How to Pick the Best Blush Color for Your Skin Tone

When it comes to your makeup, discovering the perfect blush can be an absolute game-changer. The right pop of color can instantly restore a healthy glow, warm up your skin tone, and make you look more awake in seconds. But finding the right blush for your skin tone can be tricky. Choosing the best blush shade can really depend on the look you are going for, but it's your skin tone and type that plays a huge part in selecting the best formula.

We spoke to makeup artist Cher Webb 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 our tips and tricks for how to never buy the wrong shade of blush again.

What Blush Shades Work for 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.

Glossier Cloud Paint in Puff $18.00

Shop

"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."

BareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush in Pretty in Pink $25.00

Shop

"If you prefer a powder base, try BareMinerals blush in Pretty in Pink," suggests Webb. It's the perfect peachy pink tone that will warm up any complexion.

What Blush Shades Work for Medium Skin?

"Medium skin tones tend to be more tanned with warmer undertones. This kind of complexion looks amazing with a mix of peach and rosy pinks," says Webb.

Nars Liquid Blush in Orgasm $30.00

Shop

"The ultra-flattering hues of Nars Orgasm leave cheeks glowing. The blusher is now available in both powder and liquid form, so you can choose whichever texture you prefer," says Webb.

Benefit Benetint Rose Tinted Lip and Cheek Stain $30.00

Shop

"Benefit Cosmetics really raised the bar when it came to cheek tints. The Benetint has been on the beauty scene forever and still remains a firm favorite for so many of my clients," says Webb.

What Blush Shades Work for Olive Skin?

Olive skin tends to have both 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.

Bobbi Brown Blush $27.00

Shop

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.

Perricone MD No Blush Blush $35.00

Shop

Take the hassle out of picking the perfect blush shade with the crazy-clever No Blush Blush. This unique serum adapts to every skin tone, creating a hue that's perfect for you.

What Blush Shades Work for Dark Skin?

Darker skin tones tend to have a warm undertone, meaning anything from hot corals, brick reds, and deep berry shades all look beautiful.

MAC Powder Blush in Raizin $25.00

Shop

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

Decorté Cream Blush Moisturising Cheek Glow in PK852 $35.00

Shop

The cream-to-powder formula of Decorté blushes is perfect for giving skin a really glow-from-within finish.

How to Choose Between Warm and Cool Blush Tones

Navigating warm and cool blush tones starts with understanding your own 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.

The Final Takeaway

Picking the right shade of blush is a lesson in getting to know your own skin. Skin tone is the best predictor of which colors to hone in on while undertones can guide you to the best shades, navigating the spectrum of warm and cool variations. Blush formulas like powders, stains, serums, and creams are 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.