BEST BLUSHES OF 2024: BLUSH BOY EDITION
As the self-proclaimed "blush boy," I must express that blush is, without a doubt, my favorite product in any beauty routine. Whether I’m creating a natural look for myself or crafting a glamorous look for a client, there is nothing quite like witnessing the transformative power of blush as it brings a face to life. The application of blush is almost a sensorial journey, embodying the essence of one’s desired mood for the day.
For instance, a bold red hue instills in me a sense of confidence and empowerment, making me feel as if I am gliding on clouds, entering the very gates of heaven. Conversely, a delicate pink shade evokes a sense of youthful vitality, transporting me back six years in age. Ultimately, blush embodies limitless possibilities, adapting to one’s whims and desires, which is why it will eternally hold a cherished place in my heart as my favorite beauty product.
With that in mind, I’d like to share my top ten blushes that have become staples in my makeup bag:
At the pinnacle of my list is undoubtedly the Desert Date Cream Blush and Lip Multistick in the shade Hibiscus from Ami Colé. This product truly embodies excellence. I had the pleasure of meeting the visionary behind Ami Colé at the National Hispanic Heritage Month founder talk event hosted by Cermeonia last week. Both Ami Colé and Babba Rivera eloquently spoke about the significance of embracing one's true self, celebrating the unique beauty of their journeys. The event was a profound and uplifting experience, filled with inspiring individuals.
As a special gift, Ami herself presented each attendee with a Desert Date blush, and I have been enamored ever since. It imparts the most exquisite flush of color and a radiant glow to the complexion, making it a must-have in my collection.
In second place, I must highlight the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Lip and Cheek Cream Blush Stick. The formulation is truly remarkable, gliding on the skin with an effortless smoothness akin to spreading butter on warm toast. While they come with a higher price tag, I firmly believe they are well worth the investment for those looking to indulge in a touch of luxury.
My favorite shades are Dou Dou and Bichette, both of which I’ve recently spotted in the kits of fellow makeup artists. Additionally, I adore the design and weight of the packaging; it exudes an unparalleled sense of opulence, making it a delight to hold in your hand or carry in your bag.
In third place, I must pay tribute to the timeless MAC Powder Blush in Melba and Pink Swoon. I refer to them as timeless because these blushes have been cherished for years and truly represent some of the finest formulations in the powder category. Melba was among the first blushes I added to my kit when I began my makeup journey, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. I fondly recall clients from my early days, at just 14 and 15, who adored the way Melba illuminated their features. It offers a breathtaking finish, imparting a flirty, almost ethereal glow, as if one has naturally blushed.
Pink Swoon entered my collection a bit later but has been widely celebrated by many. I would describe it as cotton candy for the cheeks, bringing a delightful cheerfulness to the complexion—ideal for achieving that effortlessly radiant everyday look.
From here, I would say the remaining seven blushes are tied, each holding a special place in my heart for their unique formulas and presentations.
First, let’s talk about Saie, a brand that has gained significant popularity recently. I’ve been an admirer of Saie for some time now, and their latest Saie Dew Blush in the shade Sweetie is, in my opinion, the epitome of a perfect summer blush. I adore its whipped texture, which blends seamlessly into the skin. It imparts a delightful pinkish-red hue reminiscent of a sun-kissed glow, capturing that fresh-from-the-sun look without the associated damage. In fact, it was the only blush I wore during my summer trip in Puerto Rico, allowing me to achieve that beautifully flushed appearance while enjoying the sun responsibly.
Next on my list is my drugstore favorite: the E.L.F. Cosmetics Camo Liquid Blush in Pinky Promise. I stumbled upon this gem late last year while rummaging through my boyfriend's makeup bag. Rather than "borrow" it, I decided to treat myself to one, especially since we were living on opposite sides of the world at the time. Now I can enjoy it without him ever knowing!
These blushes are truly remarkable for their drugstore price point. They are exceptionally pigmented, but the key is to use just the tiniest dot or to apply it to the back of your hand before blending. This approach ensures a flawless application without any mistakes. What surprises me most about the Camo Blush is how effortlessly it blends into the skin. Unlike many drugstore blushes that tend to fade away, this formula melds seamlessly, delivering vibrant color payoff that lasts throughout the day.
Next, we must discuss the woman of the moment: Lady Gaga. Her talent knows no bounds, and I must commend her and the product development team at Haus Labs for their exceptional powder blush formulation. In comparison to MAC’s offerings, Haus Labs color fuse talc free blushes have a luxurious satin finish that glides onto the skin with remarkable ease.
These blushes are perfect for setting your liquid or cream blushes, especially on those long days when you need your makeup to last. My favorite shades are Fire Moon and Pomelo Peach. On my fair skin, Pomelo Peach is the epitome of a stunning, natural blush—if I were to encapsulate it in a phrase, it would be “clean girl energy.” In contrast, Fire Moon acts as both a blush and bronzer, warming the cheeks in the most exquisite way. What stands out to me about Fire Moon is its unique hue; it’s a shade that many brands tend to overlook when curating their blush collections, making it a true standout.
Now, I must highlight a recent discovery: the Lawless Pinch My Cheeks Soft Blur Cream Blush in Cherry Pie. I came across this gem while conversing with a Lawless educator at Sephora, and I immediately knew it had to join my collection. The formula is unlike anything I’ve experienced before, featuring a cloud-like texture with a satin finish that evokes the essence of a Victoria’s Secret angel.
The shade itself is a breathtaking cherry pink-red that imparts a stunning flush, making you look as if you’ve just encountered your celebrity crush on the street—an encounter so exhilarating that they might just whisk you away! Perhaps they should consider renaming it “Celebrity Crush.”
Next on my list is my favorite liquid blush formulation: Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in the shade Happy. This formula truly revolutionized the market upon its launch, finally giving blush the spotlight it has long deserved. Kudos to Selena Gomez for her vision!
The packaging is both adorable and functional, and the formula is simply exquisite. It’s safe to say that Rare Beauty will remain a staple in the blush community for years to come, continuing to set trends and delight makeup enthusiasts everywhere.
Next up is one of my all-time favorites from my college days: Fenty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Petal Poppin and Strawberry Drip. Petal Poppin was my go-to blush throughout college; even on days spent at my desk, I made sure to incorporate it into my morning routine. The moment I finished my skincare, I would reach for Petal Poppin—it truly gives off that delightful "pink cheek filter" vibe that I adore for its playful charm.
Rihanna has clearly perfected the formula; not only does it wear beautifully throughout the day, but it also applies flawlessly without any patchiness—a common issue with many blushes. On the other hand, Strawberry Drip is for those moments when you want to make a bold statement. Its vibrant hue ensures that heads will turn, capturing the essence of “emoji cheeks,” as my boyfriend likes to say.
Finally, I must highlight MERIT, a brand that has recently captured my attention in a significant way. From their stunningly designed gondolas in Sephora to their innovative move of archiving Instagram posts for their first fragrance launch, MERIT is making noteworthy strides in the industry that certainly draw the eye. The fragrance launch is particularly brilliant, as it invites the community to share their own stories and perspectives. I can’t wait to get my hands on it, and when I do, I’ll be sure to share my experience.
Returning to blush, the MERIT Flush Balm Cream Blush in Rouge is the most exquisite true red shade I have ever encountered. Unlike many red blushes that tend to shift to pink upon application, Rouge delivers a striking red that makes you feel like you’re preparing to grace the MET Gala carpet. It evokes visions of flashing lights and cameras, embodying that effortless "cool girl" energy—one who confidently seeks no opinions.
With that in mind, I wholeheartedly recommend you run to get it if you haven’t yet tried! I also had the pleasure of meeting the product development team at MERIT, and they were truly the sweetest and most formidable team imaginable.
And that’s a wrap on the blushes in my collection for 2024! There have been countless blush launches in recent months, but only a select few have truly captured my attention. If you’re on this list, take a moment to give yourself and your product development team a well-deserved pat on the back.
As I’ve mentioned, blush will always hold a special place in my heart, as it allows for a beautiful expression of self. Whether you’re aiming to feel radiant, confident, bold, or even serene, blush will always be there to support you.
Oh, and remember to always stay—yeah, I’ll tell you that later.
xoxo,
The Blush Boy
Underlined products linked for purchase through ShopMy
Edits: Christian Cole / Photos courtesy of brands