The great 2024 is the year that the beauty world finally realized that all blushes are not created equally – at least when it comes to pigment. Although Juvia’s Place Blushed Liquid Blush launched in 2023, it wasn’t until early 2024 that it took TikTok by storm. The snowball began in January with a now-deleted video from content creator Kevin Lee (@simpleekevin), where the Ulta Beauty Collective member exclaims that the Juvia’s Place blush is "too" pigmented to use. What followed was an onslaught of response videos from creators across the web educating Lee on how to use the right amount of this bold blush. It also led to an important discussion on how some makeup products are created specifically for Black people and Black skin, and white creators and consumers should respect that in their reviews and shopping habits.

　　Before this TikTok moment happened, just think about how many beauty brands only have skin for light tones. It's preposterous! So, this whole viral moment helped white creators and viewers understand that in some instances, the tables are turned. And rightfully so. Also, fun fact, popular creator Nikkie (@nikkietutorials) learned this lesson back when the blush first dropped in 2023.

　　Now, in 2024, the bold blush has quickly re-gained traction for its ample amount of pigment that, when used with a heavy hand, gave users – including Nikkie – a full face of blush. Pigment, in the case of a blush, means that there is color payoff. So, the color appears on the skin and doesn’t just fade away into the foundation beneath it.

　　While the Juvia’s Place liquid blush continues to be popular, there are also a number of blushes out there that show up on deeper skin tones. So, to find them all, I asked for some expert advice from celebrity makeup artist Mia “Mimi” Johnson. Johnson has worked with TV networks, including Bravo and VH1, as well as celebrities like actress and singer Halle Bailey. Plus, I (a commerce writer) also got my fingers – and makeup brushes – dirty to test out some of the internet’s most pigmented blushes for deep skin tones.

　　Best Pigmented Blushes for Deep Skin Tones

　　Best Overall: Juvia's Place Blushed Liquid BlushBest Budget: Best Terracotta Blush: Best Wet and Dry Blush: Best Matte Powder Blush:

　　What to Consider

　　Colors and Tones

　　When it comes to finding the right tone for dark skin, Johnson says, “I like terracottas, deep plums, and rose-colored shades because they look fab on deeper skin tones.” It’s important to keep in mind that there is no one-color-fits-all when it comes to blush. Why? Because there is a vast range for what is considered a “deep” skin tone. So, getting playful, aka trying out different colors, is key to finding out what color would work best for you.

　　Also, Johnson advises that you try blushes in different lighting – like overhead indoor light versus natural sunlight. This way, you'll be able to see how your makeup glows in various settings. It'll also help you understand how fabulous you look, and give you some fabulous confidence to hold onto throughout your day.

　　Formulations and Ingredients

　　The makeup of today is not the makeup we all grew up with. The products come in so many different shapes, sizes, and types. Plus, the formulas have range, ensuring there's a shade out there for everyone, whether you're shopping for yourself or for your beauty-obsessed bestie. So, before you buy a few new blushes to test, think about your desired look.

　　If you want a blush to boldly show up on your cheeks, Johnson advises opting for a cream-based look. If you want your color to really last, use a cream blush as a base with a powder blush or setting powder on top. The same goes for using a liquid blush. However, if you're a devout fan of powder products, “avoid blushes that appear too chalky,” per the celebrity makeup artist’s advice. To test if a blush is chalky, head to your local Sephora or Ulta and apply a sample product from your finger to your wrist. If it shows up looking like your Hopscotch game, it's probably too dry to buy.

　　How We Selected

　　I left no stone unturned when it came time to find the best pigmented blushes, especially those that work on deeper skin tones. I used my shopping expertise — I've been a commerce writer testing products for years — and delved into brands beloved by the internet, somewhat unknown to consumers, and, of course, TikTok viral versions to test. I had three major categories I took note of: buildability, blendability, and shade range. Here's what I found:

　　Buildability

　　If I could layer a blush on a few times to get a noticeable amount of color payoff, then I noted its great buildability. There are some blushes that go on bold immediately, like the viral Juvia’s Place liquid blush. Meanwhile, there are other blushes that are meant to have a sheer finish yet can be layered for a bit more color payoff. I took note of if a blush could build into something bold, started out as such, or got erased away the moment foundation or concealer touched my skin.

　　Blendability

　　If something melted into my skin and looked natural, I scored it high on blendability. Johnson says that sweeping blush onto deep skin tones is key to getting more color — not repeating that circular motion we so often see in media. I followed her advice to ensure that each blush I tested had a fighting chance to score high in this field.

　　Shade Range

　　The beauty of beauty is that there is a rainbow of possibilities when it comes to playing with color. However, some brands offer such a limited shade range that only one or two blush options will show up on deep skin tones. Fortunately, there are other brands that have more hues available for deep skin tones so that you’re not confined to using one shade of blush forever.

　　With all that said, read on to discover the best pigmented blushes for deep skin tones.

　　

　　

　　1Best Overall

　　Juvia's Place Blushed Liquid Blush

　　ProsCons

　　

　　Easy to use too much productThe viral Blushed Liquid Blush is the talk of the beauty town — but is it among the best pigmented blushes? In my expert opinion, the answer is a big yes. The viral liquid blush comes in 12 buildable and blendable shades. Most of which span Johnson’s recommendation of trying blushes in the rosey, deep plum, and terracotta family. That way, no matter where you are on the deep complexion spectrum, you’re likely to find more than one shade that works for you.

　　I tried the Juvia's Place Blushed Liquid Blush in the bold pink hue named “Barbie Rose.” After seeing several other TikTokers try out the blush, I knew to go in with a light hand. I tried about a fourth of a pea-sized dot and found that amount gave me the perfect flush of color (my version of perfect is a realistic blush look with an added boost of color). The product was incredibly easy to blend out, too. So, I think that this 0.27-ounce bottle will last me several months – if not a year.

　　The only downside is that it can take some trial and error to find out just how much to use. TikTok user Ora (@orasteez_) went in with a light hand with what seems to be the shade named “Pink Lady.” In the video, she puts a dot on her face, saying, “I’m scared.” Then, as she starts to blend the color out in the video, she realizes that she has nothing to be afraid of as it complements her complexion perfectly. But, by the end of the video, she reminds her audience that “all you need is a dot” for a flush of color on the cheeks.

　　

Buildability	Easy to build
Shades Available	12

　　

　　2Best Budget

　　e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush

　　Pros

　　

　　Bold color payoff

　　

　　Wide shade range

　　

　　Very blendableCons

　　

　　Easy to use too much productThe Camo Liquid Blush from e.l.f. is a budget-friendly blush that will last you a lifetime. The product description claims this blush is “pigment packed" and as blendable as can be. When it comes to shopping for pigmented blushes, you want to make sure the one you go with has these two characteristics, per Johnson's advice.

　　There are seven shades to choose from, ranging from peachy oranges to deep maroons, all of which are stellar options for deeper skin tones. The rounded applicator is another plus, this type of accessory allows for precise application that can be customizable. Use the tip for a small amount to test the waters, then go in with the whole oval for bold definition.

　　Key Specs

　　

Buildability	Easy to build
Shades Available	9

　　

　　

　　3Best Matte Powder Blush

　　No7 Matte Powder Blush

　　Pros

　　

　　Non-chalky powder

　　

　　Matte without feeling tight on skinCons

　　

　　Limited shade rangeWhen testing out the No7 Matte Powder Blush, I was pleasantly surprised. Many powder blushes can come off looking chalky or dusty. But this one glides like a cream – especially if you use your finger to warm up the product first.

　　Across the limited color range, two give off enough pigment for deep skin tones: “Cranberry” and “Peaches.” It’s unsurprising that these two would be the front runners as Johnson calls out terracotta and rosey shades as some of the ideal blush colors for deep skin. Now, if No7 could come out with more shades, that’d be great.

　　Key Specs

　　

Buildability	Easy to build
Shades Available	5

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　　4Best Cream Blush

　　BASMA The Cream Blush

　　Pros

　　

　　Fragrance-free

　　

　　Hydrating formulaCons

　　

　　Opening the blush isn’t easyBasma’s The Cream Blush is an ultra-creamy product that dries down to a glowing finish. But, there’s a learning curve to getting this blush open before you can experience that hydrating formula. You have to push the lid forward to open the product. And, having tested this blush myself, let's say some of the shades now have my thumbprint in them from pushing too hard.

　　Packaging aside, the product itself is easily buildable for a sheer, medium, or full-coverage color. In testing, I found that “Burnt Orange” is the easiest to bump up in color payoff. It only took about three layers. Overall, I found that five out of the six shades – excluding the “Bubble Gum Pink” – are deep skin-complementing color options.

　　For more insight, the website showcases each color option on several different skin tones. That helps take the guesswork out of online shopping so that you don’t need to buy and swatch all of them to find your preferred color.

　　Key Specs

　　

Buildability	Easy to build
Shades Available	6

　　

　　

　　5Best Wet and Dry Blush

　　Black Radiance Artisan Color Baked Face Powder Blush Makeup

　　Pros

　　

　　Subtle shimmer

　　

　　Can use wet or dry for varying intensityCons

　　

　　Some shades more buildable than othersWhen trying out the Black Radiance Artisan Color Baked Face Powder Blush Makeup I found that, while there are only four colors available, you’re really getting eight products. Why? Because each one can be used wet or dry.

　　These are baked terracotta – as in the material, not the color – blushes. So, when it’s dry, you’re able to swipe this blush on for a more sheer finish with a subtle shimmer. But, once you add a couple of drops of water, you’ll get a lightweight creamy blush that’s more intense colorwise than when it’s just a powder. And, it doesn’t shimmer as much as a cream.

　　Out of the limited shade range, the color named “Brick House” is the most pigmented both as a powder and a cream. And, it’s easy to layer (in both of its forms) to get a bold color. The other three take more elbow grease to get a pigmented effect as a powder. So, for the most color payoff, those three are best used wet rather than dry.

　　Key Specs

　　

Buildability	Easily to build
Shades Available	4

　　

　　

　　6Best Natural Finish

　　EpicLight Beauty Never Settle Radiant Cheek+ Lip Blush

　　Pros

　　

　　Cream-to-powder application

　　

　　Lip and cheek useCons

　　

　　Limited shade rangeEpicLight’s Never Settle Radiant Cheek+ Lip Blush offers a natural flush of color. The buildable blush glides on like a cream and sets like a power. So, at first, it goes on with a bold amount of color. But, with some short strokes, you can sheer out the color as much as you’d like. And, you can easily add more if you blend too much.

　　No matter how you apply it, it always sets to a more natural-looking hue. After testing these blushes out myself, I’d say that three out of the four current colors are worth a try for deeper skin tones. The color named “First Date,” is a beige that might not even show on deeper complexions.

　　Key Specs

　　

Buildability	Hard to build
Shades Available	4

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　　7Top Expert Pick

　　PAT McGRATH LABS Divine Blush

　　Pros

　　

　　Easy to travel with

　　

　　Mess-free applicatorCons

　　

　　Limited shade rangeJohnson names the Pat McGrath Labs Divine Blush as one to try if you have a deeper complexion. Although the shade range is limited, it includes three hues the celebrity makeup artist recommends giving a go: rosey, terracotta, and deep plum. However, the deep plum named “Forbidden Fleur,” is one of the richest plum shades on the market.

　　The stick applicator is a major plus. It's mess-free, easy to glide on, and allows for quick application that comes in handy during rushed mornings or pre-dinner routines.

　　Key Specs

　　

Shades Available	4

　　

　　

　　8Best Rosey Blush

　　L’Oréal Paris Infallible Soft Matte Blush

　　Pros

　　

　　Lightweight feel

　　

　　Bold color payoffCons

　　

　　Hard to blendThe L'Oreal Paris Infallible Soft Matte Blush only comes in four colors but all of them are pigmented rosey hues. What's more, the blush is formulated to last for 24 hours, so if you're looking for one of the best pigmented blushes that's long-lasting, this could be it for you.

　　To apply, grab your favorite feathered makeup brush and press it gently into the blush, dust it off by tapping the brush on the product's side, then dab it onto your face. Repeat the process if you want a bolder, brighter look.

　　Key Specs

　　

Buildability	Easy to build
Shades Available	4

　　

　　9Best Shade Range

　　Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Blush Cheek and Lip Tint

　　Pros

　　

　　Oil free

　　

　　Wide shade rangeCons

　　

　　Not much bold color payoffMilani’s Cheek Kiss Cream Blush Cheek and Lip Tint is a sheer-coverage blush that’s available in 13 shades. Among them all, the color named “Blushing Berry” is a popular hue among those with deeper skin tones, according to customer reviews.

　　However, depending on how deep your complexion is, you might find that it’s hard to build this up to a bold flush of color. So, it might work better as a natural-looking everyday blush.

　　This is a great option for folks with oily skin since the formula is oil-free and non-greasy.

　　Key Specs

　　

Buildability	Hard to build
Shades Available	13

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　　10Best Terracotta Blush

　　Live Tinted Huestick All-Over Color Corrector

　　Pros

　　

　　Easy to travel with

　　

　　Lip and cheek useCons

　　

　　Packaging looks the same as another product from the brandAfter personally testing both Live Tinted Huestick All-Over Color Corrector and the in my search for the best pigmented blush out there, I came to an unexpected conclusion. The color corrector in the shade named “Rise” is a beautiful terracotta that doubles as a pigmented blush. It goes on creamy, builds easily, and doesn’t feel dry on the skin.

　　However, a downside to this product is that both the All-Over Color Corrector and the Multistick have the same packaging. At first, I didn’t even realize that I had tested a color corrector as a blush since the packaging is identical. That can be confusing when shopping online. So, make sure to triple-check the product name so the correct stick lands at your doorstep.

　　Key Specs

　　

Buildability	Easy to build
Shades Available	4