How to Find the Best Blush for Your Skin Tone, According to Experts

It's no secret that what looks great on one person, might not work for another, especially in the world of color cosmetics. This means that finding the ideal blush shade isn't always as easy as seeing someone else's and scooping it up. But discovering the perfect blush is totally worth the hunt because the right shade can be an absolute game-changer for your complexion. Pops of color on the cheeks have the power to impart a healthy glow, warm up your skin tone, and make you look more awake in seconds. The secret? Finding the right blush for your skin tone.

We spoke to celebrity makeup artists Cher Webb and Jeanine Lobell who gave us a rundown on how to pick the right blush for you. From choosing the right formula to finding the perfect hue, here are the best tips and tricks that will ensure you never buy the wrong shade of blush again.

The Best Blush Colors for Each Skin Tone

"I choose blush based on the effect I am trying to achieve," says Lobell. "If you are putting blush on bare skin, you will need to work with your undertones." These differ from skin tone as they are the hue that emanates from beneath the dermis, not the surface shade of the skin. Undertones can appear warm with yellow, gold, or peach hues or cool with blue, pink, or reddish hues. Those with a mix of the two have neutral undertones. A blush with matching undertones will appear harmonious with your natural complexion, whereas erring on the opposite end of the spectrum can provide a subtle pop."

Fair Skin

If you have a fair complexion, start off lightly and build up the shade until you reach the desired look. It's likely that you will have a neutral or pink undertone, so go for washes of fresh pink, light peach, or berry shades with cool undertones.

"I love the sheer pastel-toned Glossier Cloud Paint ($22) for fair skin," says Webb. "Try this in shades Puff or Beam for an instant boost of sheer radiance. If you prefer a powder base, try BareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush ($29) in Pretty in Pink." Meanwhile, Lobell says, "For very pink-toned skin, I would lean more to yellow-based colors like a peach or a nutmeg-type shade."

Medium Skin

"Medium skin tones tend to be more tanned with warmer undertones. This complexion looks amazing with a mix of peach and rosy pinks," says Webb. "The ultra-flattering hues of Nars Orgasm ($32) leave cheeks glowing. The blusher is now available in both powder and liquid form, so you can choose whichever texture you prefer."

Webb also recommends Benefit Cosmetics' Benetint ($24). "It has been on the beauty scene forever and still remains a firm favorite for so many of my clients."

Olive Skin

Olive skin tends to have yellow and green undertones, so a flush of blush can perk the skin up in seconds. Opt for orangey-peach or golden-toned blushes to give the skin a natural flush. "I specifically like to use blush to balance your skin tone," says Lobell. "If you are more sallow-toned, I will use something blue-based like a pink plum to counteract that."

Try the super-popular powder blush from Bobbi Brown in the shade Clementine ($31). The finely milled and blendable powder can be built up to create just the right amount of rosy glow you want. Or, take the hassle out of picking the perfect blush shade with the crazy-clever Perricone No Blush Blush ($39). This unique serum adapts to every skin tone, creating a hue that's perfect for you

Dark Skin

Darker skin tones tend to have a warm undertone, meaning hot corals, brick reds, and deep berry shades all look beautiful. Lobell likes a highly saturated product, like Neen's Going Rouge ($29), "because it has a lot of pigment without being 'draggy,' so you can really move it. I also love that you can use it equally well on the lips. My favorite shade is Shake, a hot pink."

Webb loves MAC Raizin Powder Blush ($29). "With its signature rich red hue, it is a cult classic and firm favorite in my makeup kit," says Webb.

The Final Takeaway

Picking the right shade of blush is a lesson in getting to know your skin. Your skin tone and undertones can help you figure out the shades that will look best on you. Those with deeper skin tones will love vibrant hues like coral, red, and berry, while those with fairer skin should go for light pink or peach shades. Once you land on your perfect shade, the blush format you should try (like powders, stains, serums, and creams) is largely up to personal preference, but an awareness of your skin's texture and concerns can help you find the most comfortable finish for you.