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(Beauty Report Card)

This Liquid Blush Upgraded My Entire Makeup Routine

A royal flush.

by Samantha Scott

Sep. 16, 2023

Samantha Scott

liquid blush makeup routine

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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.

Cloud Paint Duo

Cloud Paint Duo

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.

Inner Glow Crème Pigment

Rituel De Fille

Inner Glow Crème Pigment

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.

Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

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

Brush No. 1 Tapered Blending Brus

Brush No. 1 Tapered Blending Brus

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.

Total Face Blending Sponge

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.

All Nighter Setting Spray

All Nighter Setting Spray

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.

Stay All Night Micro Fine Setting Mist

e.l.f. Cosmetics

Stay All Night Micro Fine Setting Mist

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!

Light-Catching Highlighter

Light-Catching Highlighter

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.

loreal paris Voluminous Mascara in Cobalt Blue

Voluminous Mascara in Cobalt Blue

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.