What Color Blush Should You Wear for Your Skin Tone?

At Jones Road, we have a firm belief that blush deserves to be a staple in anyone’s daily makeup routine. (Bobbi agrees: A pretty pink blush has been her secret weapon for decades, likening a pop of pink on the cheeks to “instant happiness.”) But just because a certain blush color catches your eye won’t always mean that it’s the perfect shade to complement your skin tone. While blush colors are more versatile and universally flattering than, say, a specific foundation or concealer shade, it’s still important to select colors wisely.

To wake up your complexion and enhance your natural flush, you’ll want to find the best blush color for your skin tone. Whether you opt for a powder blush, a multitasking velvet pigment, or an overachieving tinted balm, a pop of the right color on the apples of your cheeks—and maybe a little dab on your nose or along the hairline, for a little something extra—will work wonders to add vitality your face. Don’t worry about feeling too limited in your choices, though; there are a range of flattering colors to choose from, no matter your skin tone.

Keep reading to learn how to choose a blush color that’s perfect for your needs. Plus: the Jones Road products and shades you’ll want to have on hand (or rather, on your cheeks).

How to find the right blush for your skin

Before we dive into specific blush shades that are ideal for your skin tone, here are a few quick tips that can guide your search:

-When in doubt, pinch your cheek. See what color your flush becomes. This simple trick can help you choose the most natural-looking blush color for you.

-Decide which formulation is best for your needs. Powder blushes work well on all skin types, but they’re particularly compatible with oily and/or acne-prone skin. Velvety creams are also suitable to use across all skin types. One of the biggest selling points of the Jones Road Lip and Cheek Stick—aside from its multipurpose formula—is that it’s highly pigmented so you can build up for a bolder look. (You can apply it with your fingertips or a fluffy brush. For greater intensity, we recommend applying it with a tighter brush or a high-quality blush brush.) Lastly, balm blushes are ideal for those with dry, sensitive, and/or mature skin in need of extra moisture.

-Take a color matching quiz. Not all brands will offer such quizzes—but when they do, they’re worth filling out to see if you strike a perfect pairing. Jones Road offers a few shade matching quizzes, including one for Miracle Balm. This bestselling product functions not only as a blush, but also as a highlighter, bronzer, or all-over skin tint (depending on the shade).

The best blush for fair skin

Those with pale or light skin should opt for a pastel pink shade with cool tones. Pastel pink is the best color blush for fair skin since it offers a soft, natural look. The pigment won’t look too intense or painted on. If you prefer a more statement-making pop of color, a soft peach or coral shade will do the trick to add some depth.

The best Jones Road blush colors for fair skin: The Best Blush in POP, Lip and Cheek Stick in Bright Pink, Miracle Balm in Flushed, Lip and Cheek Stick in Mauve Rose, The Best Blush in Peachy, Miracle Balm in Golden Hour

The best blush for medium skin

You’ll fall under this skin tone designation if your skin easily tans and rarely burns. Or, it burns a bit and develops into a tan later. The best blush color to wear would be a tawny pink with hints of brown in it. Similar to our recommendation for fair skin, a peach or coral shade also works well for medium skin tones—but you may want to build up coverage to maximize color payoff.

The best Jones Road blush colors for medium skin: The Best Blush in Sandy, Lip and Cheek Stick in Tawny Nude, Lip and Cheek Stick in Rosy Brown, Miracle Balm in Dusty Rose, The Best Blush in Peachy, Lip and Cheek Stick in Bright Coral

The best blush for olive skin

Olive skin tones tend to be warm and typically stay tan year round. A plum shade is the best blush color for olive skin since it’ll appear as a rich pink upon application.

It offers an ideal amount of tint that’ll perceptibly freshen up your complexion without being too showy. But if a bigger punch of color is more your style, a peach or bright coral tone will provide the extra flair you’re seeking. For more richness and depth, try out chocolate blush colors.

The best Jones Road blush colors for olive skin: The Best Blush in Rosy, Lip and Cheek Stick in Royal Plum, The Best Blush in Sandy, The Best Blush in Peachy, Lip and Cheek Stick in Bright Coral, Lip and Cheek Stick in Chocolate Mocha

The best blush for dark skin

Those with deep and dark skin tones look great when wearing blush in berry shades that have bluish tones, such as a rich cranberry. It leaves a flawless finish and is bound to add instant radiance to your complexion. A chocolate brown shade can also lend deep skin tones an additional touch of luminosity. Bright orange is another great blush color for deep and dark skin, as it can lend these tones that coveted fun-in-the-sun brightness.

The best Jones Road blush colors for dark skin: The Best Blush in Berry, Lip and Cheek Stick in Royal Plum, Miracle Balm in Tawny, Lip and Cheek Stick in Chocolate Mocha, Lip and Cheek Stick in Bright Coral

The bottom line

Maybe you've used the same cheek color for years and are looking to switch things up. Or maybe you've always wondered what blush is right for you… but just never dug any deeper. Whatever the case may be, your perfect blush color ultimately comes down to your skin tone and desired look, and sometimes your formulation of choice. (Though sometimes, certain blush colors—like The Best Blush in POP—are tried-and-true winners for all skin tones.) And while it's not an exact science, honing in on these factors will help you narrow down your selections once it's time to find the best blush color to wear.