’ll be thrilled to hear the brand also offers six beautiful blusher shades in the line. The gorgeous, lightweight texture of this blush is easy to apply and blend for even the newest blusher fans. In my experience, it's best applied with a dense circular brush. The shade Flaming Red is a favourite of mine, but there’s a hue in there for all tastes and skin tones.
RRP: £33 for 7ml | Number of shades: 9
My glowy blusher choice du jour? This NARS Afterglow formula, which I would describe as being like if a blush and highlighter had a baby. As well as a pretty pop of colour, this promotes radiance and brightens the face with ease. It’s fuss-free to apply and blend, with a large doe-foot applicator, and I then buff it in with a dense brush. My favourite is the classic Orgasm shade, but there are plenty to choose from.
RRP: £14.25 for 10ml | Number of shades: 4
Ciaté is famed for its Dewy collection, which features everything from skin tints to lip glosses. The blush is one of the best in the line, with four eye-catching colours such as a coral-pink (Papaya) and deep berry (Pomegranate). I’d say this is perhaps the most sheer in the line-up, but can be built up for more of a pigmented finish. It really does add that much-needed final touch to any glowy look, and is especially gorgeous in the warmer months for fresh, illuminated summer skin.
RRP: £22 for 7.5ml | Number of shades: 11
Perhaps the most pigmented on the list, this blusher packs a real punch – you only need a touch for the most impressive level of payoff. For this reason, this is a great investment as it lasts forever. For me, the formula is not quite glowy enough as it doesn’t have that highlighting effect I prefer, but if you like more of a natural, less luminous look, this is the one for you. And with 11 colour options, you won’t be short on choice – no matter your preferred shades or your skin tone.
RRP: £44 for 6g | Number of shades: 8
Another way to approach liquid blush is with 'set' sticks of creamy formula. Westman Atelier’s laid-back, fuss-free approach to makeup is well reflected in this chic stick, which is available in both full size and an adorable mini option. The eight shades range from subtle nude pinks to berry mauves, my favourite being Coquette. I love these sticks; my only qualm is they could be a little creamier in texture. The pigment is impressive, however, as is the finish.
RRP: £45 for 23ml | Number of shades: 3
Another one of my favourites, Chantecaille’s offering has more of a gel-liquid texture, meaning it stays put all day long as it has a little less 'slip' than some. The shade Happy is absolutely gorgeous; pretty in pink and with a noticeable luminosity. This is easily applied with warm fingertips, blended on the high points of cheekbones, or even draped ever-so-slightly across the nose and up onto the temples for more of an impact.
RRP: £24 for 5.3g | Number of shades: 6
Cute, easy to throw on and with ample gorgeous shades to choose from, Rhode’s Pocket Blush is a new favourite for blusher fans. This cream formula is ultra-pigmented, meaning a little goes a long way, and it’s best applied with fingertips or a densely-packed brush for easy blending. The shade Juice Box is a unique hot pink, which can be sheered out for the daytime and amped up for the night.
How we tested the best liquid blush formulas
Ahead of writing this guide, I returned to many of my favourite products and tried out some newer offerings, such as Rhode’s and Armani’s blushers. I was looking for colour payoff (pigmentation), longevity, ease of application and blending, and levels of luminosity. I used each blusher with both fingertips and a dense brush and wore them all day to see how well they lasted. My usual base is a glowy skin tint, so I wore each of these blushers on top of this for consistency.
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