Powder blush is a tried and true favourite, but in recent years it’s become the cheek colour under dog to cream and liquid formulas.
Although underused, we’re forever going to have a place in our makeup bags and in our hearts for powder blush, simply because it’s so easy to use.
If you’re in a rush or you just can’t be bothered to fuss around with stippling on a face full of cream products, all it takes is the sweep of a powder brush to apply a subtle flush of colour with a powder blush option.
If you’re out of the know when it comes to the best-sellers (and best formulas) in the category, then keep on reading, we’ve found some top-rated powder blushes that are affordable too.
2024’s TOP 3 Best Powder Blush
- Milani Baked Blush in ‘Luminoso’, $21.99, Priceline
- e.l.f. Cosmetics Primer-Infused Blush in ‘Always Cheeky’, $14, Adore Beauty
- Revlon Glow Powder Blush in ‘Naughty Nude’, $13.97, Chemist Warehouse
The best powder blush 2024
Milani Baked Blush in ‘Luminoso’
from $21.99 at Priceline
Best for: A subtle glow
If you’re a fan of glow-inducing blushes from NARS and Hourglass, but can’t abide the price tag then this affordable option should be on your radar. It boasts a peach-inspired hue and a subtle sheen of shimmer that looks darling as a cheekbone-enhancing topper.
Key features:
- Richly pigmented
- Buildable formula
- Made in Italy
- Radiant finish
- Dupe for higher end blushes
Available at:
e.l.f. Cosmetics Primer-Infused Blush in ‘Always Cheeky’
from $14 at Adore Beauty
Best for: A matte finish
Prefer a classic matte finish over a dewy shimmer? This coral orange blush pairs perfectly with a subtle tan (or matte bronzer) for a sun-kissed burst of colour that looks natural even in the depths of winter.
Key features:
- Infused with primer for extended wear
- A natural matte finish
- Free from parabens, phthalates and harmful chemicals
- Mimics a sun-kissed glow
- Pairs well with a matte powder bronzer
Available at:
- $14 from Adore Beauty
- $14 from Target
Revlon Glow Powder Blush in ‘Naughty Nude’
from $13.97 at Chemist Warehouse
Best for: A natural look
Not really a fan of traditional pink and rose-hued blush? This nude coloured powder blush from Revlon imparts a natural nude wash of colour that can be used on the cheeks temples and lids for a monochromatic makeup look.
Key features:
- Micro fine powder
- Lightweight feel
- Buildable formula
- Matte finish
- Can be used as a powder eyeshadow
Available at:
- $13.97 from Chemist Warehouse
- $13.97 from Amazon Australia
L’Oréal Paris Wake Up & Glow Melon Dollar Baby Blush
from $14.97 at Chemist Warehouse
Best for: Blinding the haters
We’re calling it, this melon blush is a near perfect dupe for Rare Beauty’s new ultra radiant powder blush range. If you love a hot flash of light-catching blush colour, then this budget-friendly option has your name on it.
Key features:
- Juicy, radiant watermelon finish
- Infused with watermelon scent
- Soft, velvety texture
- Rich and long lasting colour pay off
- Dupe for higher end blushes
Available at:
- $14.97 from Chemist Warehouse
- $29.95 from Adore Beauty
- $30 from Big W
Rimmel London Maxi Blush in ‘Exposed’
from $7.97 at Chemist Warehouse
Best for: The budget conscious
It’s hard to feel guilty about spending money on blush, when you can cop a compact of the stuff for less than $8 at your local Chemist Warehouse. The best part? The price tag may be small but you won’t compromise on quality with this finely-milled cheek colour in your makeup bag.
Key features:
- Finely-milled powder
- Natural nude finish
- Budget-friendly
- Long wearing
- Lightweight
Available at:
Is cream blush better than powder?
Cream blush isn’t necessarily ‘better’ than powder, but it does offer a different finish than powder formulas. Cream blush tends to be more hydrating too, however we really like to layer powder blush over cream products to improve colour pay off and extend the life of our makeup.
Why does powder blush not last?
Your powder blush may not last very long because the natural oils on the skin are breaking down your makeup throughout the day. To avoid this, it’s important to properly prep the skin by applying a primer and a translucent powder over your foundation prior to blush application.
Related article:
- The 8 Best Drugstore Blushes Under $30
- The Best Dior Rose Glow Blush Dupes We’ve Come Across So Far
- Bethenny Frankel Has Declared These Blushes “Expensive But Worth It”
Main image credit: Getty
I love a good blush.
I do as well. I am usually quite pale and blush makes me look so much better.
There are some really nice one on show here but I think I might choose e.l.f. Cosmetics Primer-Infused Blush in ‘Always Cheeky’ at $14 from Adore Beauty??
The Milani one looks great, I’ll give it a try.
It does look worth a try,
Good information in this article.
Not using blush.
I don’t either but I think it is lack of confidence why I don’t
Bit of blush always looks great
I prefer cream but the one I have now is powder. I don’t use it much so it will probably expire and I’ll replace it with a cream blush.
I have not used a cream blush before but feel like it is something that I should at least try??
I think it’s easier to apply.
That Milani blush is gorgeous!
It does sound lovely
I have ones from RMS Beauty. They are amazing. Between those, Fenty, and Rare Beauty, I don’t use any other blush and probably never will.
good when you have a product that works for you -why change?
I want to try all, I have a recent obsession with blush!
Can’t go wrong with Revlon, but I would like to give elf or Milani a try.
I love Milani, and recently I tried Dior is quiet good as well
Milano blush is the best
I was captivated by the diamonds!
Quite beautiful and quite flashy.
Love applying a nice rosy or peachy blush for glow