Blush is one of those things most of us either love or misunderstand. And if you have dark skin, you know that finding the perfect blush isn’t as simple as browsing the beauty aisles for five minutes. When it comes to melanin-rich skin tones, it’s all about color and undertones that flatter brown skin instead of making it look ashy or gray. So if you’re on the hunt for the perfect blush for your deep skin, look no further. Ahead, we've rounded up a definitive guide to the best blushes you can get your hands on.
How We Found The Best Blush For Dark Skin
In order to make sure we found the best blush melanin-approved blushes out there, we used our algorithm: a data-driven approach to ranking products on the internet, unique to Rank & Style. From deep reds and bronzy pinks to multitasking berries that work on the eyes and lips too, we’re confident there’s a reviewer-approved blush on our list for you. All you have to do to find it is keep scrolling.
Next up, check out the 10 Best Foundations For Dark Skin. Opening image: sephora.com
January 14, 2022
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Rituel De Fille Inner Glow Crème Pigment In Frenzy
Overall Score
3.56
10
Rituel De Fille Inner Glow Crème Pigment In Frenzy
4.6
175 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Multitasking
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: The deep red cream that is Frenzy couldn't be more perfect for brown skin, and the fact that the formula is multitasking makes it even better. The all-in-one compact looks stunning on eyes, lips, and cheeks, and the dewy, subtly shimmer finish is to-die-for.
USER REVIEW: "These cream blushes perform so magically. If you're looking for a stunning cream blush that doesn't lean too emollient, this is for you. I especially love that I can use it wherever—cheeks, lips, eyes, etc."
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Cruelty Free
Mented Cosmetics Blush In Berried Away
Overall Score
3.56
09
Mented Cosmetics Blush In Berried Away
4.8
645 User Reviews
2.9
Best Seller
3.5
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Buildable
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: If anyone can pull off beautiful blush for dark skin, it's Mented Cosmetics. The company was founded on the idea that it shouldn't be hard for women to find makeup staples that flatter their skin tone, no matter how light or dark it may be. The shade Berried Away is proof—it's bright and stunning on even the darkest skin tones and won't dull down the complexion's natural glow.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This blush is available in three other melanin-approved shades: Clay Too Much, Peach For The Stars, and Pinky Promise.
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Cruelty Free
Ilia Multi-Stick Cheek & Lip In A Fine Romance
Overall Score
3.59
08
Ilia Multi-Stick Cheek & Lip In A Fine Romance
4.53
3637 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Stick
WHAT IT DOES: Not only does Ilia's Multi-Stick work double-duty as a blush and lip color, but it's also packed with skincare benefits. It doesn't just sit on top of your cheeks—it drenches them in moisture thanks to nourishing avocado oil and cocoa butter. The result? A gorgeous, dewy flush and ultra-hydrated skin.
APPLICATION TIP: Ilia's Multi-Sticks are perfect for nailing monochrome makeup looks. After swiping one across your lips and cheeks, add some to your lids and the bridge of your nose, too.
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Made In Usa
Cruelty Free
Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush In Summertime Wine
Overall Score
3.61
07
Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush In Summertime Wine
4.42
1861 User Reviews
4.2
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Sheer
WHO IT'S FOR: Cream blush can feel intimidating if you've never used one before, but Cheeks Out couldn't be easier to work with. The light-as-air formula is sheer, blendable, and impossible to overdo, and each shade effortlessly melts into the skin for a no-fuss, natural-looking flush. Even better? It's sweat- and water-resistant.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Made by Riri herself, each blush in the Cheeks Out Freestyle line was made to look stunning on every skin tone. However, Summertime Wine is a crowd-favorite amongst women of color.
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Cruelty Free
Dior Rouge Blush In 999
Overall Score
3.62
06
Dior Rouge Blush In 999
4.7
175 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Luxury
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: First off, this luxurious blush couldn't have a more impressive formula. It's long-lasting, irresistibly radiant, and provides the prettiest, healthiest glow. But to top it all off, 999 is that perfect do-it-all shade that works just as well on workdays as it does for evenings out.
WHO IT'S FOR: Makeup artists love this particular formula for those with textured skin—the matte finish will expertly blur and smooth imperfections.
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Glossier Cloud Paint In Haze
Overall Score
3.63
05
Glossier Cloud Paint In Haze
4.6
3800 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Blurring
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: No matter how light or deep your brown skin is, Glossier's Cloud Paint in Haze simply works. It looks super bright in the tube, but once it's applied, it leaves this subtle but beautiful, lit-from-within glow.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Cloud Paint is formulated with special blurring pigments, so it provides a soft-focus effect that won't accentuate texture, pores, or imperfections.
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Cruelty Free
Rare Beauty By Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush In Grateful
Overall Score
3.66
04
Rare Beauty By Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush In Grateful
4.5
2229 User Reviews
4.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Liquid
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: One of Rare Beauty's inaugural products, Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is practically foolproof to apply. Highly pigmented and blendable, it works well whether you want just a drop for a sheer wash of color or a few dabs for a bold, beautiful flush.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This blush is available in both matte and dewy finishes, all in shades made to flatter every skin tone.
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Cruelty Free
Milani Baked Blush In Luminoso
Overall Score
3.67
03
Milani Baked Blush In Luminoso
4.51
22340 User Reviews
4.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Drugstore
WHO IT'S FOR: With its luminous, pigmented finish and subtle shade, Milani's Baked Blush in Luminoso is perfect for those seeking a super wearable, everyday blush. A few swipes will give your cheeks a natural, no-makeup-makeup flush you can always count on. Oh, and did we mention it's under $10?
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Luminoso is known for looking incredibly similar to Nars's cult-favorite blush in the shade Orgasm.
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Cruelty Free
MAC Cosmetics Powder Blush In Coppertone
Overall Score
3.74
02
MAC Cosmetics Powder Blush In Coppertone
4.64
2196 User Reviews
4.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Shimmer
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: You may haven't seen a beach in ages, but Coppertone will make your complexion look otherwise. A bronzy, warm-toned shimmer, the shade will instantly liven up the skin with a fresh, just-back-from-Bali glow.
APPLICATION TIP: You can skip the bronzer when you use this blush—it has enough glow and warmth to do both jobs.
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Nars Blush In Exhibit A
Overall Score
3.86
01
Nars Blush In Exhibit A
4.69
22200 User Reviews
5.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Overall
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Exhibit A may look intimidating in the compact, but it will give even the deepest of brown skin tones a gorgeous, sun-baked flush. According to one reviewer with ebony skin, this blush was made for melanin.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This blush is super blendable. For a softer look, use your fingers to give your cheeks a light dusting. For something a little bolder, use a big fluffy brush instead.
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