Healthy-Looking Radiance Can Be Bought, and I Can Prove It With These Products
Featuring a weightless feel, this liquid blush from Armani is the luminous take on the brand's original Cheek Tint range. Courtesy of the light-reflecting pigments, it offers an ethereal-looking pearlescent finish, which I love wearing on special occasions (be it a wedding or an important work event). In fact, it's earned me quite a few compliments, too.
Recommended shades: Cosmic Pink, Starlit Peach, Sunlit Sienna
6. Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil
Rumoured to be loved by none other than Sabrina Carpenter herself, the Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil is truly one of the most unique formulas I've tried. Whether I'm using it on bare skin or on top of the rest of my makeup, it never fails to impress. The pigment is easily buildable, the finish is so glowy that it instantly gives me that "glass skin" effect and, above all, the formula doesn't feel cake-y at all.
Recommended shades: Rose Crush, Perfect Pink, Barely Blushing
7. Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush
If there's one thing that I don't appreciate when it comes to liquid blushes, it's the accidental leaks. However, this clever packaging from Hourglass takes care of it all: it dispenses the formula out of the bottle in the form of droplets (but only if you press on the other end), eliminating the possibility of leaks. Plus, the formula is unmatched when it comes to pigment (a little goes a long way), and the creamy consistency is super easy to blend.
Recommended shades: Vision, Imagine, Whim
8. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
The Rare Beauty liquid blush took the beauty industry by storm, and deservedly so. I've sworn by this formula for at least two years now, having always relied on its punchy pigment and a flexible blend. When applied, it feels buttery smooth on the skin, and once blended, it reveals a natural-looking dewy glow. Just be sure not to use too much product, as otherwise you might end up with blush all over your face.
Recommended shades: Encourage, Joy, Love
9. Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush
If you're after a natural-looking dewy blusher, allow me to introduce you to the gem that is the Nars Afterglow liquid blush. Available in nine versatile shades, this glow-boosting formula offers light-to-medium-level pigment and feels extremely lightweight upon application. I also loved the serum-like consistency, which leaves my skin nice and hydrated in the process.
Recommended shades: Brazen, Dolce Vita, Wanderlust.
10. Refy Cream Blush
Whether you're a beginner or a long-term blush veteran, you can't go wrong with this cream blusher from Refy. Be it a subtle wash of mauve, a vibrant pop of red or an adorable peachy shade, this formula comes in a variety of shades to please any taste, skin tone and preference. And if you're in the mood for a punchier pigment, it's also super easy to layer, too.
Recommended shades: Papaya, Guava, Peach
How to Apply Glowy Blush
"There are many ways to apply blush, but one of my favourite ways of getting that fresh, dewy blush of colour is by applying it in a W shape across the nose and cheeks to create a naturally sun-blushed look," shares Tilbury.
"You can also apply it on the apples of your cheeks and blend it up and out towards the ear, or—for an instantly snatched, sculpted look—apply it up and along just above the cheekbones," she adds.
According to Coombes, the key to a seamless finish is layering. "Start by tapping a cream or stick blush onto your fingers; the warmth helps it blend seamlessly into the skin," he says.
"Then, use a damp sponge to diffuse any edges and press the product deeper into the base for a second-skin effect." And if you're after a bolder look and a lasting finish, Coombes suggests "sweeping a pearlescent powder blush over the top with a fluffy brush."
For those of us after an extra glowy finish, Coombes recommends lightly dusting your cheeks with a touch of highlighter "just above the blush and blend the two softly together to create a beautiful gradient effect."
"One of my favourite tricks is to tap a sheer lip gloss or balm directly on the highest point of the blush as a glossy topper—it gives a reflective, editorial vibe," he shares.
What to Avoid When Applying a Glowy Blush
That said, Coombes advises against "over-powdering the skin before applying cream or fluid blush textures, as it can diminish the glassy dewiness and result in a patchy finish."
"Also, heavy shimmer formulas can accentuate uneven skin texture or pores. Glowy blush reflects light, so keeping it lifted and blended out will maintain that fresh, natural radiance," he adds.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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