There’s nothing quite like a pop of blush on your cheeks to instantly transform your complexion. Whether it’s a bold coral, soft pink or warm peach, a bit of colour can make you look healthier and brighter with minimal effort.

Milani Baked Blush 

Ringing in at just $8, you seriously can’t pass up this budget-friendly blush. With buildable pigmentation and a smooth powder formula this blush blends like a dream. The baked powder comes in a variety of matte and shimmer shades ranging from pale peachy pink to deep raspberry that work for a variety of skin tones.

Best Cream: Stila Cosmetics Convertible Color Dual Lip and Cheek Cream 

This award-winning multipurpose formula from Stila Cosmetics leaves behind a sweet flush that looks almost undetectable due to its semi-sheer finish. The long-lasting gel-cream comes in a multitude of shades from pale pink to rosy to peach. Using dabbing motions, apply using your fingers or a stippling brush to create a healthy radiance. Note: cream blushes work best on those with dry or combination skin types as they help add hydration and dewiness to the cheeks.

Best Stick: Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick 

Just one swipe of this weightless cream-to-powder formula leaves the skin with a healthy flush. Featuring 10 vibrant hues like tangerine and violet, it works for both fair and deep complexions. The hybrid formula glides on with the ultimate ease, yet dries to a powder, so it literally won’t budge once it sets. You can apply it directly from the stick or warm the product up on the back of your hand, then dab and blend onto the apples of your cheeks or focus the product on your cheekbones for sculpted effect. You can also layer colors to create your own unique shades. Another plus? If you purchase more than one, the sticks have magnetized packaging that’s super travel-friendly and helpful for organization.

Best for Fair Skin Tones: Hourglass Ambient® Lighting Blush 

Those with pale complexions can have a hard time finding blushes that work for their skin tones, as many can be too overpowering and lean into clown territory. These luxurious blushes from Hourglass Cosmetics are perfect for a porcelain skin tone as they combine the brand’s luminous Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders with cheek-like hues to create the perfect balance of pigmentation and color. Made with photo luminescent technology, these blushes create a soft-focused veil of color that never looks unnatural or over-the-top. Fun fact: the Italian baked powders are handmade so no two blushes are alike. Try shade Dim Infusion for a soft coral or Luminous Flush for a subtle rosy flush.

Best Powder: Flower Beauty Flower Pots Powder Blush 

These beautiful embossed blushes belong on your vanity (or in your makeup bag) for two reasons: they’re really pretty to look at and they have one of the silkiest powder formulas on the market. Boasting an incredibly velvety texture these semi-sheer pressed powders have satin pearls running through the formula. When applied to the apples of your cheeks, you’ll be left with a lit-from-within flush. Plus, you don’t have to worry about reapplying as the day goes on since they last from your morning coffee to your post-work wine. With four versatile hues and multiple finishes, there’s something for every skin tone and makeup look.

Best for Deep Skin Tones: MAC Powder Blush 

Vibrant poppy, rich raisin, and deep oranges are the way to go for those with beautiful, rich complexions. These vivid hues pop against darker skin providing a realistic-looking brightness and warmth. With over 42 different shades and a mix of five different finishes: frost, matte, satin, sheertone, and sheertone shimmer, these MAC blushes add a healthy dose of color to deeper skin tones. The long-wearing formula adheres to the skin and applies evenly. To start, dip your blush brush into the pan, tap off the excess, then sweep across your cheeks in short strokes, then blend to diffuse the color. Some of our favorite shades are Raizin, Sunbasque, and Loudspeaker.

Best Matte: Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian 12-Hour Blush 

Matte blushes can be some of the most easy to wear since they don’t contain any shimmer or sparkle and don’t compete with the rest of your makeup look. While some formulas can appear dry or chalky on the skin, this longwearing matte version from Tarte Cosmetics gives the cheeks a shine-free wash of color. Chockfull of Amazonian clay, the formula helps control oil and shine, while balancing your complexion making it a fantastic option for those with oily skin or those who live in warmer climates. The true-color mineral pigments helps the powder lay on top of your foundation nicely and doesn’t crack or fade off in patches. Plus, it’s dermatologist tested so it’s suitable for those with sensitive skin too.

Best Liquid: NARS Liquid Blush 

Give your cheeks the ultimate dewy effect with this NARS blush, which features the same iconic peachy pink shade from its award-winning powder line, but in liquid form. Infused with monoi and tamanu oils, this blush nourishes your cheeks while adding a kiss of natural-looking color. The blendable and weightless formula is also super easy to apply—just one small pump and you’re set for both cheeks. Warm a very small amount between your fingertips and then apply to the cheeks using light dabbing motions. Layer for your desired intensity.