How to Choose the Best Blush Color for Your Skin Tone

Blush is often such a subtle part of any makeup look that it can sometimes get overlooked. It’s a powerful makeup tool, though, and the right shade can either enhance your complexion and the look you’re going for—or completely work against your efforts. Sure, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to beauty, but making strategic makeup choices in your product picks (and placement!) can totally change the game. 

RELATED: 8 Different Ways to Use Blush, According to Makeup Artists

Pro Tips for Choosing the Best Blush Color 

Not sure where to start? For tips on how to choose the best blush color for your complexion, we spoke with celebrity makeup artists who were happy to give us the lowdown. 

Look to Your Skin Tone 

In the same way you factor in your complexion when choosing foundation or your eye color when selecting flattering eyeshadows, it’s important to consider your skin tone when picking the right blush, notes celebrity makeup artist Elaina Badro. 

“Complexion must be taken into account when choosing the right blush color, as well as whether or not the undertone is warm or cool,” she says. “When it comes to lighter skin tones, it’s best to select colors like light pinks and pastels. Anything deep and rich in color is wonderful for dark skin like a deep berry, and for medium skin tones—depending on undertone—I go with peaches and pinks.”

She adds that warm tones benefit from using richer colors because of the redness in the undertone, while peachy tones, true pinks, and even lilac-leaning hues flatter olive skin tones. For cool undertones, stick to cool blushes like rosy pink, berry, and plum. 

Match Your Lip Color 

For neutral looks or no makeup makeup, a good rule of thumb is to simply match your lipstick color, advises celebrity makeup artist Neil Young, one of ICONIC London’s go-to artists who’s worked with everyone from Sarah Jessica Parker to Cush Jumbo.

“When choosing a blush tone to compliment your makeup, the most flattering shade is often within the same tone of your chosen lip color,” he says. “Think monochromatic and you can never go wrong. For example, if you’re wearing a red or pink lip, choose a pink-based blusher to pull the look together.”

He adds that no matter what skin tone you have, all complexions contain a level of red pigment so a blush with a rosy undertone will always be flattering. In other words: When in doubt, go rosy.

Factor in the Look You’re Going For 

Following the general principles outlined above, it definitely makes sense to also pick a blush that ties into your look. “When I’m preparing someone’s face for makeup, I take the time to consider what the components of the makeup will be,” Young says. “Blush has the power to shape the face by adding volume where needed as well as structure.” 

For example, if you’re all about those coquettecore vibes, then choosing a strawberry pink with flattering undertones is a must. Contrarily, if you’re leaning more toward a true vintage ‘90s look, then mauve or brown-leaning tones are it. It’s all about the story you’re trying to tell.

Consider Blush Texture 

Color matters, but texture is just as important as picking the perfect shade. A powder blush without any built-in shimmer gives a matte look—which is beautiful depending on the look you’re going for—while one with a slight amount of shimmer can create dimension and catch the light. 

Blushes with lots of glitter are definitely a vibe, often more suitable for low-light, high-glam scenarios. Meanwhile, for easy everyday wear that provides a healthy glow, a cream blush with reflective qualities is arguably your best bet. It’ll look natural and soft. 

Remember that Blush Placement Matters

Along with color and texture, where you place your blush can dramatically change the look and feel of your makeup. 

“If you want to add volume and radiance to the face, then opt for a cream blush texture or blush with pearl. This adds volume where it’s placed and gives the complexion a fresh radiance,” says Young. “For a more sculpted effect, use neutral undertone blush on top of the cheekbones. This will lift and shape the face.”