In an ideal world, we’d all start the day with a sweat session (and maybe a make-out) that left our faces glowing with the rosiness of freshness and youth. If you’re like me however, most mornings the flush is found with a little well-placed blush swirled on the apples of my cheeks, and my beauty drawer is stocked with powder, cream, and stain versions that I alternate in an attempt to find that elusive “natural” glow. Since nothing wakes you up faster than the perfect blush, we polled our beauty council of experts to find out which ones they turn to time and again. Keep scrolling for their picks, and we’d love to hear about your fave blush in the comments!
Beauty Counter Cream Blush in Hibiscus
I feel about blush like most people feel about mascara. It’s the one thing I never want to leave the house without! I love Beauty Counter’s Cream Blush in Hibiscus applied with a blush brush. It also doubles as a lip color in a pinch!
— Jen Pinkston, blogger at The Effortless Chic
NARS The Multiple in Portofino
This, in my opinion, is the world’s best blush (yes, it’s definitely better than Orgasm). This light coral with hints of gold will warm up any complexion, and the creamy texture leaves a more natural, dewy finish than powder blush.
— Tara Thompson Rasmus, editor of our Decoder series
Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Color in Plum Radiance
If I were to blush naturally, I think this would be the color of my cheeks.
— Nikki Johnson, blogger at Nikki Chanel
Kjaer Weis Cream Blush
It blends beautifully into skin and comes in the cutest case that makes me happy to pull out of my bag.
— Nadine Abramcyk, founder of tenoverten
La Prairie Radiance Creme Blush Rose Glow
This comes in such a nice compact with a mirror so I carry it around all the time. I apply it on the apples of my cheeks with the same brush that I apply my tinted moisturizer with.
— Laney Crowell, blogger at The Moment
Glossier Cloud Paint
This cream goes on light and is super pigmented. A little goes a long way so I don’t have to worry about using it all up too quickly. I just dab a tiny squeeze onto my cheeks every morning for all day color.
— Camille Styles
Flower Beauty Transforming Touch Powder-to-Creme Blush
This blush is a hot pink powder that magically becomes a silky cream when you dust it onto your cheeks. Plus, I’m a sucker for anything Drew Barrymore creates.
— Dawn Spinner Davis, beauty director at TotalBeauty.com