Blush is having a moment. It is the core component of any modern makeup look. Today's blush looks are leaning toward soft colours, very soft edges, placement, and airy softness.
From raspberry pinks and lavenders to lightweight textures and sheer liquid formulas, the new blush trends are giving cheeks a natural, dimensional glow.
You can't go wrong as far as what blush trends are hot at the moment; there's not much out there. The safest thing is to try different colours, textures, and application techniques and make those part of your everyday makeup routine.
Raspberry pink has been one of the hottest summer blush trends. The plummy berry shade is bold in the pan, but as soon as it hits the skin, it is really soft. It mimics that just-been-in-the-park flush but with a lot more colour.
For daily blush makeup trends, apply a dot to the cheeks and blend it towards the face's outer edges. Increase the colour as you go so that the finished look is softer rather than overwhelming.
Lavender is a surprise for blush trends in 2026. If purple doesn't seem like an easy shade to wear, a translucent lavender formula can melt into a soft, cool tint of flush that feels more natural than you might think.
This colour pairs beautifully with a liquid blush trend since liquids tend to be very buildable and layerable. Use a small amount, blend immediately, and you'll have sheer coverage.
Warm apricot: If you're looking for a simple summer blush trend to wear with your bronzed makeup look, warm apricot is the one. It delivers warmth and colour without looking too pink, making it great for day-to-day and resort makeup.
Terracotta pulls a little more depth and also lends a hint of sun-warmed glow to the skin. One of the best blush trends for summer 2026, these shades are great if you favour warm hues.
The blurred blush trend, another of the year's most accessible blush makeup styles, involves blending out the colour as you approach the perimeter of application until there's no perceptible demarcation of pigment, leaving only a soft-focus haze on the face.
In order to learn how to make a blurred blush look, use a small amount right in the centre or toward the top of the cheek. Blend the edges out with a separate, clean brush or sponge and repeat the process, applying very thin layers of additional colour only where needed.
Watercolour blush is a transparent wash of colour that lets you see your natural skin through it. If you're not a fan of the cakey makeup look, this blush look is perfect for you.
Liquid blush, trending now, is especially great for creating this look. Dab a small amount on the cheek, blend it out immediately, and slowly build the colour. It should look more like a gentle flush than a concentrated square of pigment.
Cream blush trends are still big for a reason: they're quick to blend and can give a very natural, skin-like look to the rest of your makeup. Cream formulas can also be even more flattering if your other makeup is on the dewy side.
Gently pat on cream blush using your fingers, brush, or sponge depending on the formula. Dot the blush and press it into your skin instead of going back and forth to prevent disturbing your base makeup.
Placing high is another one of the most wanted blush trends of 2026. This refers to applying your colour a little bit higher than on the apples of your cheeks and blending out towards the temples.
How to apply blush for a lifted look: To learn how to apply blush for a lifted face, start at the top outer corner of your cheek and draw upward with your blush brush. Avoid having the most intense colour application directly in the middle of your face to help elongate the face.
Ombr blush is applied with two shades for added dimension. The lighter shade can be applied nearer to the centre of the cheek, with the slightly deeper or softer shade extending outwards.
This method creates depth and dimension and won't require heavy contouring. It is also compatible with both cream blush and liquid blush trends, as both formulas may be layered once applied in small doses.
Dark hues aren't the only way to go. Muted rose, peach, or neutral pink are still a wearable summer blush trend for their ability to make a statement without taking over the rest of your makeup.
If you're considering one of the top blush trends for summer 2026, think about your undertone and individual style. If you have more neutral/blue undertones, go with a cooler shade of rose. For peach/apricot/terracotta, go with warm undertones.
Cream blushes are perfect for those who want easy-to-apply products that blend well. They can also be layered for deeper colour. Cream blushes are also best for doing subtle looks because they can be applied lightly for a subtle colour or more heavily for a bolder look.
Liquid blushes are often more adaptable to sheer washes, watercolour effects, and light pigmentation. Since many liquids are intense, it's good to start with a small amount. Plus, this less-is-more kind of application aligns with the softer, trendier blush looks.
The newest blush trends go well beyond traditional pink and peach blushes. Are you ready to try raspberry, lavender, apricot, or terracotta? Or how about some of the newer blush effects, including blurred, watercolour, dewy, and ombre? This guide has must-try summer 2026 blush trends, ranging from skin tone to makeup vibe.
If you want to sport these new cream blush trends or try some of these new liquid blush trends, it is best to start with a very light application and to not rush it. Current blush trends are all about a very subtle and understated blending of colour.
These are the latest blush trends: Blurred edges, watercolour wash, dewy cream finish, higher blush placement, ombré colour, and raspberry, lavender, apricot, and terracotta. You can wear these either on regular or more defined makeup.
A cream blush is usually easy to blend due to its consistency, so you can work with your fingers, a brush, or a sponge gradually. If you need a cream formula that you can build up gradually, you'll find it here.
Apply a small amount and blend well into your skin. Several sheer layers are often easier to control than a single thick layer. Consider selecting a colour similar to your natural flush, and that's not a phrase I ever thought I'd say!
Position blush a little more above the apple of the cheek than you might for a more dramatic look. Move the colour toward the hairline and ensure the more intense shade is closer to the outer cheek. This has a facelift effect on makeup.
Add some blush to the cheeks and use a blush or sponge to diffuse the edges. Blend even farther away from the face until the line is smooth. Add some more shine if you need even more luminosity.
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