Beyond The Basic Flush
A good blush can completely change your makeup—when it works. Smooth, glowing flush brings life to your face, but the wrong formula can disappear before you even leave the house. If you’re tired of wasting money on underwhelming formulas, we have compiled a list of brands that you should avoid and ones that you should invest in. Let’s begin with the labels offering the worst-performing options.
FULL FACE ... M·A·C Cosmetics 🔥by Tati
1. Essence
Essence blushes go heavy on shimmer, which tends to spotlight pores more than color. It’s also tricky to control, especially if you’re aiming for precision. That said, the packaging is adorable, and the under $5 price tag makes it hard to resist.
Essence Pure Nude Baked Blush Swatches by Shanrell’s Stash
2. E.l.f. Cosmetics
You’d expect E.l.f. blushes to perform like their viral hits, but many don’t. They go on patchy and fade before you finish lunch. Surprisingly, their highlighters and bronzers hold up far better. Blush, though? It just doesn’t seem to deliver the same magic.
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3. CoverGirl
Some people still swear by CoverGirl blushes, mostly out of habit or nostalgia. But here’s the thing—they often feel dry, don’t blend well, and sit unnaturally on the skin. At least they were early adopters of cruelty-free status, which definitely earns some points.
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4. Revlon
Revlon blushes used to be everywhere in the '90s, but now they tend to fade fast and apply unevenly, especially if your skin isn't super smooth. Some fans have even stopped using them as blush entirely, claiming they work better as setting powders.
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5. Rimmel London
Using Rimmel blush can be a frustrating game of "where's the pigment?" It takes layers to show up, and the strong fragrance isn't for everyone. Interestingly, some fans skip the cheeks altogether and swipe them on their lids even though their actual eyeliners are standouts.
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6. Almay
Almay calls their blushes hypoallergenic, but some users break out anyway. The colors shift after application and go darker or orange. Blending? That's a challenge, too. And while their "smart shade" tech sounded cool once, most now just call it gimmicky.
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7. NYC Color
You won’t get much color on the first swipe. These blushes barely show without layering. The baked ones feel particularly gritty. While they’ve vanished from most store shelves, longtime fans still track them down online for the nostalgia, not the performance.
Mini New York Color NYC Blush Haul Part 2 by Veggie Fruitful
8. L.A. Colors
L.A. Colors blushes may be TikTok-famous for DIY hacks, but they're not exactly high-performing. The powder kicks up like flour, and the color retention is poor. Still, they pop up in dollar store hauls constantly just because they're affordable.
Trying The “New & Improved” LA Colors Blushes by jessica Deerly
9. Wet n Wild
With cracking blush pans and dusty shades, Wet n Wild’s formula isn’t always the most reliable. Deeper tones often look washed out, too. That said, it’s become weirdly popular with cosplayers for custom blends. Even their iconic Pearlescent Pink blush couldn’t escape multiple tweaks over the years.
Say HI to the wet n wild Color Icon Blush by wetnwildbeauty
10. Physicians Formula
Physicians Formula promotes itself as skin-friendly, but its blushes tell a different story. Some have strong scents that irritate, and layering often leads to cakey cheeks. They even include tiny brushes in the packaging—though let’s be honest, no one actually uses them.
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Now that we’ve covered the letdowns, let’s get into the blushes that actually deliver.
1. NARS
This blush doesn’t just show up—it stays put. NARS blends like a dream and somehow still looks fresh after ten hours. Their famous blush, Orgasm, became iconic for a reason. Whether you're new to blush or neck-deep in makeup, it always just works.
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2. Rare Beauty
Rare Beauty's blushes go viral because they work. Creamy or liquid, they suit every skin type and deliver a dewy finish that feels like second skin. Selena Gomez's brand also champions mental health, giving the product line both purpose and popularity.
3. Tarte
Buildable, patch-free, and known to last all day, Tarte’s Amazonian Clay blushes check every box. They also arrive in eco-conscious packaging and often appear in limited-edition holiday minis, which fans eagerly wait for. Longevity and performance make this a go-to staple.
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4. MAC Cosmetics
Blush lovers know MAC set the tone early on. With an expansive shade range and finely milled powder, blending becomes effortless no matter your skin tone. Their backstage legacy lives on—and not to mention, they were the first to offer matte and shimmer together.
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5. Dior
Dior’s Rosy Glow blush delivers a soft radiance that feels like real skin. It holds up in humid weather and even adjusts subtly to your skin’s chemistry. The sleek compact has also become a favorite on Instagram for its photogenic appeal.
DIOR ROSY GLOW BLUSH REVIEW | SWATCHES & DEMO by She Wears Blush
6. Charlotte Tilbury
There's a softness to the way this blush blends that feels almost effortless. The “swish and pop” duo-tone shades help with creating a natural-looking gradient without much work. It's a red carpet staple, wrapped up in packaging that channels vintage glamour.
7. Fenty Beauty
Fenty's cream blush doesn't sweat off, and it works across every skin tone without skipping. Rihanna made sure the shade range reflected that. Plus, the magnetic compacts snap together for easy packing, which is helpful if you like to mix and match.
8. Pat McGrath Labs
There’s nothing shy about Pat McGrath’s blushes. They show up bold, feel buttery to the touch, and don’t fade—even if your skin leans oily. Created by a true runway legend, they also come in gold packaging that collectors can’t stop raving about.
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9. Hourglass
Blush from Hourglass feels more like a filter than makeup. The baked, marbled powders soften imperfections and give skin that ambient glow; mini sizes make it easy to toss one into your bag without thinking twice. Also, everything's cruelty-free and clean.
HOURGLASS AMBIENT LIGHTING BLUSH REVIEW by gossmakeupchat
10. Milani
People often mistake Milani for something high-end, and it’s easy to see why. The pigment holds up, the application’s smooth, and the finish feels far more luxe than the price tag suggests. Their marbled Baked Blush line has especially loyal fans.
Milani Baked Blush Cheek Swatches! All 11 Shades! by Shanrell’s Stash
