Blusher 101: Finding Your Formula

Arissa Farha
Oct 19
4 min read

(Because every glow tells a story, and mine starts with rosy cheeks.)

Have you ever caught yourself standing in front of the makeup aisle, staring at rows of blushes in different colours, formulas and types, feeling so overwhelmed that your brain might short-circuit? At that moment, you start questioning your entire beauty routine. Is it right for you? Don’t worry, I’ve been in that situation more times than I can remember.

Choosing the right blush shouldn’t feel like a hassle—makeup is supposed to be fun, expressive and a little bit magical. Yet for many of us, especially busy students juggling classes, deadlines, and late-night study sessions, finding the right one can feel unnecessarily complicated.

But here’s the truth: blush isn’t about colour; it’s about confidence. It’s supposed to be a tool to help brighten up your complexion, lift up your mood and even make that “I totally slept for 8 hours tops” lie look believable… as long as you have the right shade and formula for you.

So, consider this as your friendly, no-stress guide to finding your perfect blush that’ll give you that radiant flush. From powders that stay put through humid weather to creamy tints that double as your lip tint to match, we’re breaking down the basics, the blush basics (minus the confusion!). Ready to dive into the world of blush? Let’s go!

Finding The Right Blush Formula

Now, let’s start where all good glow-ups begin, which is your skin. Because let’s face it, no matter how cute the shade looks in the pan or on the model, the formula that loves your skin makes all the difference.

If your skin tends to be oily by midday, especially under humid heat like Malaysia’s, powder blush will be your new best friend.

Why?

Powder, in its own form, controls shine, provides a soft matte finish, and stays put even when your T-zone rebels. My advice: look for finely milled powders. They blend effortlessly and will not clog your pores. My favourite budget-friendly and go-to brands are ROM&ND Better Than Cheek Blush and Maybelline Fit Me Powder Blush. Those two are my life savers, and I never leave without them.

However, if your skin feels more like a desert than tropical, such as dry, tight or, on occasion, flaky, then cream blush is your holy grail.

Cream blush melts into your skin, leaving you hydrated with a dewy finish that looks fresh rather than cakey. In other words, you want it to look like a natural flush—effortless and soft, as if you just woke up glowing. You want to make it scream, “I have healthy skin even though my sleep schedule is trash.” For cream blushes, I have a go-to brand: SHEGLAM Colour Bloom Liquid Blush. You can say this product is a very good and affordable dupe for Rare Beauty.

The same goes for combination skin: that delicate balance of powder and cream can create a beautiful harmony on your cheeks. A tip for making it last longer than your relationship? Apply cream blush first, then finish with powder blush to set. It will give you the pigment you desire that will last all day!

So, when in doubt, trust your skin texture. Everyone's skin is unique; yours and the makeup model's are not the same, so their formula will not work for you. If your foundation already has a matte finish, add some life with a creamy or liquid blush. If your base is too dewy or tinted, add powder to balance it out.

A Blush for Your Style and Routine

Once you’ve met your perfect formula, the next step is all about vibe. Your blush should blend effortlessly into your lifestyle, not fight against it.

If you’re a minimalist who prefers that “barely there” glow, light cream or liquid tints are your go-to. Because they melt into your skin like a soft morning blush. But, for days when you’re channeling your inner diva and you want to go for a soft-glam look, a satin or cream blush adds that smooth radiance that acts like a built-in highlight for you. Two in one!

Let’s be real, we have some mornings where time is as precious as sleep, and you don’t want to wake up at 6 in the morning to do your makeup for your 9 a.m. class. That’s when stick or cream blushes come to the rescue! You just swipe, tap and go. No brushes, no fuss. But, for long wear that you want for hours on end, go for stain formulas that keep your cheeks glowing even when you’re dead on the inside. In short, blush isn’t just a product—it’s a reflection of your rhythm, your routine and your personality. Now you can go out there and blush like the main character you are meant to be!

Trending Techniques to Try!

Let's talk about popular techniques.

If you want to achieve that sun-kissed, vacation-at-the-beach look. I suggest trying out "across-the-nose blush" or, if you want something cute and anime-like, try "under-eye flush". This blush placement is inspired by K-beauty—think soft, dreamy doll vibes. Check out Karina from aespa's current blush placement for “under-eye flush” and compare it to when she didn't wear blush from back then to now, and models like Hailey Bieber for “across-the-nose blush” as well!

Karina’s blush placement “under-eye flush” (before)

Karina’s blush placement “under-eye flush” (after)

Hailey Bieber's blush placement “across-the-nose blush”

If you want an instant lift and to refresh your look, try the "C-shape draping" technique. You can check out Rihanna’s blush style for this! However, "blush blindness" is my favourite technique, and it should go without saying—just look at Sabrina Carpenter's current blush placement.

Rihanna's blush placement “C-shape draping”

Sabrina Carpenter's blush placement “blush blindness”

At The End of The Day...

...blush is more than just a colour; it’s character.

The right formula doesn’t match your skin; it matches your mood, your pace, and even your story. Whether you're running between classes or dressing up for a night out, a few swipes can bring life back to you. So, experiment, have fun, and find the blush that feels like you.

Because after all, confidence is the best shade you’ll ever wear.