There are ways to save money on makeup without sacrificing quality, color, or wear—if you know the right swaps to make. Look first at the drugstore brands makeup artists use on themselves and their celebrity and influencer clients. "I love Maybelline New York," offers Kelli Anne Sewell, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Makeup By Kelli Anne. "They are ahead of the curve with innovation, and the formulas are of top quality. I also love NYX products and e.l.f. Cosmetics also puts out some great formulas."
Shop the Best Drugstore Blush
We consulted makeup artists, tested all the under-$15 formulas against the best blush at higher price tiers, and landed on the top nine drugstore blushes that earn their keep in our makeup bags. Ahead, more about the blushes we picked and why we love them.
Pros
Cream-to-powder formula- Lightweight
- Good shade range
Cons
- Some reviewers say the size of the pot is small for some brushes
E.l.f. Cosmetics is doing something right, as its products are always found in the makeup bags of Bazaar's beauty editors. This blush, in particular, is one of Sewell's favorites because it's "super creamy and easy to blend," she says. "The colors are gorgeous too!"
What reviewers say: "These are great! Well pigmented, and look gorgeous on." —Annie
Best Soft Powder
Flower Beauty Flower Pots Powder Blush
Pros
- Buildable color
- Creative packaging
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Some reviewers would prefer an alternative to the flip-up lid compact
Flower Beauty (Drew Barrymore's brand) makes a soft cream powder blush that Sewell calls "gorgeous" in both texture and packaging.
What reviewers say: "I had heard the buzz about these, so I finally got one. I picked up 'Sweet Pea' — a very pretty color. Nice texture. Easy to blend. Adorable flower-shaped pan.[...]I have one in 'Warm Hibiscus' on the way. Looks like a very infamous blush shade that costs way more." —Christine
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Best Liquid Blush
Maybelline Sunkisser Multi-Use Liquid Blush
Pros
- Blush-bronzer hybrid
- Melts into bare skin and glides over foundation
Cons
- Those with oily skin may prefer a matte formula
As the name suggests, this is a blush for a "sunkissed" look that acts as a hybrid blush and bronzer with a luminous finish. "It’s like a thin liquid blush in gorgeous glowy shades," says Sewell.
What reviewers say: "I don't wear foundation, so powder blushes and bronzers don't work for me. I purchased shade #1 as a blush and shade #11 as a bronzer. They melt into my bare skin so beautifully, and look so natural! LOVE!!" —Angel
Best Blurring Powder
Maybelline New York Fit Me Blush
Pros
- Lightweight blurring powder
- Wide shade range
- Skin-tone-enhancing color
Cons
- Some reviewers would prefer an alternative to the flip-up lid compact
This Maybelline Fit Me blush is super pigmented and blurring, making it a great pick for anyone looking for a filtered look and long-wearing performance.
What reviewers say: "I decided to try this in 25 Pink and it looks so good. It's not too heavy and provides the perfect amount of pink. I used a setting spray and it stayed on all night." —Rae
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Best Multistick
Elf Cosmetics Monochromatic Multi-Stick
Pros
- Can be used on the eyes, lips, and cheeks
- Perfect size for on-the-go
Cons
- Certain shades contain shimmer that some people could do without
The stick blush is an excellent option for anyone on the go. This chubby stick from E.L.F. is amazing because the color is pigmented but blendable and can be used on cheeks and lips. Plus, it's only five bucks.
What reviewers say: "I actually tried this multistick for the first time recently and fell in love! I was immediately a fan, especially in the shade 'Luminous Berry'. I was so impressed I became obsessed with how pigmented this item is and how well and effortlessly it blends."—Jennifer
Best for Glowy Finish
L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Le Liquid Blush
Pros
- Blendable and buildable color
- Weightless feel
- Wide shade range
Cons
- Certain shades contain shimmer that some people could do without
If you like the famous Lumi Glotion, an all-over face highlighter, you'll love the liquid blush formula, which is similarly dewy and radiant.
What reviewers say: "The best affordable liquid blush. It's very nice easy to apply and true to the color, the consistency is very good, you just need a little bit and it blends very easily and nicely." —Karol
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Pros
- Infused with 2% squalane for skin hydration
- Lightweight, glowy formula
Cons
- Some people would prefer an alternative to the cushion-tip applicator
E.L.F.'s Halo Glow Filter is one of its best-sellers, and it led to the production of a dedicated blush with a similar shimmery finish. The cushion-tip applicator makes blending easy, even with just your fingers.
What reviewers say: "I have been using this product for a year. It gives the right amount of cheekbone highlights. My only complaint is that it's messy when you put the cap back on." —Christine
Most Pigmented
NYX Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint
Pros
- Precision doe-foot applicator
- Pigmented color
- Can be used on lips
Cons
- Dries down quickly so have to blend fast
This is a long-lasting, super-pigmented cheek color that doubles as a lip color. It has a precision doe-foot applicator and a velvety texture that blends seamlessly and feels like second skin.
What reviewers say: "Please don't discontinue this! This is the best long-lasting drugstore blush on the market." —Star
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Pros
- Lightweight and buildable color
- Can be used on cheeks and lips
Cons
- Some reviewers would prefer an alternative to the flip-up lid compact
This cream blush by Milani is versatile and foolproof. The balm reads as a natural flush of color that can be applied all over the face. To prolong the wear, set it with a powder blush in a similar shade.
What reviewers say: "I absolutely love this. It’s so easy to apply and looks gorgeous on. No more struggling to blend…it’s as simple as a couple of dabs." —V
Meet the experts
• Kelli Anne Sewell is a celebrity makeup artist and the founder of Makeup By Kelli Anne.
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How do I find my blush shade at the drugstore?
It's easy to feel overwhelmed if you're shopping for makeup at a drugstore with aisles of options (and no try-on stations). Sewell recommends making a plan. "I think it’s all about going in prepared," she says. "Know what sort of tone you are looking for, like a rosy pink blush, so you don’t get overwhelmed."
What is the most natural-looking blush color?
Sewell points us toward a few of her go-to brands for natural blush. "I would try the Flower Beauty powder blushes or the Maybelline New York Sun Kisser liquid blush. Both are user-friendly," she says. Plus, Sewell's pro tip for making blush last all day and night: Start with a liquid blush and layer a powder blush over the top. Plus, at the drugstore price point, you can get both.
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