Pro tip: Even though it's easy to apply, we still have to give it a good shake before dispensing, since the formula may separate in the tube. That being said, with the influx of new blushes on the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are best for you. From matte powders to dewy cream formulas and so much more, the options often feel endless. So, to help you choose a blush (or several) that's right for you, we researched and tested some of the most popular and highly-rated formulas on the market. We've taken shade offering, formula, application, finish, and wear into consideration when evaluating them, and ahead, we're sharing the ones that impressed us the most. If you like your blush to look natural and almost undetectable on the skin, this is the one for you. The formula applies easily and is buildable but not overly pigmented, and because it melts into your complexion seamlessly, it's great for no-makeup makeup days.

If you're looking to achieve that fresh-looking, lit-from-within glow, cream blush is a must. Buttery-smooth formulas make it easy to add a natural-looking flush, and unlike their powdery counterparts, they're often hydrating, glow-inducing, and super blendable. Many can even be applied with your fingers, making them ideal for on-the-go glam. Shade Range: Finding a cream blush that comes in a wide range of shades so you can find one that blends nicely with your complexion and your makeup look is key. The Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush is a great choice that comes in 15 shades. Like any blush, liquid blushes come in a variety of finishes; you can find options that skew shimmery, matte, dewy or radiant. Choosing the right finish depends partly on the look you’re going for and partly on your skin type. Theresa Holland is a commerce writer and cosmetics enthusiast specializing in makeup and skincare. She has extensive experience researching, testing, reviewing, and writing about beauty products and has tried a wide range of cream blushes, including many of the products featured here. You can find more of her work on People, Travel + Leisure, The Spruce, and MyDomaine. To gather more insights about what to look for when shopping for cream blush, Theresa also consulted with experts. Those experts include:Finally, for those with dark skin, he recommends reaching for deep plums and burnt coral shades. “It needs to look really deep so it translates on dark skin,” he says. What’s as important, too, is that your liquid blush formula has the necessary pigment needed to pull that off.

Its thin, liquid-y feel is supremely easy to blend, possibly because of the addition of moisturizing monoï and tamanu oils, both of which can be found throughout the brand's entire line of liquid blush. Yet the pigments are what we love the most — they're rich, luminous, and full-bodied enough that they show up on all skin tones. First, keep in mind: Less is more, so start with the smallest amount possible and take it from there, especially if it’s your first time using it. “This will help you achieve a natural-looking flush without going overboard,” says Jaikaran. Cheeky Coral Ingredients: Water (Aqua/Eau), Isododecane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Juice Nude Flush Ingredients: Water (Aqua/Eau), Isododecane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Punica Granatum Fruit JuiceWhat We Love: It has great staying power for a liquid blush and can be used on both cheeks and lips. What We Don’t Love: It can highlight different textures on skin, including blemishes and fine lines. More of a cheek stain than a blush, Benetint was one of the first in the category (and some millennials might recognize it from their high-school days). Designed for both lips and cheeks, it has a super-light, almost watery texture that feels like nothing on your skin. Thanks to that lightweight nature, it delivers more of a hint of color versus a colorful flush, although you can build it up for more impact.

Pink Flirt Ingredients: Water (Aqua/Eau), Isododecane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Punica Granatum Fruit JuiceSo, proceed with caution to get the most natural finish, knowing you can always add more without it ever getting cakey. INGREDIENTS: Triethylhexanoin, Octyldodecanol, Silica, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Synthetic Wax, Synthetic Beeswax, Polyethylene, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090) It also gets bonus points for versatility, since you can use it on both cheeks and lips for a monochromatic look. However, it may inadvertently lift your complexion products, such as foundation and concealer, depending on their formulation. The general rule is to pair like with like, so a liquid blush will blend best over a liquid foundation. But even if you swear by powder or cream foundations, there's not much harm in trying this one out, given its affordability, to see how it works with your overall routine. Try the Milani Make It Dewy Hydrate + Illuminate Setting Spray to get that barely there, effortless dewy finish. Finish with a sheer Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush in your favourite shade, and you’re ready to turn heads with a casual daytime look. Each of the four shades — rose, coral, red and plum — are vibrantly pigmented while still offering translucent finish, while the gelée-like texture is a cinch to blend in with fingers.

Finally, “if you’re looking for more longevity, set it with a translucent powder or a corresponding shade in powder form,” she says, adding that if you accidentally applied too much, don't sweat it — liquid blush is forgiving. “You can always blend it out with a damp sponge or your fingertips." Is liquid blush better than cream blush?

The Light Wand has light-reflecting particles for a luminizing effect (that highlighter in action), and the formula is infused with oils to help it melt into skin. Worth keeping in mind, though: Those light-reflecting particles can have a shimmery look to them, which might not be everyone’s preference. The other downside is that the sponge applicator can be unwieldy. “Be sure to carefully close the liquid blush so that it doesn't explode everywhere,” warns Gray. NARS is known for its blushes (exhibit A: Its Orgasm powder blush, which was a runaway success), so it’s no surprise that the brand would get into the liquid blush game. Naturally, you can find it in the signature peachy-pink shade of Orgasm, as well as a handful of other favorites, like Dolce Vita. Water (Aqua/Eau), Isododecane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Juice Like eyeshadow and eyeliner, there are no real limitations to what liquid blush shade is best for your skin tone. “You can wear any shade — just choose the right intensity of the shade you’re going for,” says Jaikaran. If you have fair skin and have your heart set on a bold berry blush, then go for it. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Red 6 (CI 15850), Iron Oxides (CI 77499)