Every melanin-rich beauty lover knows (I hope!) the importance of blush in a makeup routine. The essential offers a gorgeous wash of color to your cheeks, making your skin look more lively post-foundation. Depending on the shade, the right blush can softly contour your canvas, sculpting and shaping your face to perfection.
It’s no secret that we’ve come a long way with blush in the makeup industry. What was once a product known to leave an ashy finish on Black skin has now transformed into a highly-pigmented must-have—thanks, in large part, to our beloved Black-owned brands.
And of course, with these brands prioritizing inclusivity, folks with medium to dark skin tones can finally flaunt a natural flush with confidence. Despite the advances with Black brands and their counterparts, opinions vary regarding blushes that deliver high color payoff sans the premium price tag.
Aside from the occasional splurge, most folks refuse to spend their coins on high-priced blushes—especially in this economy. And, not to mention, opting for drugstore finds that fail to produce an ounce of color is a no-go. That said, it’s imperative to find a product that offers the best of both worlds: top-quality and an adequate price point.
After testing various low- and mid-range priced blushes, I’ve discovered seven offerings that have tickled my fancy. From stick formulas that prioritize on-the-go touchups to innovative cream formulas that pack a powerful punch, these blushes are designed to give your complexion a stunning flush of color.
Below, find seven budget-friendly blushes that are light on your wallet, and make a heavy impact on your makeup looks.
Juvia’s Place Blushed Duo
Whether you utilize one color or mix both shades, this blush adds flushed color and definition to your makeup and accentuates your features for a youthful look.Available at ulta.com
LYS Beauty Higher Standard Cream Glow Blush Sticks
This blush is an absolute must for your makeup bag. In addition to giving your cheeks an illuminating finish, it combines green tea and watermelon seed extracts with rosehip oil to soothe, retain moisture, and reduce the look of dark spots.Available at sephora.com
The Ami Colé Desert Date Cream Multistick is a multifunctional makeup dream made with the cheeks and lips in mind. This essential brings life to your makeup looks with sultry color and offers lasting nourishment, courtesy of its baobab seed oil, hibiscus flower extract, and desert date oil.Available at thirteenlune.com
Bridging the gap between the sun-kissed appearance of a bronzer and the lifting powers of a blush, this luminous pairing delivers gorgeous color and a warm glow fit for any makeup look you dream up.Available at thelipbar.com
Infused with almond, shea, and mango butters, this blush lives up to its name by providing a powder-like blend for seamless application. It offers 24-hour wear with a fade- and transfer-resistant formula.Available at ulta.com
Enriched with vitamin E, the Mented Cosmetics Make You Blush offering boasts a powder formula that deeply nourishes the skin. Its rich pigment is blendable and buildable, and creates the perfect wash of color that goes the distance.Available at mentedcosmetics.com
Featuring a non-greasy and lightweight formula, this dewy, easy-to-blend find melts into skin instantly, making it perfect for sheer tinted looks, bold pops of color, or anything in between.Available at ulta.com
