Amidst all the contouring and sculpting that we do in our makeup routine, it can get tempting to skip out on blush. Don’t give in to temptation: A good blush is the most flattering way to accentuate your best features (like in blush draping).
To make it work, you first have to choose the right shade of blush for your skin tone — or you run the risk of looking like a clown. The various shades of blush available in the market can be confusing, so here’s our quick tip: Be sure to choose a color that matches your skin’s undertone. (And if you don’t know what that is, now’s the time to figure it out).
Ready to find your perfect shade? Keep reading to find the best blush for every skin color and undertone.
[ Next: 16 Un-Basic Ways to Wear Blush ]
This article originally appeared on TotalBeauty.com
The Best Blushes for Every Skin Tone for a Natural Flush Every Time
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Fair Skin With Cool Undertones: Play It Up With Pink
If you have fair skin and cool undertones, you should be careful not to pick a shade that's too bright, as this can look overpowering. With skin as light as yours, you do blush easily — so the trick is to match that natural flush by using blushes on the pinker side, such as Bobbi Brown Blush in Pretty Pink, $32, Ulta Mineral Blush in Cosmos, $12, and Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink, $7.99. Want more variety in shades? Try Nars Narsissist Wanted Cheek Palette Color I, $59, which has six colors in matte, shimmer and satin finishes.
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Fair Skin With Warm Undertones: Stay Peachy
Women with light skin and warm undertone tend to have some issues with sallowness, so wearing blush could really be key to brightening your complexion. Peach blushes are flattering for almost any skin tone, so this shade can be your go-to. We love Too Faced Peach My Cheeks Melting Powder Blush in Peach Dream, $30, Nars Orgasm Blush, $30, and BareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush in That Peach Tho, $24.
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Medium Skin With Cool Undertones: Muted Pink
If your skin tone is on the medium side and has a cool undertone, choose a blush shade that's still in line with the pink family. A darker pink such as mauve or muted pink would perfectly complement your skin tone and is perfect for giving you that gorgeous hint of color on your cheeks. Our faves: Clinique Cheek Pop in Fig Pop, $24, Urban Decay Naked Flushed in Nooner, $34, and Sephora Collection Colorful Face Powders in Shame on You, $14.
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Medium Skin With Warm Undertones: Blush in Apricot
With this skin tone and undertone, you already have natural warmth on your face, so you don't have to go overboard with a blush. Apricot shades are best to give that extra boost of color on your cheeks. Check out L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Blush in Apricot Kiss, $7.99, Nars Blush in Luster, $30, and Make Up For Ever HD Blush in 515, $26.
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Dark Skin With Cool Undertones: Go Bold in Plum
If you have darker skin, you should seek out colors that are bright and pigmented. Don't be afraid to choose bold colors such as plums and berries — they will actually look natural (not to mention lovely) with your skin tone. Our faves: Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek in Quickie, $24, and Shiseido Minimalist Whipped Powder Blush in Ayao, $29. Looking to change things up? Give the eight-shade Morphe 8C Cool Pro Blush Palette, $20, a try.
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Dark Skin With Warm Undertones: Stay Sun-Kissed
Out of all skin tones, a bright orange looks best on warm-undertoned, dark skin. It may look intense on the pan but once applied, it gives your cheeks that sun-kissed look at any season. Some of our favorites include Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick in Chili Mango, $25, Hourglass Illume Sheer Color Trio, $62, and NYX Baked Blush in Ignite, $6.99.
