Breaking Down Blush: Types of Blush and How to Apply Them
- Caitlin Reddington
- Jan 21
- 5 min read
A pink rosy glow is one of my favorite parts of my makeup routine. I love how a pinch of color can completely transform my look, revive my face, and well, make me feel more alive. Over the past five to six years, blush has become an essential part of my makeup look. I started wearing powder blush and quickly discovered different types of blush, such as liquid and cream.
Now, depending on the look I'm going for (or how much time I have) I use all three blush types interchangeably. Read on to discover the differences between liquid, cream, and powder blush and learn how to apply the various types of blush.
Liquid Blush
One of my most worn types of blush is liquid blush. With a few swipes on TikTok, it's no surprise this kind is also a favorite among thousands of makeup lovers on the app. The reason so many people gravitate towards a liquid blush is the natural, dewy look it gives the skin. Plus, it's easy to build up to customize the intensity. This type of blush works on all skin types, however, those with dry skin may find it a better fit for them because of how hydrating liquid blush can be.
My favorite liquid option is the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in the shade 'Happy.' I love how buildable and blendable this product is; the pigment is on a whole new level. Seriously, one small drop on each cheek is enough to give that flushed, rosy look. This may sound insane, but my first Soft Pinch Liquid Blush from Rare Beauty lasted me two years, and I used it almost everyday.
How to Apply Liquid Blush
Blush placement can vary based on your face shape, but my favorite way to apply a liquid blush is:
Starting at the apples of your cheeks, apply a small dot of blush to each cheek.
Blend (I like using my hands, but a dense brush or makeup sponge also work)s upwards, bringing the product to your check bone.
Continue to blend until you're happy with the pigment intensity. Feel free to add more blush if desired.
If you find yourself in a bit of a clown situation, don't fear! Blend your concealer or foundation with the blush you've already applied to dilute the color.
Pro Tip: Add a drop of liquid highlighter to achieve the prettiest, natural-looking glow. My favorite liquid highlighter is the Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer in 'Enchant.'
Cream Blush
Cream blush is known for the soft, dewy, natural-looking flush it gives the cheeks. Much like liquid blush, any skin type can sport this product. But, dry, mature, and sensitive skin types may like cream blush best because of its hydration and creamy consistency.
This blush type is the newest to my collection. I fell in love with the look of cream blush when my friend gave me the 17. Melting Creme Blush in 'Pink Passion' when she came back from London. This makeup brand is only available at Boots, a drugstore in the U.K. so I'll be very, very sad when I hit pan. When that day comes, maybe that'll be my excuse to go on vacation to the U.K.
The cream blush I use is a vibrant cool-toned pink, which will be most flattering on cool-toned skin. I'll admit, I was a little worried how it would look when I first saw this shade, but oh my gosh... I was so pleasantly surprised. I started by applying Benefit The POREfessional Primer all over my face. Next, I applied the blush, and then that's when I knew it would become a regular in my makeup rotation. I absolutely love how seamlessly this product melted into my skin, and how natural it looked, despite being so bright when I first applied it. Trust me, when 17. said melting blush, they weren't kidding.
How to Apply Cream Blush
Honestly, I apply this type of blush the same way as liquid blush, I just make one tiny adjustment.
Start by applying the blush to the apples of your cheeks. I like using my ring finger (the most gentle finger) to pick up the product because I find the heat from my hand makes the blush melt more.
Begin blending the blush in circles, moving upwards towards your cheekbones. I like to focus more so on the apples of my cheeks vs the cheekbone when wearing cream blush. For me, this enhances the natural, flushed look that I'm going for.
Blend. Blend. Blend! Continue to blend out the product until you've reached your desired intensity and then you're finished!
Pro Tip: When working with a liquid or cream blush, skip powdering directly over the product and set with a setting spray. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray never lets me down. This will lock in your look while still letting the dewy finish come through.
Powder Blush
I like to think of powder blush as the OG blush. I'm sure many of us can picture, and maybe even smell, the Covergirl blush that came in the black case with that tiny, micro-sized brush. You know the one, right? My introduction to powder blush was with that exact product when my mom would do my makeup for dance recitals as a kid. Overall, any skin type can wear this type of blush, but those with oily and oily/combo skin may be the biggest fans of powder blush because it helps absorb excess oil on your face, providing a longer-lasting finish.
Over the years, as my makeup preferences evolved and I started wearing blush more frequently, I found myself gravitating towards ColourPop blush. Specifically, the Rapunzel blush in the shade 'See The Light,' which was part of their collaboration with Disney. Unfortunately, this blush is no longer available. However, some good news is that many of the ColourPop collabs use the same formulas as their core product, so the formula is very close, if not the same as their Heart Blush Silky Powder Blush.
How to Apply Powder Blush
My favorite way to apply blush is with a large, rounded fluffy brush. e.l.f Cosmetics is my go-to for affordable, quality brushes. Follow the steps below for perfect powder blush placement.
After applying foundation and setting powder, use a round, fluffy brush to pick up product.
Starting at the apples of your cheeks, use circular motions to apply while moving upwards towards the cheekbone.
When using powder blush, I like to focus more of the blush at the apples of my cheek.
Pro Tip: To find the apples of your cheeks...smile!
Types of Blush
Whether you decide to sport liquid blush, play around with a cream blush, or stick with your good ol' tried and true powder blush, all three types offer a radiant finish that'll enhance any makeup look. In the comments, let me know which type of blush is your favorite!
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