7 Must-Have Mauve Blushes & How to Wear Them

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By Maya Ernest
Published on August 14, 2024
A woman with cheeks lightly flushed with mauve blush, adding a soft, radiant glow to her fair complexion
A woman with cheeks lightly flushed with mauve blush, adding a soft, radiant glow to her fair complexion

ICYMI, mauve blush is having a moment. There’s something undeniably flattering about the hue’s unique blend of pink and purple tones, which give off a melted popsicle-style flush and an effortless glow. Plus, the versatile blush shade is a welcome break from all the pinks and reds we’re used to. 

But with so many blushes on the market, which are the best ones to reach for? Whether you’re looking for a buildable powder formula, a cool-toned liquid blush, or a palette you can use to customize your sunkissed look, there’s a blush for every beauty occasion. We’ve rounded up seven of our favorite mauve blushes to give you the rosy, glowy flush of your dreams. Keep reading for everything you need to know about mauve blush, from how to pick the perfect product to what to pair it with.

Meet the Expert

Gabriella Corricelli is a professional makeup artist specializing in bridal looks. Based in Boston, she pushes the creative boundaries in the ever-evolving beauty industry. 

The 7 Best Mauve Blushes We Know You’ll Love

1. Best Mauve Blush for Natural Glow:

THE BEAUTY CROP Oui Cherie Blush in Mauve Marseille

THE BEAUTY CROP Oui Cherie Blush in Mauve Marseille
THE BEAUTY CROP Oui Cherie Blush in Mauve Marseille

With a darker core color encircled by a paler, complementary hue, this mauve blush from THE BEAUTY CROP will give you a natural, glowing effect with minimal effort. Its pressed mineral formula formula feels weightless on the skin and blends beautifully, so we love reaching for it when we want to layer up our blushes.

2. Best Mauve Blush for a Cool-Toned Look:

PURLISSE BEAUTY Blush Glow BB Cheek Color in Cool Mauve

PURLISSE BEAUTY Blush Glow BB Cheek Color in Cool Mauve
PURLISSE BEAUTY Blush Glow BB Cheek Color in Cool Mauve

Those with lighter skin tones may want to explore mauve blush without the warm tones. Try this liquid blush for a glowy, natural-looking flush that brightens your complexion with hawthorn and goji berry extract. This formula also layers beautifully over makeup—without disturbing your hard work.

3. Best Mauve Blush for Buildable Color:

PLEY BEAUTY One Stop POP in First Hello

PLEY BEAUTY One Stop POP in First Hello
PLEY BEAUTY One Stop POP in First Hello

Whether you’re feeling a simple sunkissed look or an all-out flush, this PLEY BEAUTY blush does both. Its soft powder formula allows you to build up to a more intense color depending on your mood, and melts right into your skin for a long-lasting look. Want to go bold? Just add more. It won’t look cakey or streaky.

4. Best Mauve Blush for Long-Term Wear:

NARS Powder Blush in Infatuated

NARS Powder Blush in Infatuated
NARS Powder Blush in Infatuated

This pressed powder blush is a fan favorite for a reason. Its highly pigmented formula goes on bright (but not too bright), so you can dust some on the apples of your cheeks to make your complexion truly pop. But best of all? This weightless blush lasts for up to 16 hours, meaning you can wear it all day (and night) long.

5. Best Mauve Blush for an On-the-Go Look:

THREAD BEAUTY Blend it Multi Stick in Fearless

THREAD BEAUTY Blend it Multi Stick in Fearless
THREAD BEAUTY Blend it Multi Stick in Fearless

Mauve works well for blush, but with this shimmery multi-stick, you can apply the hue as eyeshadow, lipstick, highlighter, and more. With so many uses (and buildable color), this THREAD BEAUTY product is also great for traveling or doing your makeup routine on-the-go. 

6. Best Mauve Blush for Customized Color:

LUNAR BEAUTY Moon Prism Blush Palette

LUNAR BEAUTY Moon Prism Blush Palette
LUNAR BEAUTY Moon Prism Blush Palette

With a blush color for every occasion, this palette is perfect for anyone looking to create a custom look. Concoct your personalized color by combining the five matte formulas, or dip into the shimmer shade for a sparkling flush. You’ve got all the options with this LUNAR BEAUTY palette.

7. Best Mauve Blush for an All-Over Flush:

SHAINA B MIAMI & PERSONA COSMETICS Flawless Flush Duo

SHAINA B MIAMI & PERSONA COSMETICS Flawless Flush Duo
SHAINA B MIAMI & PERSONA COSMETICS Flawless Flush Duo

For a flawless flush that doesn’t fade, consider reaching for this mauve blush and eyeshadow duo. With perfectly paired pigments, this set will give you an all-over rosy look that makes you look lit from within. The soft-focus finish of the blush helps diminish the appearance of pores, too. 

Who Does Mauve Blush Work For?

Mauve brings out a natural flush in those with medium skin tones or cool undertones, but the great thing is, it works on all skin tones, professional makeup artist Gabriella Corricelli tells IPSY. “Mauve is super versatile and universal,” she adds. “It has that nice sweet spot, where it's not too bright and not too dark.” Thanks to the versatility of the color, Corricelli likes using mauve across her work—from editorial and bridal looks to everyday wear. “I’d say it’s a staple in my kit,” she says.

Choosing a blush color of any type, however, is all about personal preference and experimentation. To find the most flattering mauve blush for your complexion, start by identifying your skin undertones (cool, warm or neutral), then look to the color wheel to find complementary combinations. 

What to Wear It With

The versatility of mauve blush gives the hue range—and as Corricelli mentions, its blend of pink and purple can really be used across a variety of looks. Try incorporating it into your everyday makeup, or embrace the hue with an all-new look. Like any blush, use a lighter hand for less pigment and a heavier hand for more. We like using a slightly dense but fluffy blush brush to diffuse and blend product onto the skin. 

Mauve really pops when paired with neighboring pink or brown shades, says Corricelli, citing two of her favorite looks. She recommends leaning into the shade with a monochromatic look including matching pink eyeshadow, or pairing mauve with brown tones. “A matte eye, brown lip liner, and mauve lipstick would be ‘chef’s kiss,’” she says while pondering over looks. “Think MAC’s Cork lip liner [paired] with the CHARLOTTE TILBURY Pillow Talk lipstick.” 

Final Thoughts 

Now that mauve blush is on your radar, we wouldn’t be surprised if it became a staple in your routine. Especially with so many ways to wear the shade—whether you prefer powder, cream, or liquid formulas—you can’t go wrong. Make the most of mauve with a fully sunkissed look or go natural with a quick dusting. 

Want the scoop on all the best blushes? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own IPSY beauty subscription. Already an IPSY member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.

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