When it comes to your makeup, discovering the perfect blush can be an absolute game-changer. The right pop of color can instantly restore a healthy glow, warm up your skin tone, and make you look more awake in seconds. But finding the right blush for your skin tone can be tricky. Choosing the best blush shade can really depend on the look you are going for, but it's your skin tone and type that plays a huge part in selecting the best formula.

We spoke to makeup artists Cher Webb and Jeanine Lobell who gave us a rundown on how to pick the right blush for you. From choosing the right formula to finding the perfect hue, here are our tips and tricks for how to never buy the wrong shade of blush again.

Meet the Expert

• Jeanine Lobell is a celebrity makeup artist and the founder of Neen.
• Cher Webb is a celebrity makeup artist based in the UK.
  

The Best Blush Colors for Each Skin Tone

"I choose blush based on the effect I am trying to achieve," says Lobell. "If you are putting blush on bare skin, you will need to work with your undertones." These differ from skin tone as they are the hue that emanates from beneath the dermis, not the surface shade of the skin. Undertones can appear warm with yellow, gold, or peach hues or cool with blue, pink, or reddish hues. Those with a mix of the two have neutral undertones. A blush with matching undertones will appear harmonious with your natural complexion, whereas erring on the opposite end of the spectrum can provide a subtle pop."

Fair Skin

If you have a fair complexion, start off lightly and build up the shade until you reach the desired look. It's likely that you will have a neutral or pink undertone, so go for washes of fresh pink, light peach, or berry shades with cool undertones.

"I love the sheer pastel-toned Glossier Cloud Paint ($20) for fair skin," says Webb. "Try this in shades Puff or Beam for an instant boost of sheer radiance. If you prefer a powder base, try BareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush ($26) in Pretty in Pink." Meanwhile, Lobell says, "For very pink-toned skin, I would lean more to yellow-based colors like a peach or a nutmeg-type shade."

Medium Skin

"Medium skin tones tend to be more tanned with warmer undertones. This complexion looks amazing with a mix of peach and rosy pinks," says Webb. "The ultra-flattering hues of Nars Orgasm ($32) leave cheeks glowing. The blusher is now available in both powder and liquid form, so you can choose whichever texture you prefer."

Webb also recommends Benefit Cosmetics' Benetint ($21). "It has been on the beauty scene forever and still remains a firm favorite for so many of my clients."

Olive Skin

Olive skin tends to have yellow and green undertones, so a flush of blush can perk the skin up in seconds. Opt for orangey-peach or golden-toned blushes to give the skin a natural flush. "I specifically like to use blush to balance your skin tone," says Lobell. "If you are more sallow-toned, I will use something blue-based like a pink plum to counteract that."

Try the super-popular powder blush from Bobbi Brown in the shade Clementine ($31). The finely milled and blendable powder can be built up to create just the right amount of rosy glow you want. Or, take the hassle out of picking the perfect blush shade with the crazy-clever Perricone No Blush Blush ($35). This unique serum adapts to every skin tone, creating a hue that's perfect for you

Dark Skin

Darker skin tones tend to have a warm undertone, meaning hot corals, brick reds, and deep berry shades all look beautiful. Lobell likes a highly-saturated product, like Neen's Going Rouge ($29), "because it has a lot of pigment without being 'draggy,' so you can really move it. I also love that you can use it equally well on the lips. My favorite shade is Shake, a hot pink."

Webb loves MAC Raizin Powder Blush ($28). "With its signature rich red hue, is a cult classic and firm favorite in my makeup kit," says Webb.

The Final Takeaway

Picking the right shade of blush is a lesson in getting to know your skin. Your skin tone and undertones can help you figure out the shades that will look best on you. Those with deeper skin tones will love vibrant hues like coral, red, and berry, while those with fairer skin should go for light pink or peach shades. Once you land on your perfect shade, the blush format you should try (like powders, stains, serums, and creams) is largely up to personal preference, but an awareness of your skin's texture and concerns can help you find the most comfortable finish for you.

How To Find The Right Blush Color For You

Blush is a mainstay of your beauty bag, and for good reason! This versatile beauty essential is renowned for its ability to brighten up your face with just a few swipes. You can use this easy-to-apply beauty staple to make your look entirely your own. It’s just as beloved amongst makeup minimalists as it is to full-glam enthusiasts.

There are two important things you need to know in regards to blush. The first is how to apply it, and the second is how to find the right color. If you’re unsure of where to start, we’re here to help. 

We at Wander Beauty are here to share the tricks of the trade about how to find the right blush color for you.

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The Right Blush All Depends on Your Skin Tone

The secret to finding the right blush for you is to choose based on your skin tone, not the color of the blush itself. By taking this approach, you’ll be more likely to choose colors that flatter you instead of washing you out.

The first step to choosing a blush color is to first determine your skin tone. Once you do that, consider your undertones. There are three: warm, cool, and neutral. There are several ways that you can decipher which your skin falls into. This will be helpful when you’re selecting a blush color and want one that either pops or appears natural.

The first way to figure out your undertone is by putting on a white t-shirt. If your skin appears pink or rosy, you have a cool tone. If your face appears more yellow, your undertone is warm. In addition, if you look better in off-white hues rather than stark white, that’s another sign you’re likely warm-toned. If both colors don’t wash you out, you have a neutral undertone.

Another way to check out your undertone is to consider the color of your veins, especially those around your neck and face. If you see blue veins, you likely have cool undertones. If your veins seem green, that suggests warmth.

We’re going to break down the different blush colors that are the most complimentary for your skin tone and undertone. If you’re seeking a natural look, choose a blush with the same undertone as your skin. It’s also important to remember that the best makeup application always starts with healthy skin. Taking care of your skin will ensure that you have a smooth canvas for your blush application.

If you want a bold look that pops, go with the opposing undertone as your skin. So if you have a warm skin tone, such as olive skin, you’d choose a warm shade for a natural look, and a cool blush for something bolder.

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Best Blush for Fair Skin Tones

People with fair skin should look for blushes that are going to accentuate their skin tone rather than overwhelm it. Oftentimes lighter colors look best, but you can also add a pop of deeper color, too.

Baby Pink

The first color that works well on those with fair skin tones is a baby pink. This shade actually comes out naturally for those with fair skin, so if you’re looking for an authentically flushed look, this is an excellent option.

Peach

Peach blushes flatter most skin tones, fair included. If you want something a bit more vibrant and bold than baby pink, peach might be exactly what you’re looking for. If you have yellow undertones, this will be exceptionally flattering (though pretty much anyone can pull it off!).

Plum

If you’re using plum blush with fair skin, it’s especially important you blend your blush in with the rest of your makeup. When worn correctly, plum can add drama and mystery to a fair skin tone.

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Best Blush for Medium Skin Tones

Vibrant blush colors are very flattering on medium skin tones. Perfect for a look that’s flirty and chic or for something more sophisticated.

Apricot

Apricot blushes are soft enough that they don’t steal center stage from the rest of your makeup but bold enough to draw attention to how beautiful your blush looks.

Bonus tip: Few shades can bring out a tan as apricot does!

Berry

Berry allows you to go bright with your blush on a medium skin tone. You can layer on the drama with a deeper berry or go light for a relaxed, easy look.

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Best Blush for Olive Skin Tones

Olive skin is usually known for having a warm or neutral undertone with a greenish tint to it.

Warm Peach

Yes, warm peach is slightly different from regular peach! This shade will make your olive skin look glowy and warm. Try avoiding cooler colors if you want it to look more natural; these can make your skin look slightly ruddy. Instead, warm peach will brighten up your skin just the right amount.

Rose

Go with a rose blush if you’re looking for a delicate, authentic flush. This color is widely considered middle-of-the-road for those with olive skin; it’s not too bold nor shadowy. You’ll notice it, yes, but it will also seem natural. If you’re looking for an everyday blush, you just met your match with rose.

Bronze

If you’re strategic about how you apply your bronze blush, it can even double as contour--the best of both worlds! This shade is ideal because it adds warmth and adds a brightness to your face. If you have a tan, this shade will enhance it, making it perfect for summer.

Copper

Copper is a powerful blush that can bring out the skin’s natural brightness. If you have light copper skin, you’ll likely just need one sweep of blush. If your skin is medium to dark olive, opt for a couple of swipes.

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Best Blush for Deep Skin Tones

Those with deep skin tones can have fun experimenting with different color blushes for a bold, flirty look.

Brick Red

If you have deep skin, a terra cotta color will make your face pop. Stick with warm colors when you’re working with deeper skin, as cool will make the skin look dry and worn. Brick packs more punch than a similar, cool shade: raisin.

Berry

Berry is the ultimate day-to-night option. Start your day with just a few dabs of berry blush, and build color when you’re ready to go out to happy hour with the girls.

Plum

Plum is another dramatic, bold option. This will quickly become one of your go-to shades because of how versatile it is. You can wear it as an everyday blush or go more intense for an event. It’s super versatile, which makes it a clear winner.

Tangerine

Tangerine is the fun, lighthearted blush of your dreams. This shade is easygoing and chic, which makes it ideal for the summer months. Pair it with the rest of your beauty essentials or wear it with just a little bit of mascara, you’ll stun no matter what.

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Our Top Blush Fave

Once you find the right shades of blush for you, it’s only a matter of finding the right product. We suggest you try our On-the-Glow Blush and Illuminator. This multitasker features a cream color on one end and an illuminator on the other for a full look in a single stick. It can be used on lips, cheeks, eyes, and body! You won’t want to miss out on this 2018 Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner!

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