If you want that perfect hint of flush on your cheeks that looks completely natural, you’re going to have to start with the right blush. And once you find your perfect match, you’re going to need a blush brush that can help you smooth the color onto your cheeks. Sure, you can use your fingers for some blushes, but I find that a brush can give you a little bit more control over the intensity of color and the finish. Also, brushes can help you deposit just the right amount of color without wasting any product. Not to mention that using a brush is not as messy as using your fingers—keep your hands product-free!
Makeup artist Renée Loiz told us that a blush brush is slightly smaller than a powder brush and the bristle shape is complementary to your cheek shape. “The blush brush should fit perfectly on the apples of your cheeks where you would naturally place blush. You can also use this brush for bronzing, highlighting, or contouring,” she says.
When it comes to choosing one, you’ll want to think about the types of blush formulas you use—powder, liquid, creams—that will help guide you. Duo fiber brushes (both natural and synthetic) are great for blending and buffing cream and liquid products, but they can also be used with powder formulas, makeup artist Maya René. And she adds that synthetic brushes are best for liquid products and natural for loose or pressed powders. If you want a more intense color, choose a dense brush, but for a lighter application, go for something that’s fluffy.
And once you get a blush brush, make sure you take care of it. Clean it to rid the brush of any bacteria and dirt—this will also ensure that they last you for a really long time. Use your favorite brush cleanser to give it a good clean. How often you do so depends on preference and how much you use it, but many makeup artists recommend once a week or once every two weeks.
Shop some of our favorite blush brushes below.
Sigma makes some of the most beloved makeup brushes around. This synthetic bristle brush is perfect for powder blush formulas.
The angled design here helps the brush hug your cheekbones so you can precisely apply the color where you want it to go. The medium-dense head has fluffy bristles for a natural finish.
At just about $3, there’s really not much to complain about with this brush. It has everything you need for the perfect pop of color at such an affordable price point. You can also use this vegan brush to apply bronzer and highlighter.
I’ve had this particular brush for almost 10 years and it’s still going strong. I use it for powder blushes and it gives a nice hint of color that I can also build if I wanted a more dramatic look.
This blush brush has a unique spade-shaped head for precision and easy blending. You can use it for contouring and applying powders (foundation, setting, etc.), too.
Made for pressed powder blush formulas, this brush is made with synthetic brustles and has a rounded head.
EcoTools’s blush brush has not an angled or round head, but a unique square one, which also helps with precision and building color. It’s designed to work with all blush formulas.
This brush can be a multitasker in your makeup bag—it’s designed for both blush and foundation application. It features high-grade, soft synthetic bristles and a medium, dome-shaped head. And even better, you can use with all types of makeup formulas—powders, creams, and liquids.
The large domed shape of this brush allows for a smooth and seamless finish. The bristles are custom-cut so you can easily contour and define your cheeks.
This ultra-soft brush from E.l.f. will help get that contoured look that you’re going for. It can also be used with bronzer.
Morphe’s brush is designed to be versatile with all types of makeup formulations, so you can use it for creams, gels, and powders. It features duo-fiber, synthetic fibers and a tapered head.
This kabuki brush is totally perfect for when you’re on the go because it doesn’t take up that much space at all. It features a retractable head and a cap for mess-free storage. And you can use it for all sorts of products: Blushes, bronzers, foundations, and powders.
The tapered head here fits perfectly into the contours of your face. It’s designed for both powder and cream formulas.
I finally got to try this cult-favorite blush a few months ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. It just gives such amazing color with just the tiniest bit of application. The hues are so flattering—I have two right now but I’m really tempted to buy more to play with all the colors.
This creamy blush is both blendable and buildable, so you can really play around with and customize the exact wash of color you want on your cheeks.
Maybelline’s best-selling blush blends in seamlessly for a flattering, natural hint of color.
Here’s another one of my go-to’s. I normally use this one when I just want subtle, flushed color on my cheeks to complement my favorite no-makeup makeup look.
Nars’s blush is a total classic—and the over 2000 reviews on Nordstrom prove that fact. The shades are completely buildable, so you can go with a sheer hint of color or something more intense.
