What Shade of Blush is Best for Me?

Blush is an indispensable part of any beauty routine. The right shade will make your complexion warmer and your skin glow in a healthy and natural way. It's no surprise blush is as loved by makeup minimalists as it is by those who love to glam up.

Simply sweeping some blush onto your face won't magically transform it from tired to lively. You need to consider your skin tone, your face's shape and the look you want to project. Blush may be more subtle, but it's as crucial to your look as lipstick and eyeshadow. 

This article will answer questions you've probably asked yourself many times, like "What blush color is right for me?" and "What shade of blush is best for me?" But we can't begin to answer these questions without first discussing your skin tone.

The Right Blush All Depends on Your Skin Tone

The key to choosing the right blush is not in its color but in your skin tone. If you're unsure what yours is, wash and dry your face, then find some natural light and a mirror. The color of your jawline, which undergoes fewer color changes than the rest of your face, will be either fair, medium, olive or dark.

You'll also need to know your skin's undertone — the muted color beneath the surface that you might have heard referred to as cool, warm or neutral. In natural light, look at the color of the veins on your neck or face. Purple and blue are cool, while teal and green are warm. If you can't be sure, it's usually neutral.

Once you know your skin tone and undertone, it's time to think of how to choose the right blush color. If a natural look is what you have in mind, choose the color that most closely resembles your skin's undertone. Alternatively, if you want to be bold, consider colors that are the opposite. 

What Blush Shades are Best for Fair Skin Tone?

If you have a fair skin tone, you should play safe and gradually build from a light start until you find your desired look. It's easy to overwhelm fair skin when, instead, you should look for a blush that accentuates it. Although colors with more pigmentation can work, they require a bit more care if you're after something more dramatic.

Fresh pink is usually a good choice because it resembles the flushed look most people with fair skin can produce naturally. Something peachy is usually a winner with most skin tones, particularly those with yellow undertones. A berry shade with cool undertones adds an air of mystery, but you should make sure it blends with the rest of your makeup.

A liquid blush will melt easily into your skin, making it almost instantly come alive with a natural dewy finish. It's also easy to apply and can be used on the lips. 

What Blush Shades Work for Medium Skin Tone?

The warmth of the medium skin tone means it can beautifully absorb almost any pigmentation of blush, from subtle pinks to rosy reds. Apricot is a good choice if you want something that stands out but doesn't look too bold. Berry also works well, with light layers expressing sophistication and deeper ones being chic and flirtatious.

Vibrant colors particularly flatter medium skin tones. Milani's Rose Blush Trio Palette comes in two collections, both providing three color-coordinated blushes with deep pigmentation. If you have medium skin, they'll give you plenty of chances to experiment with different looks and find the best ones for work, rest and play. 

Don't forget to consider your skin type and tone, as the right finish is as much a part of the look as the color. Matte powder finishes generally partner better with oily skin, while dry skin often looks healthier with a gel or cream.

What Blush Shades Work for Olive Skin Tone?

If you have olive skin, it probably has yellow or green undertones, which gives it a warm or neutral tint. A sweep of blush with orangy-peach or golden undertones can give your skin a natural and healthy look that instantly adds some all-day verve. Rose is not too bold and showy, bronze adds warmth and brightness, while copper brings out the skin's natural sheen.

Milani's vegan-friendly and cruelty-free Baked Blush is available in 11 shades, including Dolce Pink, Petal Primavera and the classic Berry Amore. Finely milled, the powder blends easily so you can build the layers you need to get just the right amount of glow for the look you want.

If you're after a more natural look, try and avoid cooler colors, as they might make your face look a bit ruddy. Consider a peach tone, such as medium peach, if your olive skin is on the lighter side of the spectrum.

What Blush Shades Work for Dark Skin Tone?

Since dark skin often has warm undertones, highly-pigmented blush shades are often the better choice if you're unsure how to choose the right blush color. You'll want to draw out your skin's undertone to make your face pop, so consider terra cotta or other warm colors if you have dark skin. 

The matte finish in Milani's Rose Powder Blush is a fun and lighthearted option that's also a chic choice for summer. The Cheek Kiss Cream Blush in Mauve Nude works equally well night or day by drawing out the skin's inner glow.

Finding the right shades of blush is an exercise in learning about your own skin and what flatters it or not. Skin tone will help you choose the color, while the undertone will tell you what shade brings out the best in you. Experiment with creams, powders and different formulas to discover what's right for you.