Photos: Courtesy of subject Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story There was a time when the vast majority of blush on the market was in pressed powder form. Those were simpler days: Pick a pink , swirl on your cheeks with the little brush that came inside the compact, call it a day. Now, however, there are not only more traditional blushes than ever before, but also a downright superabundance of other types of cheek pigments: creams, gels, stains, and even charmingly strange hybrids that bounce back when you touch them. What a time to be alive and have a face, am I right?
While it's great to have options, it can also leave you wondering which ones actually belong in your makeup bag and how to use each kind correctly. There's no universally "best" blush formula or format. It’s all about figuring out which one suits the look you're after and learning how to apply it .
Some blush types are practically foolproof, while others require a little finesse and even haste. Some excel at creating a barely there flush, while others are ideal for willfully piling on the pigment. To help you figure out which is which, we asked makeup artists to break down every major type of blush and give guidance on making the most of them.
Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor before applying blush Courtesy of subject Calaor after applying Nars Blush Courtesy of subject What it is Pressed powder blush is the gold standard for versatility. Made in matte, satin, luminous, and shimmer finishes, it's one of the easiest formulas to control, whether you want the faintest hint of color or a bold, editorial flush.
“It works on bare skin, over powder, and over foundation as long as it isn’t really wet and has dried down and set a bit,” says Allan Avendaño , a Los Angeles-based makeup artist. “They come in different opacities but are always buildable and can also be applied sparingly.”
Makeup artist Diana Koshurba , who loves the skin-like finish of Haus Labs Color Fuse Talc-Free Blush , says pressed powder blush is one of the most beginner-friendly formulas. "It offers excellent wear time—typically 8 to 12 hours—and is ideal for setting cream or liquid blush underneath for even longer-lasting color.”
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Best Powder Blush
“Always start with less product than you think you need and build gradually,” says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Melissa Hurkman , whose clients include Khloe Kardashian and Shay Mitchell.
Every makeup artist we spoke to recommended using a fluffy brush, like the Sephora Collection Pro Blush Brush #96 or the Real Techniques Precision Blush Brush , for pressed powder blush. “Smile gently and sweep the color onto the apples of the cheeks, blending upward toward the temples for a lifted effect,” says Miami-based makeup artist Patricia Longo . Koshurba and Hurkman both like dusting a touch across the bridge of the nose as well.
Pressed powder blush also plays well with others. ”I like to use powder blush on top of cream or liquid blush after they dry down a bit to help it set and be more opaque,” says Avendaño.
Arrow Cream blush Allure content director Sophie Panych before applying blush Courtesy of subject Panych after applying Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick Courtesy of subject What it is Cream blush has become a modern favorite, thanks to its knack for melting into the skin with novice-friendly blendability. Available in compacts and sticks , cream blush delivers a variet…