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13 Best Blushes for Dark Skin Tones With the Most Vibrant Staying Power

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When incorporating blush into your makeup routine, we understand the challenges of finding the perfect shade that enhances and complements deep skin tones. That's why we've tapped pro makeup artists to carefully handpick a range of blush shades that pair nicely with your skin undertone, plus show up and make a beautiful statement on deeper skin tones.

Ahead, our comprehensive guide simplifies the process of finding the most tried and true blush shades worth your money. Whether you prefer warm blush shades that give off a natural-looking, sun-kissed flush or vibrant pops of color with long-lasting color payoff, our curated lineup caters to your level of intensity. So read on for the best blush shades for your radiant dark skin.


About the Experts: 

Tayler Moore is an Orlando-based makeup artist who has worked with brands like Disney and does bridal makeup. 
Melissa Drouillard is an NYC-based makeup artist that does makeup for commercials, editorials, live television, red carpets and bridal makeup. 

1. The Best Cream Blush for Dark Skin Tones:

FENTY BEAUTY Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Bikini Martini

FENTY BEAUTY Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Bikini Martini
Courtesy of FENTY BEAUTY

This foolproof blush range enhances all skin tones with a radiant, youthful glow. Its sheer, buildable formula effortlessly melts into the skin, providing a non-sticky finish. “I find that the beauty of cool-toned pink is that it’s the perfect layering component for an enchanting burst of vibrant color on deep skin tones,” says pro makeup artist Tayler Moore. Meld onto your skin with your fingertips for a natural-looking flush.

2. The Best Cream-to-Powder Blush for Dark Skin:

SKIN GLASS BEAUTY Cream Blush in Rich 

SKIN GLASS BEAUTY Cream Blush in Rich
Courtesy of SKIN GLASS BEAUTY

This foolproof blush range enhances all skin tones with a radiant, youthful glow. Its sheer, buildable formula effortlessly melts into the skin, providing a non-sticky finish. “I find that the beauty of cool-toned pink is that it’s the perfect layering component for an enchanting burst of vibrant color on deep skin tones,” says pro makeup artist Tayler Moore. Meld onto your skin with your fingertips for a natural-looking flush.

3. The Best Cream-to-Powder Blush for Dark Skin:

SKIN GLASS BEAUTY Cream Blush in Rich 

GLOSSIER Cloud Paint in Dawn
Courtesy of GLOSSIER

Here is the ultimate sun-kissed secret. This buildable formula is designed for simplicity and melts seamlessly onto your cheeks, revealing a dewy glow. Its sheer coverage allows easy blending and layering, ensuring a naturally flushed, golden-hour radiance. “I recommend the shades Dawn and Haze for dark skin tones, and I tend to reach for Cloud Paint because of its soft, natural finish,” says Moore. Experience the bliss of a sunlit glow with a simple tap on the high points of your cheeks.

4. The Best Multi-Use Blush:

DANESSA MYRICKS Dewy Cheek & Lip Palette in Dew it Flirty

DANESSA MYRICKS Dewy Cheek & Lip Palette in Dew it Flirty

Packed with 4 versatile, multi-use shades, this luxurious palette is a must-have. This transformative formula can be used as a blush, eyeshadow, or lip color. “Its lightweight, balm-like texture gives a very soft and subtle look but can also be built up depending on the look you’re trying to achieve,” says pro makeup artist Melissa Drouillard. Look to this hydrating and buildable formula to effortlessly showcase these radiant-rich hues onto your melanin-rich skin tone.  

5. The Best Buildable Coverage Blush:

NARS Blush in Aroused 

NARS Blush in Aroused

Loved by beauty enthusiasts worldwide, this bestselling gem offers a natural-looking burst of cheek color in matte, satin, and shimmering finishes. Immerse yourself in the super-fine, micronized powder pigment in the shade Aroused for a deep burgundy finish. “This shade blends perfectly onto dark skin tones to provide a bold wash of color without appearing too overwhelming or ashy,” says Drouillard.

6. The Best Matte Blush:

LYS BEAUTY Higher Standard Satin Matte Cream Blush in Kindness 

 LYS BEAUTY Higher Standard Satin Matte Cream Blush in Kindness

If you have dark skin this is the ultimate addition to your makeup arsenal. With its luxurious high pigment formula and satin matte texture, every blush shade provided by LYS BEAUTY delivers a stunning finish to deeper skin tones. “The standout shade that I love the most for a natural finish on dark skin is the shade Kindness which offers a soft peach glow,” says Drouillard. Meanwhile, the silky-smooth powder effortlessly blurs pores and fine lines, providing a crease-resistant finish. So be ready to love the seamless blend-ability and long-lasting radiance.

7. The Best Blush for Layering:

FASHION FAIR Lush Blush Duo in Chocolate Chip 

FASHION FAIR Lush Blush Duo in Chocolate Chip
Courtesy of FASHION FAIR

Looking to add some stunning dimension to your cheeks? This dynamic duo combines a lightweight, buildable cream blush and velvety soft powder blush. “Warm up your complexion effortlessly with the cream blush alone or amplify the vibrance by layering it under the powder blush,” says Drouillard. The lightweight, non-sticky cream blush melts onto your skin, revealing a natural glow minus the unwanted dull gray undertones. With true-to-color application and no oxidation, this blush duo is a beauty essential you won't want to be without.

8. The Best Liquid Blush:

RARE BEAUTY Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Love 

RARE BEAUTY Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Love
Courtesy of RARE BEAUTY

This lightweight formula effortlessly creates a soft, healthy flush that lasts all day. “There are a wide range of color options suitable for dark skin tones but one of my favorite shades in particular for my darker skin clients is the shade Love, which is a matte terracotta hue,” explains Moore. Elevate your makeup routine with this must-have liquid blush for a radiant, natural glow.

9. The Best Blush for a Natural Finish:

JUVIA’S PLACE Blushed Duo in Volume 1

JUVIA’S PLACE Blushed Duo in Volume 1
Courtesy of JUVIA’S PLACE

“Juvia’s Place is highly regarded for making blush shades to enhance darker skin tones,” says Moore. The Blushed Duo is a flawless fusion of complementary hues with a luxurious powder formulation. This iconic blush palette enhances your natural features, delivering a buildable, perfect finish on any complexion. “Blushed Duo Palette in volume 1 is my holy grail for my dark-skinned beauties,” says Moore. Volume 1 showcases deep, earthy tones accentuating warm undertones and ensuring a natural captivating look. 

10. The Best Pigmented Blush:

MARÉNA BEAUTÉ Blush Tarou in Marron Peach 

MARÉNA BEAUTÉ Blush Tarou in Marron Peach
Courtesy of MARÉNA BEAUTÉ

Unleash the beauty of your dark skin tone with this velvety, highly pigmented-powder blush. This radiant warm peach shade will complement and accentuate your features. “The ultra-fine texture effortlessly glides on, offering a beautiful matte finish with a subtle shimmer,” says Drouillard. Experience the versatility of this blush shade, created to bring out the natural glow of your dark skin tone. 

11. The Best Blush for Everyday Use:

PAT McGRATH LABS SkinFetish Divine Blush in Electric Bloom 

PAT McGRATH LABS SkinFetish Divine Blush in Electric Bloom
Courtesy of PAT McGRATH LABS

Immerse yourself in this weightless formula, delivering a couture-inspired rush of color yet sheer enough for everyday wear. Although this blush ensures customizable perfection for all skin tones and types, reach for this easy-to-blend blush in the shade Electric Bloom for an exquisitely soft and seamless warm touch to your melanin-rich skin. 

12. The Best Blush for a Second-Skin Finish:

HAUS LABS Color Fuse Blush in Acai Sky 

HAUS LABS Color Fuse Blush in Acai Sky
Courtesy of HAUS LABS

Experience the ultimate blend of radiant color pay-off and skincare benefits packed into one great product. Infused with powerful skincare ingredients like fermented arnica, hydraberry, shea butter, and Vitamin C, this blush enhances your cheeks for a natural-looking glow and nourishes your skin. Tap in the deep berry purple shade called Acai Sky along the apples of your cheeks to add depth to your deep skin tone.

13. The Best Drugstore Blush for Dark Skin Tones:

E.L.F. Putty Blush in the Caribbean

E.L.F. Putty Blush in the Caribbean
Courtesy of E.L.F.

This lightweight yet buildable formula is enriched with argan oil and vitamin E and effortlessly blends into your skin, leaving a natural flush of color. Achieve flawless application and a radiant-looking glow to your deep skin tone by applying the shade Caribbean along the high point of your cheeks. 

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About the author
Chelsea Hall
Chelsea Hall
Chelsea is an NYC-based fashion and beauty writer with over 7 years experience. She has held roles at publications such as Harper's Bazaar, WWD, InStyle, and Marie Claire. Her writing has also appeared on ELLE.com and POPSUGAR.com.
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Article Last Updated June 9, 2023 12:00 AM