Which blush palette is best?
Blush is one of those staple makeup items many people don’t think twice about. But if you’ve been getting bored of wearing the same shade every day and want to expand your options, a blush palette is a great way to go. A palette will have multiple shades, including mattes and shimmers, allowing you to enhance your creativity. Blush can be as varied and interesting as lipstick or eye shadow, which makes it fun to play around with.
What to know before you buy a blush palette
Versatility
If you’re ready to invest in a blush palette, you’ll want it to work for most, if not all, your makeup needs. Whether that’s all-natural, glam or more editorial, a palette should be versatile enough to work for every occasion.
Shade Range
A makeup palette where the shades are hard to distinguish from each other is probably not going to meet your needs. You want to be able to tell the difference at a glance so there’s no confusion about which shade you want to use at a given moment, especially when you’re in a hurry. Plus, having a variety of shades will give you more options for different looks.
Undertone
Knowing your undertones will make it much easier to gauge how well a specific blush palette will suit you. Generally, people have warm, cool or olive undertones. This means that blush with similar undertones will look more natural. However, for more editorial or dramatic looks where you want the blush to stand out, finding a contrasting blush may actually be better.
Contour vs. blush
Many blush palettes will also feature some contour or bronzer shades. Depending on your skin tone, these shades can be excellent for blending with the blush shades for a deeper color, or great to use for contouring as intended. It’s good to consider whether you will need these shades or if you only want blushes in your palette.
What to look for in a quality blush palette
Pigmentation
Some blush palettes will have high pigmentation, meaning you don’t need to dip your brush very hard to get a lot of product. Other palettes will have low pigmentation and often require several layers to show up. Higher pigment usually feels softer and velvety when applied, while lower pigment will feel drier and chalky. Which one you choose ultimately depends on your personal preferences.
Matte and shimmer
Most quality blush palettes should have a mix of matte and shimmer shades. This makes them more versatile, as well as more fun to blend together. If you’re not wild about too much shimmer, add a little to a matte shade for a lovely glow.
Longevity
Good makeup should be able to withstand some wear and tear. That can mean long days at work, heat waves or a night out. Consider where you normally will be wearing blush, and look for blush palettes that are known for their longevity.
How much you can expect to spend on a blush palette
A good blush palette will cost about $20-$75, depending on what you’re looking for.
Blush palette FAQ
How do you find your undertone?
A. There is no easy answer. Some people can tell by looking at the shade of their veins, but that doesn’t work for everyone. Look at the makeup you already own, think about what shades you like best and use that to help you choose new products. Visit your local makeup counter and swatch different shades to see which ones you like the most.
How much blush is too much?
A. The limit does not exist. However much blush you feel good wearing is the right amount. Trends can give you an idea of where to start or what to explore, but they don’t need to dictate your personal tastes. If you like wearing more or less blush than what is trending, that’s entirely your choice.
What’s the best blush palette to buy?
Top blush palette
Anastasia Beverly Hills – Blush Trio
What you need to know: This compact blush palette features three high-quality pigments with buildable coverage, and it comes in lots of colors.
What you’ll love: It’s available in five color combinations, each with three blushes. The colors are very pigmented and blendable. They look good both by themselves and blended together for a multidimensional look. Most shades are matte, but some have a slight shimmer.
What you should consider: It’s easy to put on too much, so keep in mind that a little bit goes a long way.
Top blush palette for the money
What you need to know: Featuring four shades of blush, e.l.f.’s affordable blush palette is suitable for multiple skin tones and occasions.
What you’ll love: This palette features lightweight blushes that go well either on their own or together. You can build them up for a nice flush. The colors are shimmery, so you won’t have to add highlighter to your look. The blushes are also cruelty-free.
What you should consider: Some people had issues with the blush not lasting all day.
Worth checking out
Benefit Cosmetics Cheeky Love Letter Blush and Bronzer Palette
What you need to know: Featuring some of Benefit’s most popular blushes and bestselling bronzer, this blush palette is sure to impress.
What you’ll love: This compact set comes with three of Benefit Cosmetics’ most popular blush shades: Dandelion, Willa and PomPom, along with Hoola bronzer. It can give you a sun-kissed glow without harsh ingredients and is both vegan and cruelty-free.
What you should consider: It’s a limited edition palette.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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