When summer arrives, blush is usually one of the first things I switch up. Heavier makeup can start to feel a bit much in warmer weather, but the right blush shade can instantly make the face look fresher, healthier and more awake.
I also tend to gravitate towards cream formulas at this time of year. They’re quick to apply, easy to blend and give that softer, more natural finish that works particularly well in summer. Although I still use lightly applied powder blush, depending on the colour.
These are the blush colours I find most flattering and wearable once the weather warms up.
Soft Pink
In summer, softer pink blushes can look especially flattering because they mimic that natural warmth you get in the skin after being outside.
Pink adds freshness to the face without looking too obvious, and works particularly well if you want something light and everyday.
Glossier Cloud Paint in Puff
This became popular for good reason. It gives a soft, diffused pink flush that looks very natural on the skin.
It’s ideal if you want to look a bit brighter and more awake without looking overly made up.
You can read my full review of Glossier’s Cloud Paint in Puff here.
Peachy Pink
This is one of my favourite blush categories for summer. Peach tones often come into their own in summer, as they add warmth and brightness without looking too heavy.
NARS Blush in Deep Throat
A classic for a reason. This sits between pink and peach, which makes it particularly easy to wear.
It gives that healthy, just-back-from-holiday kind of glow without being too intense.
Warm Coral
Coral is one of the best true summer blush shades.
It adds warmth, colour and energy to the face, and softer corals can look especially flattering on warm or lightly tanned skin because they add colour without the heaviness of deeper blush shades.
I usually prefer softer or slightly muted corals rather than anything too neon, as they feel much easier to wear day-to-day.
Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm in Grandest Guava
This is the kind of blush that makes sense for real life.
It’s quick to apply, easy to blend and gives a fresh, healthy-looking flush without needing too much precision.
It’s the sort of product that works particularly well on busy mornings or for keeping in your handbag.
Grandest Guava by Clinique is available to buy at LookFantastic.
Glossier Cloud Paint in Dawn
If you prefer a liquid cream formula, Dawn is a warmer coral that gives the skin a sunlit, summery look.
Best applied lightly for a soft flush rather than anything too bold.
Soft Rose Nude
A rosy nude works well in summer if you want definition without looking overly made up.
It gives shape and life back to the face, but still feels polished and subtle.
I especially gravitate towards soft rose nude shades when it’s hot and sticky outside and I want a really light base.
Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Frisson
This cooler rose shade looks very elegant on the skin.
It’s a good option if you don’t want anything too bright, but still want to look a bit more put together.
You can read my full review of Illamasqua Frisson here.
Watermelon Pink
If you want something a little brighter for summer, a watermelon pink blush can be a really flattering option.
It has more life than a soft pastel pink, but still feels fresher and more wearable than deeper berry tones.
This kind of shade adds colour to the face quickly and can make the skin look especially lively in warmer weather.
Saie Dew Blush in Flirty
A bright watermelon pink in a dewy liquid formula that blends beautifully into the skin.
It gives cheeks that healthy, warm-weather flush without looking too heavy or overdone. A very good option if you want a slightly bolder summer blush that still feels easy to wear
Why cream blush works so well in summer
I often find myself reaching for more cream blush formulas at this time of year, as they can feel lighter and quicker to apply – but powder blushes can work just as well if you prefer them.
It blends quickly with fingers, doesn’t sit as heavily on the skin, and tends to fade more naturally throughout the day. I also find they give the skin a fresh, more dewy finish which matches the season.
It also works well when you don’t want to wear much else – just a bit of concealer, brows, mascara and blush can often be enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What blush colour looks best in summer?
Soft pink, peach and coral tones often look freshest in warm weather.
Is cream blush better for summer?
Cream blush can feel lighter and give a fresher finish, though powder works well too.
Final thoughts
Summer blush doesn’t need to be complicated.
Often the most flattering shades are simply those that bring a bit of warmth or freshness back into the face.
For me, that usually means soft pinks, peachy tones or an easy coral depending on the day.
And if the formula is quick to apply and easy to wear, even better.
