ComScore

The Single Best Blush Color for Every Skin Tone

The right blush can brighten up anyone's face instantly. Finding the right blush, however, is different for everyone. While a pale pink might look amazing on your friend, it might wash you out. And though coral seems to make your colleague look perpetually tan, it looks a tad ruddy on you. Here, the single best hue for your skin tone. 

The 7 Best Makeup Tricks to Make You Look More Awake


Best For Fair Skin: Soft Pinks

Celebrity examples: Cate Blanchett, Anna Kendrick and Nicole Kidman

It’s the color that’s closest to your natural flush. Richer shades like coral can read a bit orange on fair skin, and brighter pinks can easily veer into ’80s territory. For a soft, pretty glow, stick to sheer formulas and apply them with a light hand.

Benefit Cosmetics ($29)

Best For Beige Skin: Dusty Roses

Celebrity examples: Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Watson and Constance Wu

Since you have a bit more color than your fair-skinned friends, you can bump up the color of your blush, too. A dusty rose will give you a flattering flush that won't look too obvious or unnatural. 

Ilia Beauty ($34)

Best For Olive Skin: Warm Peaches

Celebrity examples: Mandy Moore, Olivia Munn and Natalie Portman

You know the sun-kissed glow you have during the summer? You can pretty much have that all year round with the right blush. A warm peach (so something that’s slightly more orange than pink) will give you an immediate boost of color.

Stellar ($24)

Best For Bronze Skin: Shimmery Peaches

Celebrity examples: Jessica Alba, Jennifer Aniston and Gina Rodriguez

Similar to your olive-complexioned friends, you want something that complements the warmth in your skin. A more pigmented peach with a hint of shimmer will brighten things up another notch (and highlight your natural glow).

Becca Cosmetics ($32)

Best For Light Brown Skin: Bright Berries

Celebrity examples: Tracee Ellis Ross, Ciara and Solange Knowles

Be careful around softer pinks and peaches that might wash you out. Instead, opt for a bright berry that pops more. Tap some blush onto your cheeks and blend the remaining color below cheekbones to really bring them out.

Glossier ($18)

Best For Dark Brown Skin: Terra-cotta Reds

Celebrity examples: Lupita Nyong'o, Naomi Campbell and Danielle Brooks

Don't be afraid of bold shades. A warm brick red will liven up your complexion without overpowering it. Still worried about it looking too bright? Apply the blush before your foundation so it softens the color up (and makes you look like you're glowing from within). 

Black Up Cosmetics ($27)



Jenny Jin Headshot Vertical 2023

Beauty Director

Jenny Jin is PureWow’s Beauty Director and is currently based in Los Angeles. Since beginning her journalism career at Real Simple magazine, she has become a human encyclopedia of...