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 and liquid varieties in particular are proving especially popular, which makes sense, given that they deliver the fresh, dewy, radiant finish that's currently more on trend than a matte makeup look. They're a welcome alternative to powders, which can 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. It has to be said that they are easy to apply (and practically impossible to overdo), but I always found they settled in and emphasised the acne scars on my cheeks. In recent years I've really leant into the glowy skin trend, and another thing I found frustrating about powder blush was that they always mattified my skin, after I'd spent so long trying to perfect a dewy base.
Initially, I have to admit to being a bit daunted by the prospect of applying liquid blush. But I soon learnt that even the most pigmented formulas become sheer with just a little blending. The result? A flush of long-lasting colour that doesn't settle in pores or compromise on skin's natural glow—in fact, many serve to enhance it.
Both glow-giving and pigmented, there are so many great liquid blush formulas out there right now. As a beauty editor (and fully converted liquid blush user) I've pretty much tried them all, and I've rounded up my absolute favourites below along with some tips on application from makeup artist Lucy Hart.
The Best Liquid Blushers:
1. Nars Liquid Blush, £33
2. Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand, £30
3. Made by Mitchell Liquid Blursh, £14
4. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, £22
5. Saie Dew Blush, £20
6. e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Liquid Blush, £7
7. Glossier Cloud Paint, £22
8. Giorgio Armani A-Blush, £33
9. Vieve Sunset Blush Balm, £21
10. Milk Makeup Bionic Blush, £22
11. Beauty Bay Liquid Cream Blush, £9
12. Lumene Liquid Blush, £28
How do you apply liquid blush?
"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.
Where do you apply liquid blush?
"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."
How is liquid blush different to powder blush?
"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 should you 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."
1. Nars Liquid Blush in Orgasm
Not many people know that Nars quietly kickstarted the liquid blush trend back in 2017 with the launch of Liquid Blush Orgasm—a silky smooth, fluid formula alternative to their bestselling powder blusher. It's been a staple in my makeup bag ever since.
Pros: Blends out really easily
Cons: Only available in one shade
2. Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand in Pinkgasm
If you like your blush accompanied by a healthy dose of glow, look no further. Thanks to its gel formula and brightening pigments, this leaves cheeks with a dewy glass skin finish.
Pros: Gives amazing glow
Cons: Packaging can be a bit leaky
3. Made by Mitchell Liquid Blursh
The liquid blush trend really exploded on TikTok with the launch of Made by Mitchell's Liquid Blursh. Ultra-pigmented and ultra-creamy, these liquid formulas are perfect for creating a blush-heavy makeup look—and are available in an impressively wide range of shades to suit all skin tones.
Pros: Very inclusive shade range
Cons: Can take quite a bit of blending to sheer out
4. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Celebrity-owned makeup brands rarely live up to the hype, but Rare Beauty has converted even the most hard-to-impress makeup artists and beauty editors. The liquid blushers are the standout products in the range, frequently sold out due to their constant internet virality. They're pigmented but easy to blend, and leave skin with a fresh, natural flush.
Pros: Really easy to apply and blend out
Cons: Always sold out
5. Saie Dew Blush
This product couldn't be further from the cakey powder blush formulas you may have used in the past. The hydrating formula and glossy texture makes this the perfect finishing touch to a 'no makeup-makeup' look.
Pros: Really hydrating formula
Cons: Can wear off quite quickly
6. e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Liquid Blush
Another liquid blush that frequently goes viral on TikTok and consequently sells out everywhere—thanks in part to the incredibly reasonable price tag. If you want to experiment with liquid blush without breaking the bank, this is a great place to start.
Pros: Really affordable
Cons: Not so long-lasting on oily skin
7. Glossier Cloud Paint
Glossier's Cloud Paints also launched back in 2017, and I remember being slightly scared of the concept of such an intensely pigmented liquid formula. Then I tried them and realised that a) a little goes a long way, and b) if you do go overboard, just keep blending. The shade Puff is one of my all-time favourite blushers.
Pros: Inclusive shade range
Cons: Takes a bit of time to master the application technique
8. Giorgio Armani A-Blush
Giorgio Armani makeup is renowned for the quality of its formulas and their focus on delivering a 'flawless' skin finish. These liquid blushers are no exception. The formula is super thin and light, which makes it easy to apply and blend, even with your fingers.
Pros: Lightweight and sheer formula
Cons: A more expensive option
9. Vieve Sunset Blush Balm
Perfect for nailing the viral 'sunset blush' trend, these warm-toned liquid blushers combine pigment and radiance in one. They're also impressively long-lasting, staying in place from early morning to late at night, no matter what the day throws at me.
Pros: Combines blush and highlighter in one product
Cons: Can require building up for strong colour
10. Milk Makeup Bionic Blush
Milk Makeup's Jelly Blush may have taken the makeup world by storm this summer, but I'm here for the original Milk Makeup blusher formulas. They're really sheer and dewy so are easy to apply without going overboard.
Pros: Shades work well for wide range of skin tones
Cons: Small size tube doesn't last very long
11. Beauty Bay Liquid Cream Blush
Another affordable option for those looking to dabble in the world of liquid blush for the first time. I love how pigmented these blushers are (seriously, you only need a few dots per cheek) and how large the packaging is—one tube will easily last you the year.
Pros: Large tube is great value for money
Cons: Limited shade range
12. Lumene Liquid Blush
Thanks to its lightweight but buildable texture this is perfect for any liquid blush novices who are wary of jumping in with too pigmented formulas.
Pros: Hydrating skincare-infused formula
Cons: Only comes in two shades
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