What Type of Blush is Best for Beginners?

Published: 1 Jun 2025 • Updated: 16 Aug 2025
makeup blush in different shades of pink
What blush type is easiest for beginners?
Powder blush—it’s the most forgiving to blend, layers well, and lasts longer on most skin types.
When should I pick cream instead of powder?
Choose cream if you want a dewy, skin-like finish or have normal to dry/sensitive skin.
Is liquid blush too hard for beginners?
Liquids are very pigmented; start with one small dot per cheek and sheer out. Great if you like a glossy/glowy look.
What about gel blush?
Gel feels weightless and blends easily, but can run a touch dry and often has a smaller shade range.
How do I pick a blush shade?
As a rule of thumb: cool-pink for cool undertones, peach/coral for warm, and rose/berry for neutral. Go sheer if unsure.

Choosing the right blush can be overwhelming for beginners, but understanding the different types and formulas can make the process much easier. Here’s a guide to help you find the perfect blush to start with:

Powder Blush

Pros:

"Powder blush goes well with matte and can be layered with another powder blush or other type of blush." - u/Violetserendipity (2024, 13 upvotes)
"They last well for 6 hours before visibly fading which I find is about average for cream blushes." -u/pinksky21 (2021, 30 upvotes)

Cons:

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Cream Blush

Pros:


Cons:

"Cream blushes often don't last on my oily skin so I'm picky." - u/RedRedBettie (2022, 90 upvotes)

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Liquid Blush

Pros:

Cons:

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Gel Blush

Pros:

Cons:

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Tips for Beginners

Subreddits for More Advice

Feel free to explore these subreddits for more personalized recommendations and tips!

Reddit Rankings

Check out our rankings for the best specific blushes, compiled from upvoted Reddit comments and posts!

Bonus: How to Choose & Apply a Beginner-Friendly Blush

  • Match Formula to Skin Type
  • Oily/long-wear → powder. Normal–dry → cream. Want ultra-light feel → gel. Comfortable with pigment → liquid.

  • Pick a Safe Starter Shade
  • Fair–light → soft pink/peach. Medium → peach/rose. Tan–deep → warm coral/berry. When in doubt, choose sheer buildable shades.

  • Choose the Right Tool
  • Powder → medium fluffy brush. Cream → dense brush or fingers. Liquid/gel → fingertips or a damp sponge to diffuse

  • Load Lightly
  • Tap excess off brush; for liquids, dot a rice-grain size on each cheek. You can always add more.

  • Place, Then Blend
  • Smile slightly and place colour on the apples, then blend up and back toward the temples for lift.

  • Build in Thin Layers
  • Add tiny amounts where needed; avoid heavy placement near the nose to prevent patchiness.

  • Set or Sheer as Needed
  • Oily? Lightly set cream/liquid with translucent powder. Too strong? Tap with a clean sponge or a touch of foundation.

  • Check in Daylight
  • Step near a window to confirm colour and blend. Add a final soft blend to erase edges.

Related Posts

Related Links

Sources

• Author: Thomas Oh
• Editor: Thorough Beauty Editorial Team, last reviewed on 16 Aug 2025
• Reading Time: 5 minutes