The Right Blush For Your Skin Tone: How To Pick And Apply The Perfect Shade

By Allison Kong on 09 Apr 2025

Writes about all things beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment. When she’s not writing, she’s probably lost in a daydream.

Blush is a total game-changer in your makeup routine. It adds colour to your cheeks, gives you a pretty glow, and brings your look together. But here’s the thing—not all blush shades are created equal, just like how blush placement varies depending on your face shape. The secret to nailing it is understanding how blush works and how to find the right blush shade that enhances your natural undertones.

Understanding Your Skin Tone and Undertones

Photo from Shutterstock

Before we dive into the blush shades, it’s important to know your skin tone and undertone. Here’s a quick refresher:

Skin Tone refers to the surface colour of your skin, which can be light, medium, or dark. Undertones are the subtle hues that lie beneath the surface, giving your skin a warm, cool, or neutral look. Understanding your undertones will help you pick blush shades that will really enhance your natural beauty.
The Best Blush Shades for Your Skin Tone

Fair Skin Tones

If you have fair skin, you’ll want to go for blushes that give you a fresh, natural flush. Too dark or vibrant shades might look a little too harsh on your skin. Instead, opt for soft, light hues to give your cheeks that healthy glow without overpowering your complexion.

If your skin has cool undertones, try soft pinks or baby pinks. These shades look super natural and mimic that cute flush you get when you’re shy or excited.

If your skin has warm undertones, peachy tones or soft corals work like magic. They add warmth to your face and give you that fresh, sun-kissed vibe without clashing with your skin tone.

Try:

Photo from Dasique, NARS

Dasique Blending Mood Cheek #14 Love Heart ($18.30) for cool undertones, NARS Blush "Orgasm Edge 778" ($58)for warm undertones.

Medium Skin Tones

Medium skin tones have a bit more warmth, so you experiment with a wider range of blush shades. You’ll want to look for colours that enhance your natural warmth while still giving you that fresh pop of colour.

If you have cool undertones, go for blushes in shades of rose, berry, or plum. These shades add a bit of depth and will complement the coolness of your skin.

If you have warm undertones, warm peach or apricot blushes work wonders for medium skin tones, giving you that sun-kissed glow. If you're feeling adventurous, try a coral or terracotta shade to enhance your warm undertones.

Try:

Photo from Rare Beauty, Dior

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush "Truth" ($44) for cool undertones, Dior Rouge Blush 314 Grand Bal ($88) for warm undertones.

Dark Skin Tones

For deeper skin tones, the goal is to choose blushes that complement your complexion and create contrast. Bold, rich hues work beautifully, while lighter shades may not show up as well.

If you have cool undertones, rich berries, plums, and even deep magentas will pop on dark skin, giving you a stunning, bold flush.

For those with warm undertones, opt for deep oranges, rich corals, and terracotta shades. These shades enhance your natural warmth and give you a glowing, radiant finish.

Try:

Photo from Fenty Beauty, Maybelline

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush "Raisin Standardz" ($40) for cool undertones, Maybelline Sunkisser "01 Downtown Rush" ($12.90) for warm undertones.
Other Things to Consider When Choosing Blush

While your skin tone and undertones are the main factors to consider, there are a few other things that can affect how blush looks on your skin:

Finish

Blush comes in different finishes, and the finish can change the overall effect. For example: Matte Blush gives a natural, soft flush, ideal for everyday wear. Shimmer or Satin Blush adds a glowing, radiant finish, making it perfect for nights out. Cream Blush blends into the skin, giving a more dewy look.

Blush Placement

Where you apply blush also matters. For a lifted, youthful appearance, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it slightly upwards. For a more sculpted, contoured look, focus on the cheekbones and blend towards the temples. To learn more about blush placement based on your face shape, check out this guide here.
How to Apply Blush Like a Pro

Photo from Shutterstock

The best way to apply blush is by using the right tools and technique. Use a fluffy, angled blush brush for a soft and blended look. If you prefer cream blush, use your fingers or a damp makeup sponge. Start with a light hand and build up the colour slowly. It’s easier to add more than to take it away!