Beauty 13 Blushes That Will Give You the Season's Signature Winter Flush Achieve that romantic, just-in-from-the-cold look. By Audrey Noble Audrey Noble Twitter Audrey is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Published on December 29, 2021 10:00AM EST Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: Courtesy of Sephora Blush is having a renaissance. The multi-faceted makeup product is everyone's current go-to for defining cheekbones and provides that enviable glowing flush—especially during the colder winter months, when wind-whipped skin is "in." Luckily, there are countless options to choose from, but where to start? Before you shop, understand where to put your blush for that cold-weather glow—this is key. "I would suggest applying it on the apples of your cheek," says Naseeha Khan, makeup artist and co-founder of CTZN Cosmetics. "To lift your cheekbones, apply the blush to your cheek's highest points and apply in an upwards motion." Blush also comes in a myriad of shades, undertones, and textures, so it's important to find the right one for your skin tone and preference. Your application method matters, too: According to Khan, powder blush is best used with a fluffy brush, liquid iterations are best patted on with your fingers, and blush sticks work well with a damp beauty sponge. As for finding the right hue for your skin tone? We have you (and your cheeks!) covered. Ahead, Khan breaks down which colors are best and offers some of her favorite blush formulas to date. The Ultimate Makeup Application Order, According to Several Experts Fair Skin: NARS Courtesy of Sephora fair skin tones Khan recommends baby pink shades for those with fair skin tones; this creates a natural flush. This fan-favorite hue from NARS is a classic. The soft pink boasts a slight shimmer finish that goes on seamlessly and imparts a winter-ready glow. Shop Now: NARS Blush in Orgasm, $30, sephora.com. Fair Skin: Glossier Courtesy of Glossier This gel-cream blush is buildable, so you can control the color's opacity. Puff is a light pink with cool undertones and has special blurring pigments for a smooth application. Shop Now: Glossier Cloud Paint in Puff, $18, glossier.com. Fair Skin: Saie Courtesy of Sephora supple hydration One of the best clean blush options on the market, Saie's Dew Blush provides vibrant color with a glossy, wind-whipped finish. The nourishing formula has mulberry and primrose extracts to fade pigmentation and provide supple hydration. Shop Now: Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Blush in Rosy, $22, sephora.com. Medium Skin: Mented Courtesy of Mented Cosmetics If you have a medium to olive skin tone, Khan says to look for peach blush shades for a subtle winter flush. "The hue allows the cheeks to look sculpted, while still embracing a hint of color," she says. This shade from Mented is highly pigmented, so you can define your face with just a dab—and it has a shimmer finish. Shop Now: Mented Blush in Peach For The Stars, $22, mentedcosmetics.com. Medium Skin: Rare Beauty Courtesy of Sephora One of Khan's personal picks? This liquid formula from Rare Beauty. "It is amazing in terms of pigmentation and staying power," she says. Joy is a muted peach that offers a radiant sheen. Shop Now: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Joy, $20, sephora.com. Medium Skin: Makeup By Mario Courtesy of Sephora brush applicator This dual-ended blush has a cream stick on one side and a brush applicator on the other. The formula's sheer, buildable, coral-hued coverage has a glossy look and delivers a dewy complexion. Shop Now: Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Blush Stick in Soft Coral, $28, sephora.com. Dark Skin: Tower 28 Courtesy of Credo Beauty For tan to dark skin, Khan suggests looking for blushes in berry hues, which complement these complexions—and provide that in-from-the-cold look. This cheek and lip balm has optimal color payoff and lasts all day. Shop Now: Tower 28 BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush in After Hours, $20, credobeauty.com. Dark Skin: Jones Road Courtesy of Jones Road lovely on lips Royal Plum looks as lovely on lips as it does on cheeks—put it in both places for a wash of jammy monochrome color. Shop Now: Jones Road Lip and Cheek Stick in Royal Plum, $34, jonesroad.com. Dark Skin: Freck Beauty Courtesy of Sephora Another two-in-one product, this liquid tint is lightweight, but still provides loads of color to impart that winter flush. Jam Sesh is a deep berry hue with a dry finish—so it's best for those who prefer a matte blush. Shop Now: Freck Beauty Cheekslime Blush + Lip Tint in Jam Sesh, $22, sephora.com. Dark Skin: Dior Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue darker skin tones Looking for something with a redder base? This shade from Dior—a dark pink berry—pops against darker skin tones. Shop Now: Dior Couture Colour Long-Wear Powder Blush in 999, $44, saksfifthavenue.com. Deep Skin: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Courtesy of Sephora According to Khan, those with deeper complexions should look for coral-inspired shades to get that winter flush ("Think tangerine," she says). Fuego Flush is a bright, sheer color that goes onto cheeks easily sans that greasy feel. Shop Now: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Fuego Flush, $20, sephora.com. Deep Skin: Armani Beauty Courtesy of Sephora sheer coverage For a more subtle glow, turn to this water-based liquid blush from Armani. The coral hue provides sheer coverage and leaves a hydrated finish. Shop Now: Armani Beauty Neo Nude A-Line Liquid Blush in 31 Coral, $36, sephora.com. Deep Skin: Milk Makeup Courtesy of Sephora Vibrant and glossy, this liquid blush has a creamy texture and buildable color payoff. Its formula, which includes mushroom and other plant-derived extracts, evens out skin and provides moisture. Shop Now: Milk Makeup Bionic Liquid Blush in Teleport, $20, sephora.com. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit