Not to Be Dramatic, But This Product Is the Best Thing I've Ever Added to My Makeup Bag

Even if you're not necessarily a makeup enthusiast, I can bet you're aware of the hype for liquid blush that's taken over the beauty world in the past couple of years. In fact, blusher in general is big news in beauty right now—it's the perfect product for creating a healthy glow, adding some natural-looking colour to a no-makeup-makeup look, and for perking up a lacklustre complexion.

Cream blushers and liquid varieties, in particular, are proving especially popular, which makes sense given that they deliver the fresh, dewy, radiant finish that we all seem to want this season. They're a welcome alternative to powders, which can sometimes look cakey, emphasise texture and lines, and look patchy or fade as the day progresses.

Until a few years ago, I'd always been a powder blush girl. Then, I tried my first liquid blush, and everything changed. This product is now a staple in my makeup bag. I love the fact that I can swipe it onto my cheeks, blend with my fingers or a brush and have a glowy blush look in ten seconds flat. Plus, the long-lasting colour never fails to earn me compliments.

Thanks to the glowy skin trend, there are lots of great liquid blush formulas available right now. As a beauty editor, I've tried hundreds over the past year or so, and have narrowed my collection down to seven formulas that I could never be without. Below, I've gone into detail about each one and included some tips on application from makeup artist Lucy Hart. You are welcome.

How to Apply Liquid Blusher

"What I love about liquid blush is that there are multiple ways you can apply it," says Hart. "You can do so straight from the applicator to the cheeks, and then stipple it with a dense brush, or dab it with a damp sponge to blend it out across the skin. Alternatively, you can apply and blend it with your fingers if you don't have tools to hand, or apply it directly to the brush or sponge and then apply it to cheeks."

When it comes to tools, Hart recommends using either a firm stippling brush, a damp sponge, or a small powder brush. "Focus on tapping, not rubbing, or you'll lift off all the product underneath," she advises.

I've been busy testing the best liquid blushers out there.

Where to Apply Liquid Blusher

"Recently I've started applying liquid blush lower down on the face, which makes you look more naturally flushed," explains Hart. "This look is trending at the moment—it's referred to as boyfriend blush. But generally I would recommend applying it higher up on the cheeks, which is more flattering as it lifts the face."

Liquid Blush vs. Powder Blush

Although powder blushers have many pros, liquid blushers are ideal for getting that dewy finish. "I prefer using a liquid blush as it applies so well on top of already set skin," says Hart. "It's so easy to apply once you've mastered the tapping application technique. Plus, it looks more natural and gives a really gorgeous glow to the skin."

What to Look for in a Liquid Blush

According to Hart, it totally depends on what you want from your blusher. "Some people prefer more pigment whereas others favour a sheer formula so they feel more in control when it comes to application," she adds. "But whichever you go for, it may take a bit of practice to get used to application if you're used to using a powder blush."

The Best Liquid Blushers, Tried and Tested

• Best liquid blusher overall: Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand, £30
• Best long-lasting liquid blusher: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, £24
• Best dewy liquid blusher: Saie Dew Blush, £22
• Best buildable liquid blusher: Vieve Sunset Blush Balm, £24
• Best pigmented liquid blusher: Benefit Benetint, £23

1. Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand

2. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

3. Saie Dew Blush

4. Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint

5. Vieve Sunset Blush Balm

6. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush

7. Benefit Benetint

How We Tested

I am a big fan of liquid blushers, and have been putting lots of products through their paces over the last few months. I've worn each blush on some of the hottest days of the years whilst running around the city, and have taken everything into account from how pigmented each shade is, the staying power of each blush and even how easy each product is to apply.

Why Trust Us

AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.