I've meticulously tested 53 blushers - I wore each for a day to see which really are flattering, anti-ageing and stay put. This is my verdict, says beauty editor ALICE ROBERTSON... don't buy without reading this
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After trying every mascara that crossed our desk to find the best ones, we decided to do the same with another make-up bag essential; blusher.
Blush is one of those magical products that can completely change your look. It gives glow, prettiness and youth, sculpting cheekbones and brightening faces. And with finer-milled powders and more buttery cream textures than ever before, it’s easier than ever to get the perfect flush and swerve looking like a clown.
TOP BLUSHERS AT A GLANCE
- Best overall blush: Merit Flush Balm
- Best cream blush: Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm
- Best powder blush: Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Blush
- Best colour payoff: Rare Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
- Best viral blush: Rhode Pocket Blush
- Best under £10 blush: NYX Buttermelt Blush
- Best cult brand: NARS Powder Blush
How we test blushers & why you can trust my verdict
As You's dedicated beauty expert I've tried my fair share of blushers. In total, I can say I've tested 50 blushes you can buy on the high street. Ranging from luxury branded favourites to affordable, under £5 buys I selected my top 7 blushers, so you can find the best one that suits you.
When testing beauty products, we make sure to wear it through real-life settings and scenarios. Then we compare and evaluate to reach a verdict on what makes the shortlist. Reviewing blushers isn't overly complicated. It's a case of seeing if it lasts past my morning commute, doesn't run in the summer or cake in the winter.
That being said, with many brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Nyx offering so many options with different textures, shades and finishes, finding the best of the best took me some time.
1. BEST OVERALL: Merit Flush Balm
Merit Flush Balm
Product Specs
- Notable ingredientsFormulated with vitamin E to condition skin
- FormulaCream texture
What we love
- SizeCompact for handbags
- ApplicationEasy to swipe on during your commute
- TextureSheer, easy to blend with no clown splotches
Review
Tiny but mighty, this petite number is easy-peasy to use. With a silky smooth formula that blends like a dream, it feels lightweight and adds a dewy glow leaving you looking healthier and more youthful. It comes in 13 different shades, including some shades made specifically for darker skin. Works very nicely on eyes and lips too!
2. BEST CREAM TEXTURE: Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm
Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm
Product Specs
- Notable ingredientsFormulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to support hydration and skin barrier
- FormulaCream texture
What we love
- TextureThe most velvety I’ve tried
Review
The texture of this is outstanding, it just melts into the skin with a flawless finish. Due to the satin finish it may need top-ups after a long day in the office, but it’s worth it for the texture. Easy to apply with a brush, fingers or a sponge.
3. BEST POWDER TEXTURE: Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Blush
Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Blush
Product Specs
- Notable ingredientsPearlised pigments
- FormulaPowder texture
What we love
- FormulaWith pearlized pigments it adds a radiance you don’t always get from powders
- TextureSilky, not chalky
Review
It’s not chalky like so many powder blushers of old, and there are really finely milled pearlised pigments in the centre that lends you a radiance too. Think subtle shimmer rather than glittery.
4. BEST COLOUR PAYOFF: Rare Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Rare Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Product Specs
- Notable ingredientsHighly pigmented, both dewy and matte finishes
- FormulaLiquid texture
What we love
- Great rangeLots of colours and different finishes
- Long lastinghas serious staying power
Review
This is so highly pigmented that one dot on each cheek is more than enough, so it’ll last you ages. There are also two different finishes, dewy and matte, depending on the look you’re after, along with a whopping 13 shades including those suitable for dark skins.
5. BEST VIRAL: Rhode Pocket Blush
Rhode Pocket Blush
Product Specs
- Notable ingredientsSeed oils
- FormulaCream texture
What we love
- FormulaBlendable and creamy
- FinishDewy
Review
Obviously Hailey Bieber can do no wrong and Rhode has gone from strength to strength – and the most recent launch is no different. This dinky stick has quickly become a favourite, leaving a healthy wash that looks natural, rather than made up. It is quite pigmented but easily blendable so it’s not so scary to use too.
6. BEST UNDER £10: NYX Buttermelt Blush
NYX Buttermelt Blush
Product Specs
- Notable ingredientsPigmented, infused with shea butter
- FormulaPowder texture
What we love
- TextureButtery soft
- PigmentHigh
Review
A nice range of 12 shades, suitable for darker skins too, with a really decent colour payoff. Blends well into skin because of the texture.
7. BEST CULT: NARS Powder Blush in Orgasm
NARS Powder Blush in Orgasm
Product Specs
- Notable ingredientsSubtle shimmer
- FormulaPowder texture
What we love
- Staying powerThe pan last ages
Review
A cult classic I always go back to. It’s the perfect shade of peachy pink to warm the face up without looking too ‘done’, and has a very subtle shimmer to it that adds a bit of brightness to the face so you don’t look too matte, which highlights fine lines and wrinkles.
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