Creams and liquids may get all the hype, but the best powder blushes are still the backbone of many a beauty editor’s routine. Unlike their spillable, smearable sister formulas, which require learned finesse, powder formulas feature buildable pigments that yield sheer finishes with little trial and error, never looking greasy by midday. Powder blushes are available in a vast selection of minimal mattes, stunning shimmers, and everything in between, with longevity to boot, even if you skip setting powder. Now, enough rambling and more rouging—below, our editors (and a few makeup artists) chat all things powder blush, including application tips and favorite products.
Our Top Powder Blushes
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: Kosas Blush is Life
Why it’s worth it: The beauty of the Kosas Blush is Life is that it’s actually two subtly shimmery shades combined (or, in this case, baked) into one for a multifaceted finish. Although baked blushes tend to feel slightly drier than other blushes, Kosas’s pick has a moisturizing upper hand, powered by a duo of squalane and hydrating hyaluronic acid. No matter which of the eight shades you pick up, you’re guaranteed glowy results.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“Did Kosas read my mind when brainstorming names? My inclination is yes because blush has been my life for the past year or so, and it doesn’t seem to be leaving anytime soon. My preference has always been swayed towards cream blushes but Kosas has me giving powders a second chance. Blush is Life is light, airy, and definitely doesn’t cake or settle into texture like other powder blushes tend to do. Hype (a warm poppy pink) brightens my face instantly.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
“Blush truly IS life when you have this in your makeup kit. These colors are simultaneously new and classic; Heartbeat is a juicy nectarine-style red, and Chills is an ultraviolet-style berry, for instance. These are pigments we’re familiar with, but with the kind of zest I like to think only the LA-based Kosas can bring. They’re truly weightless (as an eczema sufferer and a fine-line lady, I can feel and see when a product isn’t so seamless) and so smooth, which lends itself to an easy blend. Because the pigment payoff is high, though, it’s not as goofproof as some cream-based blushes, so make sure you have a good brush to diffuse the color for a more natural look.” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director
- Finish: luminous
- Shades: 8
Best Shimmery: Nars Powder Blush
Why it’s worth it: In 2024, Nars relaunched its iconic Powder Blush—which made Orgasm a totally normal thing to say in the middle of a department store—and Allure editors loved the new edition so much that it won a Best of Beauty Award that very same year. The main difference is that talc is now absent from its formula, making ashy finishes a thing of the past for deeper skin tones. Despite that change, this revamped formula still features the same vivid finish that we’ve known and loved for 25 years.
“As a decade-long fan of the Nars Powder Blush, I didn’t immediately notice a difference in application—that’s a good thing, as it’s the blush’s easily blendable texture that made me fall in love with it in the first place. The powder felt silky and quickly deposited the peachy-pink pigment and gold glitter. It took very little effort to blend and buff it out.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor
- Finish: shimmer, matte
- Shades: 21
Best Hydrating: Haus Labs Color Fuse Blush Powder
Why it’s worth it: It might sound counterintuitive, but Haus Labs’ Color Fuse Blush is a redness-reducing blush that actually works. The pigmented powder is infused with skin-loving fermented arnica, which helps protect against external irritants that trigger unwanted flushing. Vitamins C and E deliver antioxidant-rich conditioning, and plant-derived squalane ensures skin stays nourished. Swipe on a brushful or two for a natural, second-skin flush, or build it up for even more impact.
“My friends say I suffer from blush blindness, and honestly, they might be right. I can’t get enough of the Haus Labs Powder Blushes, especially the Watermelon Bliss shade. As a certified dewy gal, I try to avoid looking too glowy in the heat since it can be mistaken for oily. So I opt for a powder blush, which helps balance my radiant routine, giving my look a more natural finish—neither ultra dewy nor overly matte. With just one swipe, I’m able to add that bright pop of color that ties in my look together. It’s velvety and incredibly pigmented, which speaks to how rich and high-quality the formula is.” —Bianca Richards, social media manager
Best Matte: Tower 28 GetSet Blur + Set Matte Powder Blush
Why it’s worth it: Tower 28’s GetSet Blur + Matte Powder Blush stepped up to the plate to serve what many of its rosy-cheeked peers are missing: staying power. This blush formula actually mimics that of Tower 28’s GetSet Blur + Matte Setting Powder, so you know the brand is taking longevity seriously. It’s sweatproof (hydrophobic silica does the gentle repelling) and transfer-proof (lauroyl lysine keeps things grippy), and comes in seven shades. Go for a warm fuchsia via Feliz Fresca, or keep things moody with the deep mauve Samo Spritzer. This is a true matte, so you won’t find any secret sparkles hanging around.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“I’ve never fancied myself as a powder blush girlie, but I Cannot. Stop. Reaching. for this Tower 28 blush, especially in Feliz Fresca. Practically, I love that it’s self-setting, so I know it won’t fade or slip throughout the day, and oil-absorbing. My pores are quite large and troublesome, but I do notice a slight blurring effect…but nothing major. I’m not afraid of pigmen,t so I love that this color comes off strong with just a few dabs in the pan. (But there are plenty of colors within the range that are softer in nature!) I take my time to blend everything in and dust some across my nose bridge. I’ll sometimes sweep/tap leftover product across my eyelids if I’m in a particularly pink mood (so, often.) This blush gives so much life to my face in seconds; I’m obsessed.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Best Sheer: Hermès Rose Hermès Silky Blush Powder
Why it’s worth it: Even those with a chronic case of blush blindness can comfortably pile on the Hermès Rose Hermès Silky Blush Powder, as its sheer pigments diffuse with each swipe to create a natural-looking result. Better yet, this 2021 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner’s light, airy formula is so breathable that you’ll probably forget you’re wearing it at all. Don’t fret about this sheer formula fading away throughout the day because its fine powder formula clings onto skin and complexion makeup for long-lasting wear.
“If you prefer to look like you just spent a day at the beach or went for a run when you put on blush, I can’t recommend Hermès’s range of soft, velvety powders enough. Despite being very well pigmented, this blush is really buildable; it’s nearly impossible to overdo it, which lends itself to that natural-looking finish.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor
More powder blushes we love
Best Multiuse: Valentino Eye2Cheek Blush & Eyeshadow
Valentino
Eye2Cheek Blush & Eyeshadow
Why it’s worth it: Miami-based makeup artist Natalie Dresher loves the versatility and shade range of the Valentino Eye2Cheek Blush & Eyeshadow compacts. “While it is a powder blush, the pearlescent shimmer in it gives the skin a luminous glow without having an overly dewy finish, and I love that you can use it on the eyes and cheeks for a monochromatic look,” she says. All 11 shades feature a hefty hint of shimmer, but if you want highlighter-level glow for your next makeup look, grab one of the ultra-shimmery shades: Roman Sky, a pearly pink, and Sweet Rebel, a warm, glitzy rose.
- Finish: shimmery
- Shades: 9
Best Light-Reflecting: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush
Hourglass
Ambient Lighting Blush
Why it’s worth it: For moments when you want a striking (not blinding) glow, Kasey Spickard, a New York City-based makeup artist, suggests swiping on the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush. “These are super dimensional and give a gorgeous glow without being too shiny,” he says. These baked blushes have a marbled effect for a multi-dimensional finish that combines blush and highlighter with every swipe.
“I fall in love with just about every iteration of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edits, and last year’s Evil Eye particularly caught my eye (ha!). The shade Pink Fusion is a beautiful medley of deep and light pinky hues with cool undertones, which of course pairs perfectly with the finishing powder in Soft Light I use a dense-ish brush to pick up an ample amount upon the first sweep, though I usually go in with a soft second sweep to amp up the color—I love bold blush, what can I say?” —commerce editor Sarah Han
Best Radiant: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Blush
Armani Beauty
Luminous Silk Glow Blush
Why it’s worth it: If you need a visual example of a truly radiant formula, Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Glow Blush is a pretty excellent one. Spickard calls this blush a staple in his kit for its pigmented formula, which creates a subtle glow on the skin without reaching full-on glitter territory. “The pigment load is amazing and the finish has the slightest hint of glow without being a highlighter,” he says. If you are craving hyper-shimmer, the brand has an ultra-glittery peach-pink shade, Euphoric, that’ll satisfy you.
- Finish: radiant, shimmer
- Shades: 8
Best Cream-to-Powder: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush
Rare Beauty
Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush
Why it’s worth it: ICYMI, Rare Beauty makes some of the best blushes out there—and the Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush is no exception. This cream-to-powder formula delivers a soft-focus, blurred finish that lasts all day without feeling heavy. Tap it on with your fingers for a hint of flush, or use a brush to build up to full swoon. It’s an airy matte that won’t settle into fine lines, transfer onto white tees, or disappear at the first sign of sweat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are powder, cream, and liquid blushes different?
Beyond their varying textures, New York City-based makeup artist Neil Scibelli notes that each type of blush features different ingredients in its composition, resulting in varying longevity, benefits, and finishes. “Powder blushes are very different than cream and liquid blushes because they’re made with soft powder ingredients like mica, talc, minerals, and other dry formulas,” he says. “A cream or liquid blush will have a more emollient, creamy finish, whereas a powder will sit more on the top layer of the skin rather than bind to the skin.”
As for which blush formula you should reach for, London-based makeup artist Marie Bruce previously told Allure that it’s ultimately a matter of preference. And don’t feel limited to just one: Bruce likes to layer a cream under a powder for an extra-pigmented look, but warns: “Skip the cream base if you want a more subtle look.”
How do I find the right blush shade for my skin tone?
“Test a shade on the apples of your cheeks to see if it ‘clashes’ with either your natural lip color or lipstick,” New York City-based makeup artist Daniel Martin offers. Makeup artists agree that finding a blush that complements your skin tone is essential. “If you’re fair, you’ll want to go with a blush that contains less color pigment, and the deeper your skin tone, the more pigment you’ll want to show up in your product,” says Scibelli. Dresher advises keeping your undertone in mind when looking for a new blush shade. “If you have more of a warm tone, a warmer blush shade will complement the skin more, and if you are more cool-toned, it would be the opposite,” she explains.
How do you apply a powder blush?
“Just use a fluffy blush brush to tap into the blush and buff onto the cheeks, cheekbones, nose bridge, and temples,” Spickard recommends. A quick tip: For a subtler, more buildable finish, Dresher advises tapping off any excess product before applying. The beauty of a powder blush, according to Spickard, is that its sheerer pigments are more beginner-friendly, so application isn’t as intimidating as denser formulations. We love to hear it!
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best powder blushes, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Discover more of our editors’ favorite base makeup essentials:
Now, watch KATSEYE spill secrets:
Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place! And don’t forget to follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok—or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.
www.allure.com (Article Sourced Website)
#Powder #Blushes