(Beauty Report Card)

This Liquid Blush Upgraded My Entire Makeup Routine

A royal flush.

Sep. 16, 2023

Samantha Scott

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When I started wearing makeup in the late-aughts and early 2010s, the blush pickings were slim. Many of the options available to me weren’t made with dark skin in mind, so I was often left looking ashy. That is, if the shades showed up on my skin at all. Nevertheless, I persisted. My first go-to was a chalky rose shade I “borrowed” from my mom. Eventually, with the help of Beauty YouTube, I upgraded to a Milani baked blush touted by vloggers as a dupe for NARS Orgasm. While this blush was perfectly fine, discovering the wonders of liquid blush completely transformed my makeup routine.

Blush went from a product I threw on to keep my face from looking flat and one-dimensional to a central part of my makeup looks. Now, I apply it generously, using the now-viral “W” pattern for a full flush. Like the powder blushes I first used, liquid formulas have also evolved. Now, there are a number of formulas appropriately pigmented and available in shades the cater to a wide range of skin tones.

Along with many millennials, I was introduced to the category via Glossier Cloud Paint. And to this day, Haze and Dawn continue to be my holy grail shades. I also recently tried Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and finally get the hype. These products add a pop of complementary color to my cheeks, and I can easily build them up for the bolder finish I like.

Get into my favorite liquid and cream blushes, along with the other goodies I use to make my favorite beauty product really pop.

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Glossier

Cloud Paint Duo

$34

I’m a longtime user of Cloud Paint in the shades Haze and Dawn. I typically reach for whichever color works best with my look but in the warmer months, I blend the two together to create a sun-kissed flush. Conveniently, the brand sells the blush in a bundle so you can build a duo of your favorite shades.

Rituel De Fille

Inner Glow Crème Pigment

$32

I break out this cream blush for special occasions. Frenzy, a vampy berry color (that shows up red on my skin), is out of stock at the moment, but I’m interested in trying Nymph, a sheer blood red, on for size.

Rare Beauty

Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

$23

I never thought a hot pink blush would be my vibe but after borrowing from a friend recently, I’m hooked!

Merit Beauty

Brush No. 1 Tapered Blending Brus

$32

At one point, I strictly applied my blush with my fingertips. In the last couple of years I’ve come back around to using a brush. This tapered option offers a natural finish that still allows the pinks, oranges, and reds to stand out on my face.

e.l.f. Cosmetics

Total Face Blending Sponge

After I finish applying my makeup, I douse the sponge in setting spray and do one final blend.

Urban Decay

All Nighter Setting Spray

$33

I’m one among many who call this setting spray a holy grail product. I save it for special occasions so I don’t have to restock it so often.

e.l.f. Cosmetics

Stay All Night Micro Fine Setting Mist

$10

This is another great setting spray option. I use it to lock in my daytime and casual looks – you can’t beat the price point!

Ami Colé

Light-Catching Highlighter

$22

Hands down, the best highlighter I’ve ever used (full disclosure, I worked at Ami Colé previously). I apply it to the usual places: high points of my cheeks, bridge of my nose, bow of my lips, and my collar bones when it’s warm.

L'Oreal Paris

Voluminous Mascara in Cobalt Blue

$10

I got a lash lift recently, and though I rarely wear mascara now, I like to swipe on this cobalt blue one when I’m in the mood for a bold, but not over-the-top look. It creates a cool contrast with my favorite blush colors.