Just yesterday, Rhode released a campaign with Sarah Pigeon for two new Pocket Blush shades: Tea Cup and Candy Apple (as if our Sarah Pidgeon obsession wasn’t all-consuming already…).
The Candy Apple shade in particular is incredible. It’s a pearly warm red and judging from the campaign, it looks amazing on the skin. Who doesn’t want to mimic the effect of blood flow or look young and healthy – like they just got back from a jog in cold weather?
But we also get it’s an intimidating colour to wear. Placement depends on your face shape and desired finish. Concentrate on the apples of your cheeks and blend outwards, making sure to keep the colour above your jawline. If you have a round face, take it up a little higher. And if you want to mimic the effect of a sunburn, pat it across your nose, too. Either way, start small and build up for youthful colour.
While we patiently wait for Rhode to launch, below you’ll find 10 red blush formulas in varying shades and formats to flatter every complexion.
A RUSSH edit of the best red blush shades
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks in Bichette
This is a soft, diluted red so perfect if you’re not ready to go all the way. Anyone that’s used Westman Atelier blushes will know they have a buttery texture that feels like cashmere on the skin. The finish is luminous but not overly dewy.
CHANEL Beauty No.1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Red Camellia
If you want a true candy apple red, this is the one to use. It’s very emollient, melting into the skin while leaving a dewy finish.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash Blush Water Tint in Flushed
The best thing about this water tint is the way it blends and melts into the skin for a seamless, believable finish. Because it’s a watery stain it doesn’t leave much dew or sheen, if that’s your preferred finish.
Tower28 Beauty Please Lip + Cheek Cream Blush in Finest Hour
This formula is glossy but sheer — perfect for a bright flush without the commitment of a densely pigmented formula. It’s also great on lips.
Merit Flush Balm in Rouge
If you want the freshness of a red but don’t want to look overly done up, Merit’s sheer formula is the perfect middle ground. It has a slightly cool undertone, as well.
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Blush in She Left Me on Red
One for true makeup enthusiasts, this palette combines a cream and powder so you can layer for a long-lasting, multi dimensional finish.
Dior Rouge Blush in 999
This is the perfect pinky-red to flatter fair skin tones. The silky texture glides onto the skin, leaving a wash of colour that’s long-lasting but not drying.
Make Up Forever Artist Liquid Colour Blush in Rouge Forever
Make Up For Ever combines rich colour with a weightless matte finish. Rouge Forever is dark and powerful – perfect for lips or as a blush on deep skin tones. You can even buff it into the eyes.
YSL Beauty Make Me Blush Liquid in Chilli Crush
Dense and pigmented, this red is bright and orange-based for high impact. A tiny bit goes a long way, but it will give you instant vacation skin. It’s perfect for medium to deep skin tones, too.
NARS Powder Blush in Exhibit A
NARS blush powders are iconic and Exhibit A is a weightless formula that delivers saturated colour. There’s a subtle shimmer throughout, so it reflects light casting a radiant finish.
