As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, a radiant, sun-kissed flush is the ultimate beauty statement for summer. Whether you prefer a soft, watercolor-like tint or a bold, sculpted drape of color, there's a blush trend to suit every mood and makeup style.
In this guide, we'll explore the hottest blush looks of the season and the best products to help you achieve a fresh, effortless glow all summer long.
Sun-Kissed Draping
A modern take on the bold blush looks of the 80s, sun-kissed draping involves blending color across the cheeks and temples for a sculpted, contoured effect. This technique creates the illusion of naturally flushed, sun-kissed skin, perfect for those who want a more defined, editorial-inspired flush.
To nail the sun-kissed draping look, reach for soft, blendable formulas in peachy and coral hues. Our top picks include the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand, a creamy, buildable formula that seamlessly blends for a natural-looking glow, and the Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush, a duo that delivers both buildable color and dimension.
Watercolor Blush
For a barely-there, skin-like flush, watercolor blush is the way to go. This sheer, dewy formula mimics the look of naturally flushed cheeks, creating a fresh, youthful glow that's perfect for lightweight summer makeup.
Ideal for those who prefer a more natural, no-makeup makeup look, watercolor blush melts into the skin for a soft, diffused tint. We love the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in the shades Hope and Happy, it blends effortlessly for a watercolor-like finish.
Bold & Statement Blush
If you're feeling bold this summer, vibrant, high-pigment blush shades like hot pink and berry tones are the way to go. These statement-making flushes add an instant pop of color and drama to any look, making them the perfect choice for those who want to let their blush be the star of the show.
When rocking a bold blush, it's best to keep the rest of your makeup minimal to let the color take center stage. Our top picks include the Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush in Pink, a universally flattering shade that adjusts to your skin's pH for a natural-looking flush, and the NARS Blush in Exhibit A and Taj Mahal, two ultra-pigmented shades that add an eye-catching burst of color.
Sunburnt Blush
Channeling a natural, post-beach flush, sunburnt blush involves applying warm-toned shades across the nose and cheeks for a sun-kissed, slightly flushed effect. This look mimics the natural flush you'd get from a day spent in the sun, creating a healthy, radiant glow.
To achieve the sunburnt blush look, reach for peachy, burnt orange, or terracotta shades that add warmth and depth to the complexion. We recommend the Tower 28 BeachPlease Tinted Balm in Golden Hour and Power Hour, as well as the Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Daiquiri Dip and Fuego Flush.
Blush as Highlighter
For a radiant, lit-from-within glow, try using your blush as a highlighter. Soft, glowy blush formulas infused with subtle shimmer can double as both color and highlight, creating a seamless, luminous finish that's perfect for summer.
Our top picks for blush-as-highlighter include the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Luminous Flush and Radiant Magenta, a luminous powder blush that adds depth and glow, and the Huda Beauty Cheeky Tint Blush Stick in Perky Peach and Coral Cutie, a creamy stick blush with a radiant finish for a subtle highlight effect.
Conclusion
From barely-there tints to bold, sculpted flushes, these summer blush trends offer endless ways to achieve a radiant, sun-kissed glow. Whether you prefer a natural, watercolor-like flush or a more dramatic, statement-making look, there's a blush trend to suit every mood and makeup style.
So, what are you waiting for? Experiment with different formulas and shades to find your perfect summer flush and let your cheeks do the talking all season long!