If there’s one makeup category I’ve been especially focused on lately, it’s blush.
These are the shades I’ve been reaching for most as we move from spring into summer. I love layering different blush formulas depending on the finish I want, whether that’s a soft blurred look, a fresh glow or a brighter pop of color.
As we fully settle into summer, I’ll probably start incorporating a few even brighter shades, but for now these are the blushes currently in heavy rotation.
- LYS Beauty Higher Standard Cream Glow Blush Stick in Focused
- Nudestix Nudies Cream Blush Stick in In the Nude
- Caliray Blurry Blush Longwear Cream Blush in Dope
- MAC Glow Play Blurring Blush in Grand
- Ilia Soft Focus Blurring Blush in Flutter
- Merit Flush Balm in Stockholm
- Sephora Collection Colorful Powder Luminizer in 03 Pink Flash
A Few Favorites & Combinations
The Caliray blush in Dope has been one of my favorites lately. It gives such a beautiful spring pink flush and has a soft blurring quality on the skin that I really love. I especially love pairing it with the Sephora Pink Flash luminizer on top because together they create the prettiest pink glow that catches beautifully in the light.
The LYS blush in Focused gives the prettiest slightly sunburnt bronze glow and looks especially beautiful now that I have a bit of a tan.
Nudestix In the Nude is one of those perfect neutral blush shades that still somehow feels fresh and springy instead of flat or overly beige. It’s neutral enough to pair with almost any makeup look, making it an easy everyday option.
The MAC Glow Play blush formula is really easy to work with because it builds so gradually, and it leaves the prettiest glow. I personally like using a softer, wispy brush and slowly building the color, especially since I’m usually layering it over another blush. If you prefer stronger color payoff quickly or have deeper skin, I’d recommend using a denser brush.
The Ilia blush is a great multitasker. Applied lightly, it gives a soft peachy glow that almost acts like a blush and highlighter in one, but it’s easy to build into a full blush look as well. The finish is incredibly luminous and makes skin look fresh and healthy.
And finally, Merit Stockholm has been one of the first pink blushes I’ve found that doesn’t make my cheeks look overly flushed or emphasize redness. For years I always thought I should wear cooler pink blushes because they matched my skin tone best, but they often ended up making it look like my rosacea or facial redness was flaring instead of looking fresh and flattering.
I never would’ve picked out Stockholm for myself, but it came in a set with other colors I wanted, and the slightly yellow-toned pink ended up being the exact right contrast. It still gives that pretty pink flush, but without emphasizing the natural redness in my skin the way most cooler pinks do.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one makeup category I never seem to stop experimenting with, it’s blush. Between different formulas, finishes and layering combinations, it’s one of the easiest ways to completely change the look of your makeup.
These are the shades currently in heavy rotation, at least until summer convinces me I need something even brighter.