Blush is a key element that adds a touch of color and dimension to your overall makeup look. It can help to brighten up your complexion, enhance your face shape, and give your skin the appearance of a healthy glow. The good news is that whether you’re going for a natural makeup look or for a bold, dramatic statement, blush can help you achieve your goals with just a few swipes.
For brides, a good blush will help enhance your natural beauty on your big day. The subtle hint of color on your cheeks will also help accentuate your makeup in photos. Or, if you’re going to a wedding as a guest, blush is a makeup bag essential that you won’t want to leave home without.
To help you find the perfect blush, we reached out to celebrity makeup artists for their tips and product recommendations. “There are no hard rules when it comes to choosing a blush color for your wedding,” says makeup artist Courtney Hart. For consistency, try using something that’s in same color family as your lip color, she adds. From soft beige to bright pinks. there’s an option out there for everyone.
Read on for the best blushes for brides.
One of Hart’s favorites, this matte blush wand is a creamy, long-wearing formula that provides a natural flush of color to the cheeks, which is perfect for the brides who want a subtle pop of color on their big day. The cushion applicator is easy to use and only requires a few dots on the apple of your cheeks. Hart advises choosing a color that fits with the rest of your makeup. “Pink lip? Pick a blush that is in that range—my personal favorite is a rose tone. If you have a more peach or warm lip try a coral or bronze on your cheek.”
Price at time of publish: $42
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Your wedding day blush doesn’t have to be pricey. At under $10, this blush palette is highly pigmented and easily blendable. Plus, Blake loves this palette because it caters to all skin tones and occasions, and she especially loves experimenting with the different shades to create a unique tone.
Price at time of publish: $8
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Many makeup artists love cream blushes, especially for brides. “For your big day, I recommend using a cream blush first to give your skin a natural flushed glow, then apply a powder on top for a pop of color,” says makeup artist Bryony Blake. “By using both, you’re building layers which not only looks beautiful, but also lasts that much longer.”
This particular blush made by Selena Gomez, is a buttery, blendable formula that provides a natural-looking flush of color to the cheeks. The best part is that the formula is lightweight and non-greasy, as well as being suitable for all skin tones.
Price at time of publish: $22
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Bobbi Brown’s powder blush, especially in the Apricot and Nectar shades, flatter a wide range of skin tones. The silky, matte formula blends effortlessly and provides buildable coverage for a natural-looking flush. Infused with Vitamin E, the blush also nourishes and protects the skin. Blake notes that these two shades of blush work better for those with slightly warmer skin tone.
Price at time of publish: $35
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“Wear blush that makes you feel beautiful,” says Blake. This Nars blush in the shade “Orgasm”, is ideal for those with darker skin tones because the formula has a peachy-pink tone with a slight shimmer that makes the skin really glow,” she adds.
Price at time of publish: $32
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As a South Asian woman and a recent bride, I struggled trying to find a blush that enhances my caramel brown skin and suits me without looking overly pink or red. This blush, bronze, and beam is thoughtfully crafted to flatter ever complexion, but it’s especially great for brown skin. All you need is a light application that completely lifts the face and adds long-lasting radiance.
Price at time of publish: $38
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A little shimmer will make you feel like you really are the woman of the hour on your big day. Jouer’s blush duos are powder blushes that come with one matte and one shimmer shade. They’re multifunctional because you can use either powder alone, or pop the shimmer shade on top of the matte one to add beautiful dimension. The shimmer looks especially beautiful in soft reception lighting.
Price at time of publish: $19
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Though there are no rules in selecting a blush, it’s always a good idea to go for one that coordinates with the shades in your lip. For instance, Hart says that if you’re into a pink lip, look for a blush that’s in the rose tone range. Or if your lip color is more in the warmer, peachier range, a coral or bronze on the cheeks will further enhance your features. This range of shades work on many skin tones, but especially flatter those with lighter complexion. Our personal favorite? “The Golden Hour”—we promise you won’t be disappointed.
Price at time of publish: $29
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Brides may opt to use a liquid blush—it lasts longer and blends easily into the skin, so your makeup looks glamorous all day long. This liquid blush won’t dry out your complexion, but instead leaves a dewy finish. All you need to do is use a little bit of product on your fingers (or a brush) and slowly glide it across your cheeks.
Price at time of publish: $12
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This clever palette is a one-stop-shop. You can either use the colors on their own or mix them to create your own unique shade (depending on your mood and outfit). The shades are gel based and leave a soft, velvety finish on the skin. Plus, you can also use them as lip stains, so your entire look is established with just one palette.
Price at time of publish: $50
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These blushes give off a warm, natural glow. The formula is made with a Swedish technology that creates a softening effect on pores and fine lines, while still hydrating the skin. This is one of Hart’s favorite formulas for brides, since it contains ingredients that absorb oil throughout the day.
Price at time of publish: $25
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Look, we’re all about simplifying life. That means that if your wedding dress has a pocket, you can carry this blush in a stick for a touch-up if needed. The cream blush blends easily onto the skin, providing a natural look and radiant glow.
Price at time of publish: $25
What to Look for in Blushes for a Wedding
Finish
The type of blush you use depends on whether you’re looking for a dewy or matte finish. A dewy finish often leaves a “glow” or luminous look, whereas matte finish is often a powdery texture and non-reflective. The type may depend on your outfit, skin type, or overall look you are going for.
Pigment
Pigmentation in any product is important, but especially for blush—more pigment means less product required on your actual face. This can help you save money over time since the product will last longer in your makeup bag.
Staying Power
The staying power of blush depends on the quality of the product, but in general, it’s important to know the type of skin you have (dry, oily, or a combination of both) and find products that align accordingly. Always set the makeup with a spray so that the staying power is prolonged.
Meet the Expert
Courtney Hart is a celebrity makeup artist based in Los Angeles. Hart started her career working in retail, where she learned about different skin types and concerns. Her celebrity clients include Kristen Bell, Kaley Cuoco, Glenn Close and Hilary Duff.
Bryony Blake is a celebrity makeup artist and presenter on the UK television show “This Morning.” She has a degree in Theatrical and Media Makeup and has been in the beauty industry for over 20 years.
Why Trust Brides
Pooja Shah is a Beauty and Fashion Writer for Brides. She has more than four years of journalism experience writing about beauty, fashion, wellness, and weddings.