There’s a fun trend circulating on social media right now called “blush blindness”. It’s when you love blush so much, or wear it so frequently, that you lose track of how much you’re actually applying (which, in most cases, seems to be quite a lot). This trend got me thinking about my own relationship with blush – because, like any true make-up enthusiast, I’m obsessed with it.
In my younger years, I leant towards powder formulas, but as I’ve got older, I’ve gradually embraced liquid blush more and more. Now, in my 40s, I’ve found that, sadly, powder blush isn’t always my friend. Instead of lifting and brightening my complexion, it can sometimes leave me looking dry, tired, and flat.
Liquid and cream blushes, on the other hand, offer undeniable freshness. They instantly illuminate the skin and give it a vibrant, healthy look. Everyone looks good with a pretty pop of blush on their cheeks – or, in my case, on the upper and outer cheeks, extending towards the sides of my eyes. After all, it’s about that lift!
Although blush has always been a make-up staple, its popularity has surged over the past year. This is partly because of the flood of new launches and skin-flattering formulas hitting the market. More brands than ever are competing for a spot in your make-up bag, hoping their unique formula or finish will go viral online.
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With so many new iterations available, I’ve embraced my love of blush more than ever. During a recent clear-out of my make-up table, I counted a whopping eight blushes from six different brands – a mix of cream and liquid formulas, with just one powder (Nars Blush in Orgasm – a classic). Of all of them, there are four that I reach for consistently. I love them so much that I sometimes wish I could wear them all at once (who knows, maybe I can? A new trend in the making, perhaps?).
In my opinion, these four blushes are truly the cream of the crop – no pun intended. Their formulas are simply fantastic: blendable, smooth, easy to use, instantly complexion-lifting and all in aesthetically pleasing packaging – always a bonus in my book. They’re so good that I often sigh in satisfaction after applying them – the flush of colour so delightful, the application so enjoyable. Like I said, I’m obsessed.
The first, Huda Beauty Blush Filter (€28 from Boots) is my most recent acquisition. Housed in dinky palm-sized packaging, this packs a serious punch on the skin. The silky smooth formula blends quickly and easily, regardless of whether you use fingers or a brush. There are five shades, but my favourite is the universally appealing Cotton Candy – a fresh, pretty, cool-toned pink.
Next up is Rhode Pocket Blush (€32 from rhodeskin.com). Created by Hailey Bieber, Rhode’s launches consistently impress, and this one is no exception. With its compact packaging, as the name suggests, it easily slips into your pocket. This formula leans more towards cream than liquid, offering a buttery smooth texture and intense pigmentation that leaves a radiant, glowy finish. There are six shades available, and I’m equally smitten with Piggy, a cool baby pink, and Sleepy Girl, a lovely soft mauve.
Then we have Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush (€40 from Space NK). I purchased it because of my long-time love for the original version. Could this be as good as my go-to powder blush – the only one that doesn’t leave me looking like a dehydrated corpse? The answer is a resounding yes. This is one of the lightest liquid blushes I’ve used, the brand describe it as a “soft wash of colour” and I have to agree. This is sheer, fresh and utterly glorious.
And finally, the longest-standing member of my blush collection among the four listed is Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush (€25 from Space NK). A blush formula so adored (and arguably so affordable) that it continues to sell out long after launch. Available in 13 shades, this is pigmented with a capital “P”, You only need a minuscule dot on each cheek for the most intense and stunning flush of colour.
This week I’m loving ... Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair
Tatcha’s Indigo Overnight Repair (€98.90 from Space NK) is a seasonally appropriate choice for the colder months. Lightweight and almost liquid in texture, this exquisite serum-in-moisturiser is designed to be the final step in your night-time skincare routine, helping to intensely calm, soothe, and restore your skin barrier while you sleep.
