How to Find the Perfect Blush for Your Skin Tone, According to Experts (2024)

If you ask us, blush is the most life-giving makeup product. The right pop of color can do wonders for even the dullest complexions, raising any lackluster appearance from the proverbial dead by imparting a warm, healthy glow. Finding the perfect blush color, however, is not such an easy feat. What works for one person may not work for another. But we promise it's well worth the hunt. The secret to finding exactly the right blush color without all the trial and error? Understanding your skin tone.

We spoke to celebrity makeup artists Cher Webb and Jeanine Lobell who gave us a rundown on how to pick the right blush for you. From choosing the right formula to finding the perfect hue, here are the best tips and tricks that will ensure you never buy the wrong shade of blush again.

The Best Blush Colors for Each Skin Tone

"I choose blush based on the effect I am trying to achieve," says Lobell. "If you are putting blush on bare skin, you will need to work with your undertones." These differ from skin tone as they are the hue that emanates from beneath the dermis, not the surface shade of the skin. Undertones can appear warm with yellow, gold, or peach hues or cool with blue, pink, or reddish hues. Those with a mix of the two have neutral undertones. A blush with matching undertones will appear harmonious with your natural complexion, whereas erring on the opposite end of the spectrum can provide a subtle pop."

Fair Skin

If you have a fair complexion, start off lightly and build up the shade until you reach the desired look. It's likely that you will have a neutral or pink undertone, so go for washes of fresh pink, light peach, or berry shades with cool undertones.

"I love the sheer pastel-toned Glossier Cloud Paint for fair skin," says Webb. "Try this in shades Puff or Beam for an instant boost of sheer radiance. If you prefer a powder base, try BareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush in Pretty in Pink." Meanwhile, Lobell says, "For verypink-toned skin, I would lean more to yellow-based colors like a peach or a nutmeg-type shade."

Medium Skin

"Medium skin tones tend to be more tanned with warmer undertones. This complexion looks amazing with a mix of peach and rosy pinks," says Webb. "The ultra-flattering hues of Nars' Talc-Free Powder Blush leave cheeks glowing. The blusher is now available in both powder and liquid form, so you can choose whichever texture you prefer."

Webb also recommends Benefit Cosmetics's Benetint. "It has been on the beauty scene forever and still remains a firm favorite for so many of my clients."

Olive Skin

Olive skin tends to have yellow and green undertones, so a flush of blush can perk the skin up in seconds. Opt for orangey-peach or golden-toned blushes to give the skin a natural flush. "I specifically like to use blush to balance your skin tone," says Lobell. "If you are more sallow-toned, I will use somethingblue-based like a pink plum to counteract that."

Try the super-popular Powder Blush from Bobbi Brown in the shade Clementine. The finely milled and blendable powder can be built up to create just the right amount of rosy glow you want. Or, take the hassle out of picking the perfect blushshade with the crazy-clever Perricone No Blush Blush. This unique serum adapts to every skin tone, creating a hue that's perfect for you.

Dark Skin

Darker skin tones tend to have a warm undertone, meaning hot corals, brick reds, and deep berry shades all look beautiful. Lobell likes a highly saturated product, like Neen's Going Rouge, "because it has a lot of pigment without being 'draggy,'so you can really move it. I also love that you can use it equally well on the lips. My favorite shade isShake, a hot pink."

Webb loves MAC's Powder Blush in Raizin. "With its signature rich red hue, it is a cult classic and firm favorite in my makeup kit," says Webb.

Best Blush Formulas for Skin Type

While your skin type may not directly affect your blush color, it can make or break the look of that fiercely sought-after hue. Powder and cream formulas can be worn to achieve different looks, with the former delivering an impactful punch while the latter imparts an intrinsic glow. Both can be worn by any skin type, and even combined for an amplified finish, but there are some considerations to keep top of mind. A heavy cream-based flush could be shortlived on oilier skin types, resulting in too much melty movement and unwanted shine once the oil builds up throughout the day. Drier skin types may struggle with the unforgiving nature of powder, which can highlight dry patches and look result in a textured appearance. Regardless of your skin type, proper skin care and prep should set you up for success regardless which formula you favor.

The Final Takeaway

Picking the right shade of blush is a lesson in getting to know your skin. Your skin tone and undertones can help you figure out the shades that will look best on you. Those with deeper skin tones will love vibrant hues like coral, red, and berry, while those with fairer skin should go for light pink or peach shades. Once you land on your perfect shade, the blush format you should try (like powders and creams) is largely up to personal preference, but an awareness of your skin's texture and concerns can help you find the most comfortable finish for you.