The one thing in our makeup routines that I used to find severely underrated was the essence of blush, until the sentiment ‘blush blindness’ took the beauty community by storm - these little pans are finally getting the recognition they deserve. It’s certainly amazing how asking my girlfriends if ‘I have too much blush on’ during a hang has now evolved to seeking each other’s validation on ‘have I piled on enough blush?’, where we have fallen to yet another beauty TikTok trend again, but for good reason.
While the traditional purpose of sweeping rouge across our cheeks was to look ‘more alive’, layering it on can be a statement on its own. For that, Sabrina Carpenter might be onto something.
When it comes to picking a shade, it does take some trial and error before finding one that best flatters your skin. While cool tones are all the rage, it could sometimes appear out of place or less harmonious with the rest of your makeup on warmer, tanner or darker skin tones. Needless to say, cool pink blushes are not entirely a one-size-fits-all.
Although some may be sceptical, blushers with warm undertones can offer a natural, effortless, radiant sun-drenched look that can appear snatched on any complexion if played right. If you are scouring the internet to find the perfect charming warm tone glow, dip your brushes into these finds, ahead.
Melts into your skin like butter, the duo blush palette by Tom Ford offers a semi matte and highlighting finish that illuminates and lifts in a jiffy. Made to show up vibrantly on all skin tones, the silky soft powder formula in shade Sundrunk is a deep, warm peach that is highly pigmented but blends like a dream for a natural glow. The best part? It stays on all day without it pulling the disappearing act throughout its wear; an absolute win if you ask me.
Major Headlines Double-Take Creme & Powder Blush in She’s Blushing, $62, Patrick Ta from Sephora
It’s giving bold, it’s giving iconic, and if you’re in your blush era, the Major Headlines Double-Take Blush is giving major new-holy-grail vibes. Shade She’s Blushing is a warm dusty rose that is described as a charming “rosy taupe”, guaranteed to look stunning on fair to olive skin and deeper skin tones. Thanks to its dual powder and dewy creme formula, the blush set is versatile and great for everyday use.
Forget patchy makeup; the secret’s out - Patrick Ta’s (controversial but remarkable) signature move when applying blush is the powder first cream last technique for a healthy, luminous glow that is not too much (pun intended).
Heaven, I’m in heaven! While we were once obsessed with the iconic Pillow Talk lipstick, Charlotte Tilbury has done it again with her Cheek to Chic blush with a more intense spin of the regular shade. The brand’s best seller for a reason, a swirl of the pan will reveal a uniform swipe of soft brick with a trail of dreamy pearlescent shimmer for a subtle highlight and a radiant, youthful finish. For the ultimate sunkissed summer glow, this is a blush you won’t want to miss out on.
A summer and fall essential, Toasted Teddy from Rhode is the ‘it’ girl sunkissed skin blush that everyone is using right now. A perfect mishmash that falls between blush and bronzer, the inviting shade is a cosy terracotta brown with a luxuriously creamy formula and added peptides that blends flawlessly into the complexion for a baby-soft finish. Use it on the cheeks, lips or on the eyes for a monochromatic look. Described by the brand as the perfect evening blush, Toasted Teddy is everything you want wrapped in a pocket-sized, travel-friendly on-the-go packaging that works on any skin.
Luminous Silk Glow Blush in 61 Desire, $65, Giorgio Armani Beauty from Selfridges
Looking for a brighter pink with warmer undertones to rock? Fret not, the Luminous Silk Glow Blush in 61 Desire by Giorgio Armani is the one you need. A delectable raspberry blush, the formula is lightweight, buildable and offers a peek of subtle pretty pink for a sweep of colour over the apples of your cheeks. It also helps blur fine lines and pores for a flawless application while offering a soft-focus, natural, lit-from-within glow.
Did someone say golden hour? With Chanel’s champagne-pink Joues Contraste blush in 37o Élégance, embrace the incredible but subtle kiss of warm radiance upon your cheeks. It has a satin silk finish that glides on effortlessly and is perfect for any occasion. Much like chasing an ethereal, comforting sunset, this blush-highlighter hybrid is guaranteed to turn heads.