Finish: matte | Shades: 6
Best for Dry Skin: RMS Beauty ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush
Why it’s worth it: RMS Beauty’s ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush is so beloved by editors, TikTokers, and beauty shoppers because it feels nothing like a powder once it touches your skin. That’s all thanks to its glycerin-powdered, gel-to-powder technology, which allows this bi-phase blush to feel moisturizing and weightless while locking in place like a conventional powder would. Due to its creamy texture and hydrating hero ingredient, this is one of our favorite blushes for dry skin types.
Finish: dewy | Shades: 10
Best Budget: Sephora Collection Colorful Blush
Why it’s worth it: Trying to create a glowing look on a budget? Dresher says the Sephora Collection Colorful Blush is one of the best blushes under $15. Its extensive 14-color shade range is enough to catch anyone’s eye, but its buildable, super-fine texture and streak-free pigments are what keep Dresher (and our editors) coming back to it. She says she was influenced by another makeup artist, Ariel Tejada, to grab the vibrant bubblegum pink shade Flirt It Up, “and it has lived in my kit ever since.”
Finish: various (matte and shimmer) | Shades: 14 (8 matte, 6 shimmer)
Frequently Asked Questions
How are powder, cream, and liquid blushes different?
On top of their varying textures, New York City-based makeup artist Neil Scibelli notes that each type of blush features different ingredients in their compositions, thus, varying in longevity, benefits, and finish. “Powder blushes are very different than cream and liquid blushes because they’re made with soft powder ingredients like mica, talc, minerals, and other dry formulas,” he says. “A cream or liquid blush will have a more emollient, creamy finish, whereas a powder will sit more on the top layer of the skin rather than bind to the skin.”
As for which blush formula you should reach for, London-based makeup artist Marie Bruce previously told Allure that it’s ultimately a matter of preference. And don’t feel limited to just one: Bruce likes to layer a cream under a powder for an extra-pigmented look but warns: “Skip the cream base if you want a more subtle look.”
How do I find the right blush shade for my skin tone?
“Test a shade on the apples of your cheeks to see if it ‘clashes’ with either your natural lip color or lipstick,” New York City-based makeup artist Daniel Martin offers. All makeup artists agree that finding a blush that compliments your skin tone is essential. “If you’re fair, you’ll want to go with a blush that contains less color pigment, and the deeper your skin tone, the more pigment you’ll want to show up in your product,” says Scibelli. Dresher adds to keep your undertone in mind when looking for a new blush shade. “If you have more of a warm tone, a warmer blush shade will compliment the skin more, and if you are more cool toned, it would be the opposite,” she explains.
How do you apply a powder blush?
“Just use a fluffy blush brush to tap into the blush and buff onto the cheeks, cheekbones, nose bridge, and temples,” Spickard recommends. A quick tip: For a subtler, more buildable finish, Dresher advises tapping off any excess product before applying. The beauty of a powder blush, according to Spickard, is that their sheerer pigments are more beginner-friendly, so application isn’t as intimidating as denser formulations. We love to hear it!
Meet the experts
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?
