My makeup aesthetic has changed quite a bit from when I first started wearing makeup, but I've done a complete 180 when it comes to blush. I used to totally avoid it because my cheeks tend to get quite red, but now I've just embraced it. Lately I've really been loving a super flushed look because I like looking like I've been exercising but don't actually like exercising. It makes me look healthy and awake and like I've been out in the sun for a change. A few of my favorite products for achieving a flushed glow fall into at least one of three categories.
LIQUIDS
One of my favorite ways to build up a flush on the cheeks is with a liquid blush. Liquid blushes are typically more sheer and buildable, so brighter and more daring shades won't look so stark. Take the Glossier Cloud Paint* in Haze for example - the deep berry shade would normally look clownish, but just a tiny bit blended onto my cheekbones makes it look like I just got back from the gym. All four of the Cloud Paints are absolutely perfect and very adaptable. I wear all four shades interchangeably depending on the look I'm going for, and I even mix them together sometimes. Check out my review here.
A newer addition to my liquid blush family are the Pixi Sheer Cheek Gels.* These are even more sheer than the Cloud Paints and leave a slight stain that lasts all day. I especially love the Flushed shade - much like Haze, adding a small amount gives the prettiest berry/Snow White flush to the skin.
POP OF COLOR
A good way to fake a natural glow is to pay attention to the color your cheeks normally flush. For me, it's a bright, vibrant pink, so when I'm looking for a bolder blush shade, I make a beeline to those kinds of shades. The Milk Makeup Blush Oil in Ripe has been a longtime favorite. It's a sheer, dewy formula that looks oh-so beautiful on the cheeks. I definitely have enough blushes for now, but I need to get my hands on the Flush shade in the future (um, hello of course). It's a lovely formula and the rollerball packaging is genius.
The Estee Lauder Genuine Glow Blushing Creme for Lips & Cheeks* in Sweet Cheeks is always one I fall back on when I'm looking for a pop of color on my cheeks. It's a luxurious, balmy cream blush that blends right into the skin. Not that this matters, but it smells really good, too. The shade is pretty much the exact color of my cheeks, so it's perfect. This one lives in my everyday makeup bag, and I don't mention it enough.
NEUTRALS - BROWN/RED-TONED
As much as I love a bright pink on the cheeks, I still love my neutral shades. To add a sunkissed/borderline sunburned look I like to look for neutrals that are a little more brown- or red-toned. The Smashbox LA Lights Blendable Cheek Color in Mulholland Mauve is a lot more of a rosy brown than the name lets on - it's brilliant for faking a tan. The color blends into the skin seamlessly without looking patchy, and it's also a good color on my skintone for adding a bit of definition and contour.
My ultimate favorite when it comes to neutral blushes that still make me look flushed is the Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Color in Naughty N' Spice. It's got a beautiful subtle red tone to it that adds the perfect flushed look to the cheeks. It looks incredibly natural, and because it's a bit of a deeper shade, it still definitely makes a statement. The formula is quite thin and is instantly undetectable on the skin - brb while I go back and buy every shade.
I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I'm really into flushed cheeks this summer. What about you? What are your favorite blushes?
*Products mentioned have been sent to me for consideration, but all opinions are my own. Please see my disclaimer for more information. This post contains affiliate links.