How To Pick the Right Blush for Your Skin Tone

If you’re trying to figure out how to find the right blush color for your features, there are two things you’ll want to determine first: your skin tone and your undertone. Skin tone refers to how light or deep your skin’s pigment appears and is typically classified as fair, medium, olive, or deep. Undertone, on the other hand, refers to your skin’s overall tint, which can be cool, warm, or neutral.

It doesn’t take much to figure out your skin tone—all you really need to do is look in the mirror and determine whether your skin appears light, dark, or if it falls somewhere between the two. Undertones are a bit different. One of the easiest ways to figure out your undertone is to take a look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones. A greenish tint, on the other hand, is typically indicative of warm undertones. If you see a mix of both blue and green, or if the color is not distinct, you likely have neutral undertones.

At this point, you’re likely still wondering, “What color blush is right for me?” While there are no hard-and-fast rules you need to follow (makeup is about experimentation!), you’ll generally enjoy the most flattering results with a hue that matches your skin’s undertones. So if you have cool skin, you’ll want to opt for a cool-toned blush. Warmer blush hues complement warm skin well. Those with neutral undertones have the flexibility to play with a broader spectrum of shades—lucky you!

Below, we’ll explain more about how to pick a blush for your skin tone and introduce you to some of our favorite formulas for a gorgeous-looking flush.

The Best Blush for Fair Skin

The most flattering blushes for fair skin tones tend to be those that add a subtle wash of color without overpowering your lighter features. In general, you’ll want to steer clear of rich, highly saturated shades and stick with softer hues, such as pale pinks and peaches.

In our experience, the best blushes for pale skin with cool undertones fall into the light, muted pink category. The NYX Professional Makeup Buttermelt Blush in For The Butta is one of our favorites—it’s a soft, rosy hue that complements lighter complexions beautifully.

If your skin leans warmer, try a soft peach blush, such as the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush in Glowy Gold Pink, which features subtle golden flecks for a natural, glowy-looking finish.

Neutral undertones benefit from versatile shades that balance warmth and coolness, so Valentino Liquirosso 2 in 1 Lip & Blush Soft Matte Color in After Club is among our top picks. The peachy hue is soft enough for fair skin and provides a subtle wash of color that you can easily build to your desired intensity.

The Best Blush for Medium Skin

Medium skin tones have the versatility to pull off a wide array of blush shades, each enhancing the richness of your complexion. The best blush for tan skin will usually be something light in tone but saturated enough to “pop” on your skin.

For medium skin with cool undertones, dusty rose shades, such as the Lancôme Blush Subtil Powder Blush in Rose Fresque, are stunning. This medium-toned rose hue adds a fresh-looking flush that complements the cooler tones in your skin.

Earthier corals and apricots are ideal for those with medium skin and warmer undertones, as they help to accentuate your skin’s natural golden cast. For a beachy, sun-kissed effect, you can also try a bronzer/blush hybrid, such as the IT Cosmetics Glow With Confidence Sun Cream Blush in Sun Warmth.

To add a flattering flush of color to neutral medium-toned skin, look for a vibrant, deep pink or even red blush that you can build to your desired intensity. The YSL Beauty NU Lip & Cheek Balmy Tint in Nu Flush fits the bill—plus, it doubles as a sheer tinted lip balm.

The Best Blush for Olive Skin

Choosing a blush color for olive skin can be tricky because this skin tone can be fair or deeper in tone. What all olive skin has, however, is a slight golden or greenish undertone that lends it a natural warmth. Muted hues with subtle warmth tend to be the most flattering picks for those with this skin tone.

If you have muted undertones—which is the olive skin equivalent of having cool skin—you’ll typically fare best with equally muted hues. Consider reaching for a soft, dusky pink blush, such as the Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel-Cream Blush in Nude Burn.

Those with a more prominent golden tone in their skin can try a terracotta hue, such as the NYX Professional Makeup Buttermelt Blush in Feeling Butta. This warm, summery shade enhances the golden warmth in olive skin, giving a sun-kissed, radiant look that feels effortless.

Finally, for those with neutral olive skin, earthier blushes are a great way to add definition to your features without an overly saturated pop of color. We love the IT Cosmetics Sun Cream Blush in Sunray as the soft brick-red shade bridges the gap between a bronzer and a blush and leaves the skin looking naturally sun-kissed.

The Best Blush for Dark Skin

If you have a deep skin tone, it’s typically best to stick with bold, rich shades, as lighter hues could wash out your complexion (or simply fail to show up as well as you’d hoped).

Cool-toned dark skin stuns in pinkish-purple and plum shades. Try it out with the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Glow Blush in Mystery. The rich, dusky plum hue is perfect for giving your cheeks a flattering, natural-looking wash of color.

Those with warmer undertones fare especially well with bold, vibrant blush hues, such as red. A rich, fiery crimson blush, like the Urban Decay Hydromaniac Dewy Liquid Blush in Red Flag, can help bring out the golden tones in your skin and give you a radiant, sun-kissed glow.

If your skin is deep but neither overly cool nor warm, try a dark brick red shade. The Valentino Liquirosso 2 in 1 Lip & Blush Soft Matte Color in Undressed Velvet is among our favorites for a pop of color on the cheeks—and the hydrating matte formula makes for the perfect statement red lip, too.

Who Does Purple Blush Look Good On?

Anyone can wear purple blush, as long as you choose the right shade for your skin. Anything too dark could result in a flush that’s less fresh-faced, more bruised (and we’re guessing that’s not the effect you’re after).

Those with fairer skin typically fare best with pastel purples, as they’re soft enough to not overpower your complexion. The YSL Beauty Make Me Blush Liquid Blush in 69 gets our vote—it’s the perfect lavender shade for a fresh-faced finish. Deeper mauves are ideal for those with medium skin, as they’re not too dark nor too light. Try it out with the Urban Decay Hydromaniac Dewy Liquid Blush in Unhinged (you can build up the pigment for a bolder effect if desired).

For olive skin, we recommend sticking with pink-leaning purples that aren’t too saturated. We’re big fans of the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Glow Blush in Ecstasy. The satiny blush looks bright fuschia in the package, but applies like a dream to deliver a soft wash of gorgeous, glowy color. And if you have a deep skin tone, berry shades were made for you. We love the way the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Blush in Legendary Berry brightens and enhances deeper skin tones.

What Color of Blush Looks Good on Everyone?

While your ideal blush shade depends on your unique skin tone and undertone, there are some universally flattering colors that work for a wide range of complexions. A mid-toned rose is one such example—it’s soft enough that it won’t overpower fairer complexions, but rich enough to flatter medium and deep skin tones. Peachy pinks are also widely flattering, thanks to their equal mix of cool pink and warmer orange undertones. This hue is especially flattering if you’re looking to fake a natural beachy glow. Finally, mauves tend to look great on most complexions, especially if you’re seeking a more subtle flushed effect.

At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is that the best blush is the one you like best. We encourage you to experiment with different shades and formulas until you find a blush that makes you feel like the very best version of yourself.

Next Up: How to Apply Blush to Complement Your Face Shape