7 Best Drugstore Liquid Blushes for Flushed Cheeks And Sun-Kissed Glow

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Mar 12, 2024
Drugstore Liquid Blushes for Flushed Cheeks And Sun-Kissed Glow
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Dot. Dab. Blend. Using the best drugstore liquid blush with three simple steps, you can unlock the enchantment of the most natural wash of color on your cheeks. A fresh glow dipped in dewy liquids is exactly how these bottled blushers appear on the skin. Popularized by beauty CEOs, Hollywood celebs, and makeup artists, liquid blushes have found a permanent spot in many makeup collections. 

These buttery blends melt into the skin, imparting a seamless radiance and a naturally plump look. Petal pink, berry tints, peachy pops, mocha hues, soft mauves, and many more shades are to be found under the vast range of drugstore blush brands that are at par with high-end picks. 

Based on our expertise, we hand-picked the top-tier liquid blushes after testing them for their texture, lasting power, finish, formula, and application. Some of our easy picks from the drugstore shelves are top-rated blushes from much-loved brands like Maybelline New York, e.l.f, and NYX Professional Makeup. Keep reading to check out our wholesome blush guide.

7 Best Liquid Blushes

Nothing beats the sun-kissed and flushed cheeks look imparted by the iconic Cheek Heat from MAYBELIINE’s freshest blush range.  This lightweight and water-based gel-cream blush is all about creating a naturally flushed finish. Available in six sheer shades that are universally flattering on every skin tone, the tube blush is an easy pick. As you blend and build the cream on your skin, it seamlessly settles in, exuding a fresh, soft, and dewy effect.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Sheer finish
  • Buildable
  • True skin finish
  • Natural glow
Cons
  • Less quantity
  • Best Vibrant Colors

    MILANI Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush

    MILANI Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush
  • Truly a gentle kiss on the cheeks, this liquid blush has a blendable and buildable formula, offering a lovely sheer finish. Exuding an immaculately natural glow, the MILANI creamy blush is imbued with the fruity and floral goodness of pomegranate, rose extract, and watermelon. It is a lightweight and multi-purpose emollient that can be used on cheeks and lips for the perfect tint of freshness and a flushed glow. Ranging from candy pink to bright coral, there are six shades to choose from.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Highly pigmented
    • Vibrant colors
    • Affordable
    • Suitable for all skin tones
    Cons
    • The application can be tricky
  • Best With Multiple Finishes

    SHEGLAM Color Bloom Liquid Blush

     SHEGLAM Color Bloom Liquid Blush
  • The SHEGLAM liquid blush became a trending buzzword on Tiktok’s beauty FYP and for all the right reasons. Available in two primary finishes — matte and glowy, this blusher will swoon you over, whatever your choice may be. The lightweight whip-up is easy to apply with its inbuilt and spot-on sponge applicator. Adding on, the pigmented fusion of vitamin C and antioxidants brightens, softens, and hydrates the skin. There is a wide range of hues and tints that you can pick from, to achieve naturally flushed cheeks or a dash of dramatic makeup.

    Pros
    • Budget-friendly
    • Long-lasting wear
    • Wide shade range
    • Multiple finishes
    • Blendable
    Cons
    • None
  • Best Blendable Formula

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Sweet Cheeks

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Sweet Cheeks
  • Whether you aim for a flushed look, a snatched-lifted countenance, or plump cheeks, this cream blush will cater to all your blush dreams with its ultra-blendable and creamy formula. The velvety emollient is lightweight on the skin and gives a tinted effect for a natural finish. The NYX Professional Makeup’s Sweet Cheeks is also buildable, so you can add on for a dramatic or bold appearance. From warm to cool tones, and rosy pinks to mocha nudes, six lovely shades match every skin tone for a cheeky look.

    Pros
    • Little goes a long way
    • Lit-from-within look
    • Blendable
    • Highly pigmented
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Might fade
  • Most Dewy Effect

    REVOLUTION Superdewy Liquid Blush

    REVOLUTION Superdewy Liquid Blush
  • A fresh wash of color on cheeks with a super dewy and glowy finish! What’s not to love? Revolution’s Superdewy Liquid Blush works like a charm for anyone who loves a tinted radiance and that lit-from-within look. The range of five true skin colors is intensely pigmented, easy to blend, and offers a buildable coverage for a supremely natural finish. Only a pea-sized amount is required to blend in on the cheeks for a quick glam effect.

    Pros
    • Stays put
    • Highly pigmented
    • Little goes a long way
    • Budget-friendly
    • Great coverage
    Cons
    • Can feel thick
  • Best Hydrating Formula

    e.l.f. Halo Glow Beauty Wand

    e.l.f. Halo Glow Beauty Wand
  • This drugstore-beloved is our favorite too! e.l.f. Halo Glow Beauty Wand is just the right pick for adding a pop of color to your cheeks with a radiant complexion and luminous glow.  The glossy liquid is enriched with 2% squalane that delivers a bout of hydration to the skin and enhances the blendability. It features a cushion tip applicator which allows for precise application and ease of liquid disposal. The indulgent range of four shades has the finest colors to match every skin tone for a flushed look.

    Pros
    • Clean formula
    • Cruelty-free
    • Glowy finish
    • Affordable
    • Blends smoothly
    Cons
    • May fade
  • Best For Radiant Skin

    saie Dew Blush

    saie Dew Blush
  • A hint of fresh and tinted glow combined with skincare ingredients is the primary deliverable of Dew Blush by saie. The creamy, gel-based emollient is enriched with mulberry extract for a brightening effect, elderberry extracts for imparting radiance, and evening primrose extract for nourishment and a soothing feel. Offering a luminosity with natural and tinted finish, all the six beautiful colors in this collection are buildable for a perfect finish. The warm and cool-toned blushes are a match for every skin complexion.

    Pros
    • No patchiness
    • Moisturizing effects
    • Protects skin
    • Easy to blend
    • Glowy flush
    • Highly pigmented
    Cons
    • Not very long-lasting

    Today, one can find drugstore liquid blushes delivering results as good as luxe and high-end products. Like every beauty product, there are endless options offered by multiple brands that make the selection an overwhelming process. Find below expert-recommended tips on finding your best pick.

    How to Choose a Drugstore Liquid Blush?

    • Skin type and finish: Liquid blushes are hydrating, tinted emollients that melt into the skin giving it a flushed glow. This makes the lightweight liquids suitable for all skin types. However, you must pay attention to the finish of the blush. If you are into highlights and a glam look, then go for a shimmery or glossy finish. Those with oily and combination skin can go for a matte finish, in order to avoid any shine. For a sun-kissed, sheer, and skin-like appearance, go for a natural finish. If you have acne-prone skin, look for options that are non-acnegenic, and non-comedgenic. Dry and sensitive skin types must look for hypoallergenic and nourishing ingredients. 
    • Shades: Some colors will suit a particular skin tone more than others, these befitting shades exude a naturally flushed glow. With the right shade in hand, you can amp up your makeup game in a hot minute. For deeper skin complexion, vibrant and vivid colors like magenta pinks, cherry reds, corals, etc look super chic. The dynamic duo of spicy red with tangy oranges, like the terracotta or other muted shades are proven to lend the dark skin a lovely sun-kissed radiance. When it comes to warm warm-toned medium or light skin complexion, a contrasting cool-toned blush like the rosy pink or sweet plums and peachy shades will create an exotic and well-polished look. 
    • Application: The ideal liquid blush should be super easy to blend, offer good coverage, and stay put for long hours. Opt for blushes that fit into these parameters. Check the labels and read the reviews before leaping your new favorite blush.

    How to Use a Drugstore Liquid Blush?

    Follow these basic guidelines to apply liquid blush like a pro:

    1. SkinPrep: Any kind of blush, be it liquid, cream, or powder is generally applied after finishing off the base. Begin prepping the skin with skincare, followed by a primer and topped with foundation. Lastly, you can use a concealer, before dabbing on blush.

    2. Dot Application: You can use the applicator to place two to three dots aligned with your cheekbones.

    3. Blend: Now, using your fingertips, a brush, or a blending sponge, begin dabbing and blending the blush into the skin.

    Pro Tip: You can match the blush with your lipstick or apply a bit on your nose for a naturally flushed look. Spritz some makeup spray to seal your makeup and make it budge-proof. 

    Conclusion

    For a truly seamless and natural finish, the best drugstore liquid blush remains undefeated. With excellent blendability and long-wearing properties, liquid blushes have quickly become a go-to for many girlies and beauty professionals. The cutting-edge drugstore brands have a lot in store to offer that makes them a steal for the price. Once you have the right shade and finish based on your skin complexion and type, there’s no going back from applying the blush daily and constantly restocking your favorites.

    FAQ's

    Is liquid blush better for older skin?
    Liquid or cream blushes are known to blend in the skin without enhancing the texture and may prove to be better for mature skin.
    Who should wear a liquid blush?
    Liquid blushes are ideal for dry skin types. The nourishing formula blends seamlessly without turning cakey or flaky.
    Is liquid blush better than powder and cream?
    If you are looking for extra pigmentation, then the liquid blushes are the best.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani, the author of the article, is our in-house makeup expert. Like most of us, she loves splurging on a good blush and thinks of it as an investment (rightly so!) This time she went to explore the top liquid blushes from the drugstore category. After completing her research, she went to read the reviews and rounded up her best picks. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More