With Milk Makeup offering three different blush formulas in a fun spectrum of colors, you might be wondering what the best blush shades for your skin tone are. Let us assure you, you’ve got options. There’s no reason to be wary of blush anymore—the days of chalky, powdery blushes in stark shades of fuchsia and watermelon are long gone.
Powder blush formulas have improved over the years and there are also new kinds of formulas available, some of which we’ve used to create our best blush products. On our roster: Lip + Cheek (a cream blush), Cooling Water Jelly Tint (a sheer stain), and Bionic Blush (our liquid blush). A dreamy, natural flush and healthy glow has never been easier to achieve with these superstar formulas.
Below, Milk Makeup’s Director of Artistry Sara Wren shares the best blush shades for each skin tone from all of our fan-favorite blush formula ranges. But before we dive into that, remember: Any skin tone can wear any blush shade. There isn’t an exact science to picking the most flattering color for you. Instead, it’s mostly a matter of preference. But if you need extra guidance, here’s how to make our best blushes work for each individual skin tone.
What blush shades work best for fair skin?
If you’re looking for the best blush colors for fair skin, consider Smirk from the Lip + Cheek lineup. The soft, rosy hue has a glimmering sheen that’s perfect for a natural flush. This cream blush is ideal for anyone who loves Werk, one of our bestsellers, Sara shares. “Smirk is essentially the same shade but with a shot of shimmer like a built-in highlighter.” Not into glitter? Try Bionic Blush in Infinity instead. It will give you the same natural flush—just with a hydrated, dewy finish that looks incredible, especially on mature skin.
If your complexion has cool undertones, the TikTok-favorite Cooling Water Jelly Tint in Splash gives cheeks a stunning watercolor wash of berry. Those with warm undertones, on the other hand, will love the blush tint in Spritz for a coral-hued pop of color.
What blush shades work for medium skin tones?
The world is your metaphorical oyster if your skin tone falls into the medium category. You can choose whatever fits your mood or matches your overall makeup look, including, but not limited to, apricots, rosy pinks, and juicy berry blush shades.
But if you’re specifically seeking a natural flush, Lip + Cheek in Enigma is a sure bet. “It’s a cream blush in a gorgeous rosy beige with a clear base,” Sara says, “so it blends well across many skin tones.” You can also play up your warm undertones with Cooling Water Jelly Tint in Spritz.
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What blush shades work for olive skin tones?
Olive skin tones tend to lean more neutral than their counterparts, as they contain a balance of pink and yellow undertones. So truly, anything goes. (Noticing a pattern?) The best blush shade for olive skin tones is whatever your heart desires.
We will give you some suggestions regardless—one blush color we love for olive skin tones is Muse from the Lip + Cheek range. Its true deep burgundy hue gives cheeks a healthy glow, Sara says. Olive tones can also try Bionic Blush in Teleport (pastel coral), which gives skin a sunkissed effect, while Cooling Water Jelly Tint in Burst is wonderful for a vibrant poppy pink blush moment.
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What blush shades work for dark skin?
As long as it’s pigmented enough, people with dark skin tones can wear just about any shade too—even the lighter pinks that may get written off as being too subtle or ashy for deep skin at first glance. Just make sure you’re choosing a light color that is also bright, like our Lip + Cheek in Rally. It’s a bubblegum-y mauve with a shimmer that blends like a dream on deeper skin tones. You can also experiment with Cooling Water Jelly Tint in Burst for a sheer, popsicle-stained vibe. Both pink shades complement deep skin tones beautifully.
If you have neutral or cool undertones, you can't miss our Lip + Cheek in Smirk, a versatile dusty rose, or Bionic Blush in Fly, a ruby-red shade that can carry a whole makeup look on its own—no eyeshadow or bronzer needed. Cooling Water Jelly Tint in Chill (red) is also the perfect blush for this vibe.
Another amazing option for dark skin tones: purple blush. Lip + Cheek in Quickie or Bionic Blush in Beyond are great shades to use if this is the look you’re going for. Also—don’t sleep on Jelly Tint in Splash, a purpley-pink berry shade.
How to choose between-warm and cool-toned blush colors
The best blush shades aren’t limited to one specific tone category. Warm-toned apricots, moody mauves, peachy pinks, and rich plums can be just as flattering as any red, pink, and dark berry hues in the cool tone family, regardless of skin tone. Unlike foundation and concealer, which you want to mimic your natural skin tone, blush is supposed to serve as a fun, playful pop of color.
Your undertones can offer guidance when it comes to choosing a blush shade, but it’s not the be-all, end-all. Many of our blushes were purposefully formulated to work across all skin tones. Werk, in particular, is a no-brainer for just about every complexion. “It’s a magic shade because it’s right down the middle,” Sara explains. “Not too warm, not too cool. Not too bold, not too sheer! You can wear it with a bold smokey eye or as a blush with a bold red lip,” Sara says.
At the end of the day, though, the right blush shade for you is the one you want to wear over and over again.
Meet the Expert:
Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.
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