Liquid or powder blush? How to choose your finish

The easiest way to choose a blush is to decide how you want your cheeks to look: softly diffused, fresh and dewy, or more polished. The format is a starting point, but the finish of the individual product matters just as much.

Liquid blush: start small and blend

Liquid blush spreads easily, so begin with a small amount. Tap it onto the cheek with a clean brush, sponge or fingertip, then blend the edges before adding more. A liquid formula can be matte or dewy; liquid does not automatically mean shiny.

Powder blush: build in light layers

A powder blush is useful when you prefer applying colour with a brush. Pick up a little product, tap off the excess and sweep lightly over the cheeks. Build gradually rather than loading the brush for one heavy application.

Choose a colour you enjoy wearing

Look at the shade description and swatch together. Pink, peach, rose and berry shades can create different effects, and the same colour can look different on different skin tones. Screen brightness and lighting also change how a swatch appears. Compare several product images before choosing.

What order should blush go in?

As a starting point, blend liquid or cream blush before setting powder. Apply powder blush after your base has settled. If layering textures, use a light hand and press or tap instead of rubbing the base underneath.

A simple everyday routine

1. Apply your base in thin layers.
2. Add a small amount of blush to the cheeks.
3. Blend outward until the edges look soft.
4. Check both cheeks in natural light and add colour only where needed.

Browse blush at Sotley and compare each product’s finish, shade names and photos. For the rest of your routine, read our makeup layering guide.