The vanity-obsessed might agree with us here: there’s a foolproof, go-to formula for when we find ourselves time-starved in the morning. The no-skip skincare and sunscreen steps, the dotting of concealer on those crucial spots, the usual brows to draw in. That handy lip tint is already in a secure section of our purses and handbags—and can be swiped on at any time. But when time is not a luxury, the surefire answer lies unassumingly still in your vanity pouch. Recall: the star power of a blush.
Blushes hold the unparalleled ability to whip up a dreamy countenance instantly, imbued by the softest touch of its powder or cream formula on the cheeks. An instant flush of colour, for a healthy, radiant glow worthy of bringing an everyday look together. Yet for the melanin-rich, finding the right shade that actually makes your visage pop proves to be a trying challenge at times. After all, darker skin tones often collide with the worry of having a blush run too pearlescent or pale on one’s skin, hence straying far from producing the desired effect of a blush.
So from one darker-skinned soul to the next, the unanimous advice will be to opt for bright, vivacious blushes that will actually make for a stellar showing on your cheek line. More muted, rich hues such as deep wines, flirty violets and bronzer-browns will also deliver on the much-needed pigment. And as for the texture? No harm in going in with a cream blush before setting it down with another layer of powdered blush—should you be really wanting to amp up on the look. Of course, if time is of the essence, a striking pan of fiery pink, bold terracotta or spicy red will do the job once piled onto your cheeks.
See our shortlist of blushes for dark skin—from a cream pick off Anastasia Beverly Hills’s shelf to a highly-pigmented option from Pat McGrath Labs—down below.
1 / 8
Nars Blush
Should you be hoping for a more muted colour dive, consider this Nars option for a mauve colour crush on your cheeks. In its powder base, speckles of gold are strewn throughout—making for a soft, luminous highlight when swiped upwards on the cheekbone.
Nars Blush, $53, available at Sephora.
2 / 8
Nudestix Nudies All Over Face
If we’re talking portability and ease of application, this Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Colour is one we’ll take everywhere we go. In terms of the choice of shade, we’re opting for the Moodie Blu, a creamy gem that gives to a vivid purple-pink combination when applied to one’s darker countenance. Don’t be afraid of using it to add on some colour to your lids or pout as well.
Nudestix Nudies All Over Face, $42, available at LookFantastic.
3 / 8
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush
Who better to turn to than Queen Riri herself for the ultimate make-up formula when it comes to the melanin-endowed? The Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush shows up like a dream when applied to one’s brown visage and is textured to just the right degree for a light, smooth application.
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush, $38, available at Sephora
4 / 8
Mac Cosmetics Glow Play Blush
Make no mistake that this flirty offering from Mac Cosmetics will get you in the mood for love. This energetic Groovy shade is an addictive enigma—with its creamy pigment that glows all the more as you build up on the layers, be it with a brush or your fingers for a more natural touch.
Mac Cosmetics Glow Play Blush, $56, available at Sephora.
5 / 8
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
There’s no denying the cult status of Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. With its glorious liquid formulation that packs a punch with just two dots of colour on each cheek, the tubular magic makes for a necessary addition to our list. But sans its pigmentation, its array of hue offerings is also one to note—and this Faith shade will render its wearer with a rich, velvety swipe for that sultry glow.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, $39, available at Sephora.
6 / 8
Anastasia Beverly Hills Cream Bronzer
If you’re melanin-rich yourself, you’ll be sure to know that a bronzer works its own charm when it comes to dark skin—doubling up as a blush on its own. Rather than just a usual bronzer glaze however, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Cream Bronzer offers an impressive range of shades for different skin tones. Some, like this particular Warm Tan option would lend a golden flush to one’s cheekbones whilst another option like the Sun Kissed pick might fare better for a more natural undertone.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Cream Bronzer, $56, available at Sephora.
7 / 8
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Divine Blush
In a single glance, it’s easy to see why this Pat McGrath Labs number can be counted on to deliver. Apart from all its embossed glory, the pan offers an instant flush of colour through its powdered formula, which also makes for an easy pile-on when you’re rushing out the door in the early hours of day.
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Divine Blush, $59, available at Sephora.
8 / 8
Huda Beauty Cheeky Tint Blush Stick
A swipe of this Rebel Red pick from Huda Beauty’s range of Cheeky Tint Blush sticks will be one to be reckoned with; pat it in, add a strobe of highlight and there you have it: a sun-kissed glow that’ll brighten up any dull day.
Huda Beauty Cheeky Tint Blush Stick, $40, available at Sephora
