9 Best Shimmer Blushes You Should Buy In 2024 – As Per A Makeup Artist
Get your cheeks that extra shimmer of radiance and glow without trying too hard.
Whitney is a professional makeup artist with more than 17 years of experience. She began her professional journey at the cosmetic counters of Macy’s Herald Square and Sephora. Her skills were further honed at the Makeup Forever Academy in New York and subsequently, Whitney collaborated with esteemed brands, including MAC Cosmetics, Makeup Forever Pro Studio NYC, and Too Faced Cosmetics and notable platforms, such as Viacom, Skitch, VICELAND, Centric, Google, BET/BET Digital, People TV, and the NBA 2K League.
Read full bio of Whitney Rae Alexander
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
Read full bio of Srijita De
Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
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Shimmer blush contains shimmer or reflective particles that are applied on the cheeks. The best shimmer blush makes you look radiant and enhances your timeless beauty. This shimmer blush can transmit a dewy glow to your face and create a dramatic look when it comes in contact with the right light. Shimmer blush creates a different impact when worn at night, especially for statement-making evening occasions. You can also use the shimmer blush as a highlighter to highlight the cheekbones, brow bones, and other high points. But be careful while selecting the shimmer blush as too many reflective particles might catch excess light, and you may end up looking too shiny.
A delicate stroke of shimmer blush makes you look radiant. However, selecting the perfect shimmer blush from the countless products available in the market can be a bit challenging. So, we have put together a list of the 9 best shimmer blushes that blend perfectly with your skin tone. These blushes are selected after going through their honest reviews from users online. Check them out now!
In This Article
9 Best Shimmer Blushes Of 2024 For Everyday Wear
1. Best For All Skin Tones:Milani Baked Blush – Luminoso
Looking for a peach blush that is all things makeup #goals? This pigmented blush is perhaps the best shimmer blush of this season and a necessary addition to your makeup collection. Mario Dedivanovic, a well-known makeup artist, has been seen using this powder blush on Kim Kardashian on multiple occasions. This has resulted in a large fan base for the blush, and many people have tried-and-tested it out. It is specially formulated to provide a natural flush with maximum luminosity but feels quite light on the cheeks. Ideal for all skin tones, this makeup-artist approved shimmery finish blush is sunbaked on Italian terracotta tiles, which gives your skin a natural and warm radiance with a dash of freshness. It is a great choice for highlighting your cheekbones and is also useful for shaping and contouring your face. It is infused with jojoba seed oil, which contains anti-inflammatory properties that help keep the skin healthy. Check out this video on YouTube featuring a tester’s experience of using the product for a detailed understanding.
Pros
- Sunbaked on Italian terracotta tiles
- Available in 12 shades
- Radiant skin
- Illuminating effect
- Buildable formula
- Richly-pigmented
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- It may not provide long-lasting wear.
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 6,455 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
2. Best Skin Illuminator:Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips All-In-1 Custom Nude Palette – Warm Nude
This multi-purpose palette is bound to blow your mind! If you are never satisfied with a single color of blush, you should give this palette a shot. It’s not just a shimmer blusher, it’s also an eye shadow, a highlighter, and bronzer all packaged into one incredible palette. This dermatologist-tested blush is an amazing skin illuminator, providing a dewy glow, and comes with 12 nude shades, such as pink, peach, soft taupe, and sultry plum that seamlessly work together seamlessly to add a burnished glow to your face. You can use each shade on its own, or blend different shades together to achieve a unique and vibrant makeup look. If you’re a beginner and can’t wrap your head around which shades to try first, trust the application guide to teach you a few cool tricks for a pop of color. trust the application guide to teach you a few cool tricks. If you want to know more about this product, and a tester’s experience with it, check out this video on YouTube.
Pros
- 12 shades in 1 palette
- All-in-1 palette
- Mirror and applicator is included
- Satin finish
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Some may feel that it is not very pigmented.
"This makeup has impressed me with its range of long-lasting colors. It blends quite easily. It offers a satin finish after application. A mirror and an applicator are included with the product, making it a convenient choice."
3. Best For Special Occasions:Mineral Fusion Vivid Color Youthful Glow Blush – Airy – Mauve Shimmer
Makeup professionals often suggest beginners stick to a mauve blush for its versatility and exceptional results. It’s suitable for day or night occasions, it adds a distinct splash of color to the face without going overboard, and it complements all skin tones beautifully, providing a rosy glow. When applied right, it can also work as a great shade for contouring. This shimmering blush is infused with nourishing ingredients like pomegranate, white and red tea, sea kelp, and vitamins C and E. The aloe vera leaf extra in the blush keeps your skin hydrated. You can apply this blush in as many layers as you like and also use it as an eyeshadow.
Pros
- Contains nourishing and hydrating ingredients
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Buildable coverage
- Complexion enhancer
- No artificial fragrances
- Available in different colors and matte-finishes
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- It is slightly expensive for the quantity provided.
Pro Tip| Milani Baked Blush - Luminoso Best For All Skin Tones | Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips All-In-1 Custom Nude Palette - Warm Nude Best Skin Illuminator | Mineral Fusion Vivid Color Youthful Glow Blush - Airy - Mauve Shimmer Best For Special Occasions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | LUMINOSO | Warm Nude | Airy |
| Dimensions | 2.38 x 0.93 x 2.38 inches | 1.2 x 2.75 x 3.63 inches | 0.44 x 1.94 x 2.86 inches |
| Weight | 0.16 Ounces | 2.88 Ounces | 0.18 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 6,455 | 471 | 1,179 |
| Price | $8.52 | $14.99 | $14.02 |
4. Best Lightweight:NYX Professional Makeup Sweet Cheeks Creamy Powder Blush Glow – Rose & Play
A gorgeous pink blush that provides a truly-natural, luminescent glow, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an illuminating blush as pigmented as this one. It boasts of an exceptionally creamy powder formula (suitable for oily skin) that glides on your cheeks effortlessly, leaving behind a healthy flush of color. The superfine pigment particles are not only soft but incredibly blendable as well. This makes it easy to create a multitude of looks while adding layers. Apply a single coat for a subtle and beautiful everyday blush glow and add as many coats as you want for a dramatic look. Don’t worry; it’s not going to feel heavy at all.
Pros
- Superfine pigment particles
- Blendable
- Natural sheen
- Buildable formula
- Subtle shimmer
- Cruelty-free
- Available in unique shades like purple and yellow
Cons
- It contains sulfates.
"This blush offers great pigmentation and shimmer. It blends quite easily as well. I like its buildable formula. It comes in unique shades of purple and yellow. It settles into a naturally shimmery finish."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 3,084 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
5. Best Pigmented:Palladio Shimmer Blush – Wish
Do you know why most celebrities and professional makeup artists choose a baked blusher? A baked blush is literally baked on terracotta tiles, which makes it creamier than most pressed powders. This shimmer blush by Palladio is not only baked, but is also infused with safflower seed oil, aloe vera extracts, maidenhair, and ginseng root extracts, which takes care of your skin. It also contains chamomile extracts known for its anti-inflammatory properties and vitamin E, which possesses anti-aging qualities. This blush can be applied dry for a subdued look or as a wet formula, offering rich pigmentation for a more dramatic evening look.
Pros
- Baked powder
- Creamy formula
- Youthful radiance
- Conditioning ingredients
- Can be applied dry or wet
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable
Cons
- Some may find the packaging too small and difficult for a larger brush to pick up any product.
"This blush offers a radiant glow with a pink shimmery finish. It is a good choice as a blush topper. It also offers good bendability, as well. It's one of my personal favorites."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 1,376 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
6. Best Long-Lasting:Laura Geller Baked Blush-n- Brighten Marbleized Blush – Ethereal Rose
Laura Geller Baked Blush-n-Brighten Marbleized Blush is long-lasting and has smooth coverage. It is infused with white tea extract that helps maintain skin health, making it suitable for mature skin. The creamy texture applies smoothly on the skin and gives excellent coverage, while leaving a radiant finish. It is available in 12 different shades in pure brightening pigments that highlight dull skin and can be easily blended using a kabuki or angled brush. The standout element is that the blush has multiple pigments in the marble effect, which adds a unique dimension to one’s highlights, giving them a candlelit glow. This versatile blush has antioxidant-rich pigments that make your skin glowing and radiant inside and out.
Pros
- Suits various skin tones
- Adds multi-dimensional finish
- Soft-focus effect
- Suits mature and dull skin
- Long-wearing
- Buildable formula
- Looks natural
Cons
- None
"This blush applies smoothly and blends well. It lasts for long hours and does not cause any unwanted color shifts. It offers a natural radiance, making it one of my favorites."
Professional Makeup Artist, Whitney Rae Alexander, says, “This brand made me fall in love with color and shimmer! The marbleized blush can be used wet or dry for a variety of textures and looks!”
7. Best Multipurpose:Focallure Blush And Highlighter Palette – #02
Do you sometimes find it hard to choose between a highlighter and a blush? Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want both? If you bring this multipurpose palette home, you don’t have to choose and still get the best of both worlds in one. The palette includes 2 highlighters, for a subtle glow, and 1 blush so you can strobe like a diva, illuminate your face in the right place, or add a natural flush to your cheek, all with just this palette. Reviewers online mentioned they love using this multi-purpose palette to create everyday natural makeup looks. The palette is available in different variations, specially curated for distinctly different skin tones, and offers buildable coverage. These high-impact glitter blush shades will go the mile with you offering a long-lasting makeup look for a dramatic evening.
Pros
- Highlighter and blush set
- Buildable formula
- Strobing effect
- Lasts for up to 16 hours
- Smudge-proof
- Fade-proof
- Ultra-pigmented
- Available in other variations for different skin tones
Cons
- It contains parabens.
- It may not flatter all skin tones.
"This product has stood out to me with its user-friendliness. I have sometimes used it as both a highlighter and an eyeshadow. Its performance is commendable. Moreover, the product is quite compact, making it easy to carry in my purse."
8. Best Hypoallergenic:P/Y/T Beauty Everyday Powder Blush – Warm Rose
With a shimmer blush such as this, your options are limitless. A pastel pink blush that’s perfect for everyday wear, this one offers a soft pearlescent shimmer effect. The Warm Rose blush is a luxuriously pigmented formula that is infused with hydrating and nourishing ingredients such as jojoba seed oil and vitamin E. It is made with high-quality ingredients and zero BS (Bad Stuff, for those of you who were thinking about something else). The powder is silky smooth and blendable, which makes it easy to layer up for full coverage. It’s paraben-free and hypoallergenic, which means it’s safe for people with sensitive skin too. This cheek tint offers a vibrant shade that is best to add to your everyday makeup routine.
Pros
- Built-in mirror
- Smooth consistency
- Blendable
- Adds warmth
- Skin-tone enhancement
- Buildable formula
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Talc-free
Cons
- Only one layer of application may not be enough for the color to pop.
"This blush offers flattering hues that stay on for long hours. It enhances my natural beauty without looking too overwhelming. It doesn't irritate the skin either. It can be a good choice for everyday use."
9. Best Shimmer Blush:MAC Powder Blush – Sunbasque
What’s unique about this shimmer blush is its irresistible shade — a delightful peach with just a hint of taupe. Designed by a group of professionals, this smooth-setting formula clings to you without feeling sticky or heavy. It provides a natural flush of color to your face with a single layer of application. If you’re feeling bolder on a particular day, go ahead and apply several layers and it will still feel as weightless. Its blendability is incomparable and you need not worry about reapplication or touch-ups as it stays on throughout the day. Whitney Rae Alexander recommends this product saying, “This is such a great product! Great as a blush and an eyeshadow! It holds up under pressure so well!”
Pros
- Pigmented
- Blendable
- Sun-kissed appearance
- Can be layered
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
Cons
- If the blush is not stored properly, it tends to dry up slightly.
"MAC blushes have well-earned their reputation and this one is no exception. I loved how smoothly it applies on my skin. I love the soft, delicate shine it provides. I only needed to touch it up once when I wore it a full day. So, I'd say it's worth the investment."
Before you buy a shimmer blush, you should take a look at these helpful pointers to make the right choice.
How To Choose A Shimmer Blush
Skin Tone
When choosing a shimmer blush, it is important to pick one that complements your skin tone. For those of you who have a light complexion, peach, plum, and baby pink work wonders. If you have medium skin tone you could opt for shades like berry, mauve, and apricot. Duskier beauties could look for colors such as tangerine, deep reds, and rich browns.
Texture
Both baked and pressed powders provide intense color and coverage, however, you want the shimmer blush to stay on your skin without feeling cakey or heavy. This is why you should look for a creamy powder that glides smoothly.
Skin Type
A blush highlights our best features but when it looks heavy or unnatural, it can completely ruin our entire look. If you have oily or oil-prone skin, your best bet would be to find a cheek stain. A shimmer cream blush formula is best-suited for those with normal or combination skin. If you have dry skin, stick to a powder formula. However, if you have sensitive skin, ensure to patch test the product before using it.
Blendability
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when applying blush is to not blend it properly. Sometimes, the formula itself doesn’t allow super blendability. That is why to make your blush look as natural as possible, pick one that blends well and offers buildable coverage.
How To Apply Shimmer Blush
Step 1:
Apply your base first. For any makeup look, start with a foundation and follow it up with a concealer.
Step 2: Apply bronzer if you are going to use any.
Step 3: Sweep your brush over the blush lightly. If you are using a creamy formula, you can make use of a makeup sponge as well.
Step 4: Tap off excess product.
Step 5: Apply the blush to the apples of your cheekbones and swipe it towards your temples.
(A neat tip is to smile while applying blush to the apples)
Step 6: Add another coat if necessary.
Step 7: Using the remaining product on the brush, lightly run it over the bridge of your nose, your forehead, and your neck to make everything look uniform.
Infographic: 7 Things To Keep In Mind When Buying A Shimmer Blush
Shimmer blushes add a luminous touch to your cheeks. They contain fine particles that reflect light to create a subtle or intense shimmer effect that looks amazing. So, if you want to dazzle up this season with sparkly cheeks, get your hands on a shimmer blush. Check out the infographic below to know what factors you must consider to pick the right shimmer blush for yourself.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Shimmer blushes can provide a dewy look to your makeup and are available in hues that are ideal for every skin tone. They can help highlight your cheekbones while contouring your face seamlessly. Some shimmer blushes are enriched with natural ingredients that tend to keep your skin healthy and damage-free. Nowadays, shimmer blushes have skin-friendly formulas with anti-inflammatory properties that are calming for sensitive skin types. You can try the Milani Baked Blush – Luminoso for perfect facial contouring and keeping the skin healthy as well. Or, opt for the Laura Geller Baked Blush-n- Brighten Marbleized Blush – Ethereal Rose for its multi-dimensional finish with a soft-focus effect, or even the MAC Powder Blush – Sunbasque for a sun-kissed appearance and perfect blending. However, while purchasing your desired shimmer blush shades, make sure that the hues are long-lasting, well-pigmented, and hypoallergenic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a shimmer blush everyday?
Yes, you can use your preferred shimmer blush everyday. Make sure that the blush does not cause any harm to your skin.
Is matte or shimmer blush better?
Matte blush is great for regular makeup. However, if you want to make your cheeks glow, then shimmer blush is the right pick for you.
Which is the best shimmer blush for mature skin?
People with mature skin can use Milani Baked Blush or the Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips All-In-1 Custom Nude Palette. The subtle shades in these blushes complement mature skin and lend a glow.
Can shimmer blushes be used as highlighters?
Yes, shimmer blushes can be used as highlighters. In fact, blushes and highlighters go hand in hand and are often used together. Make sure that the blush chosen focuses on the high points of your face.
How long do shimmer blushes last?
Most shimmer blushes last for six to eight hours. Some may last longer depending on your lifestyle and skin condition.
Is a shimmer blush good for dry skin?
No, shimmer blushes may not be right for dry skin. Sometimes, these powdered shimmer blushes are difficult to blend and accentuate your aging signs.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijita De, a makeup and fashion enthusiast, has compiled this list of the best shimmer blushes after analyzing several products available in the market based on their user reviews. Chaitra has objectively described each product and mentioned its pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. She has also provided a buying guide to help you select what suits you best.
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