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This year has truly been the year of blush. At one point, brands were launching new blush lines and shades left and right, and blush trends like sunset blush and boyfriend blush have enjoyed time in the social media spotlight. We all want to look perfectly flushed all the time, so I’d like to introduce you to one of the best places to source your glow: Korean makeup brands. If you’ve only been paying attention to Korean skin care brands so far, you’ve been missing out—South Korean companies have been creating beautiful blushes for years, and many of them are now available on Amazon and other accessible retailers.
There are some key differences between the blushes we might be used to here in the States and the kinds most Korean brands produce. “Koreans prefer blushes to have pastel colors, while Americans like the ones with vivid, highly saturated colors,” explains Dawon Kim, the brand manager of Etude. As a result, these blushes blend effortlessly into the skin, giving you a subtle, natural-looking flush. Additionally, Kim pointed out that many Korean powder blushes have a soft, blurring texture that softens the look of pores and makes your skin look porcelain. Of course, there are also cream and liquid blushes as well that sink into your skin and cause you to appear like you’re glowing from within.
Our top picks for the best Korean blushes of 2024
I spoke to experts at Etude, a major Korean makeup brand, happily tested options on my own face, and read countless customer reviews to learn more about the best Korean blushes on the market. Find you newest blush bestie below.
Pros
- Easy to blend
- Affordable
Cons
- Shades do not accommodate deeper skin tones
Rom&nd is one of the trendiest makeup brands in South Korea, and one of its bestselling products is its blush. The powdery texture smooths onto the skin for a soft matte finish that blurs pores, rendering them nearly invisible.
Shades: 9
Size: 0.2 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I have this blush in three colors, and I want more—that’s how much I adore it. Blush placement has always been a little challenging for me, and because I’m so pale, I tend to apply too much too quickly. But this blush is so blendable and lightly pigmented that it’s impossible for me to even mess up.”—Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
Pros
- Comes in a variety of shades
- Pigmented
Cons
- May not be suitable for very dry skin
When you unscrew the cap, the first thing you’ll notice about this adorable blush is its unique, whipped consistency. Because of its chocolate mousse-like texture, the formula melts into the skin without a fight, blurring your cheeks and lips in an instant. The product is also more pigmented than most K-beauty blushes on the market, allowing it to cater to a variety of skin tones.
Shades: 30
Size: 0.18 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “The pudding-like texture of the product is incredibly lightweight, making it comfortable to wear throughout the day. It glides on smoothly and blends effortlessly into the skin, providing a natural, soft matte finish without feeling heavy or cakey. It delivers a consistent color payoff whether applied as a blush or a lip tint, making it a convenient addition to your makeup bag!”
Pros
- Shimmery but not glittery
Cons
- Shades may not show up on every skin tone
“This is a baked powder blush with great color payoff,” shares Lee. The line includes both warm and cool blush shades as well as a champagne highlighter that works to provide a natural-looking glow without any obvious glitter particles.
Shades: 5
Size: 0.14 oz.
YesStyle rating: 4.6/5 stars
A YesStyle reviewer says: “This is so cute! It’s the cutest blush I own. The formula, as well as the packaging, are to die for. Got the pink shade, and it’s pigmented and looks really nice on the cheeks—such a pretty, cool shade!”
Peripera Pure Blushed Sunshine Cheek
Pros
- Oil-controlling
Cons
- Small size
This Korean blush is infused with powder that absorbs excess sebum, preventing the color from fading too quickly. The core collection features many wearable, everyday shades, and seasonal limited-edition colors add variety to the line.
Shades: 13
Size: 0.15 oz.
YesStyle rating: 4.7/5 stars
A YesStyle reviewer says: “To say that these blushes are a good value for the price would be an understatement. They are just so good! Period. The colors are vibrant and easy to blend, but they are not overpowering on the cheeks. They give such a beautiful, healthy flush to the skin. The packaging is sturdy and compact—good for traveling. I also think that the variety of shades is excellent for different skin tones and preferences.”
Naming Fluffy Powder Blush
Pros
- Non-cakey
Cons
- Shades are too pale for medium to deep skin tones
Calling all no-makeup makeup girl! This Korean blush offers a subtle wash of nude color without looking too obvious. The shades include a pale pink, soft coral, and pale brown, just to name a few.
Shades: 12
Size: 0.11 oz.
YesStyle rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Yesstyle reviewer says: “This is the first blush that was subtle enough for me to go “oh I see how people hit pan,” since everything else I have is more pigmented or stands out more on my skin. It’s a good thing! I always worry about my blush clashing with the rest of my makeup, and this is neutral enough that it doesn’t matter. I also like how it sets my sunscreen or glowy base (I don’t use foundation often).”
Bbia Ready To Wear Downy Cheek
Pros
- Buildable formula
Cons
- Packaging may feel flimsy
Cream formulas often look even more undetectable on the skin since they don’t just sit on top like powder blushes. This one from Bbia comes in a bevy of shades that may look bright in the pan, but appear like a natural flush from within once blended out with your fingers, a sponge, or a brush.
Shades: 8
Size: 0.12 oz.
YesStyle rating: 4.7/5 stars
A YesStyle reviewer says: “I absolutely love this blush! It has a very light creamy texture but is not greasy. It spreads easily over foundation and creates a very natural look. When you use just a tiny amount of the product, the coverage is subtle, and it looks like your natural blush. But when you use more of it, the blush really stands out and is very visible. Even though in the package the color looks very intense, on the face, it is not so visible, unless you use a great amount of it. It stays on the face all day long and does not transfer easily to your clothes.”
Pros
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- May fade throughout the day
This liquid blush hydrates the skin thanks to an infusion of rosewater. The applicator, which looks like a nail polish brush, facilitates easy, precise application onto the cheeks.
Shades: 8
Size: 0.32 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “A really nice product. Produces a buildable, sheer pop of color. Lightweight and easy to blend.”
Pros
- Blurs pores
Cons
- Limited shade range
If beige-toned, monochromatic makeup is your thing, look no further than 3CE’s classic blushes. These products have been popular in South Korea for years due to their innovative matte finish and flattering nude shades. Brush them over the cheeks and eyes and pair them with a nude lip for a cohesive, timeless look.
Shades: 3
Size: 0.19 oz.
YesStyle rating: 4.8/5 stars
A YesStyle reviewer says: “I wear this blush literally every day. I got it in Mono Pink and have Rose Beige on the way. It’s so very flattering on lighter skin. Nicely pigmented, but at the same time, almost impossible to overdo it. Its formula is beautiful, soft and finely milled. I cannot recommend this enough.”
Pros
- Perfect for layering
Cons
- Lid may break off over time
No matter which colorway you go with, this blush contains three shades in different intensities. You could pick one of the included colors, mix all three for a shade that’s somewhere in the middle, or layer two or more of the hues for a customized look. The important thing is you’ve got options.
Shades: 5
Size: 0.31–0.34 oz.
Olive Young rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Olive Young reviewer says: “Very soft and blurring. Color is the perfect bright, cool-tone pink. Very easy to blend in and easy to layer.”
Pros
- Relatively large amount of product
Cons
- Need to be built up on medium to deep skin tones
We fell in love with blush-highlighter hybrids this year. Not only do they look stunning on everyone’s cheekbones, but they eliminate an entire step from our routines. Hince’s version makes you look like you’re so hydrated that you’re glowing from within.
Shades: 4
Size: 0.32
Olive Young rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Olive Young reviewer says: “It looks very natural and does not accentuate texture. The color is not too pigmented, but it is buildable, which I prefer. Great for a subtle glow. This one is also very strong and did not break when I dropped it. Next time, I’ll buy more shades.”
What’s the difference between cream, liquid, and powder blush?
According to Lee, cream blushes are generally easier to apply and more beginner-friendly, “as you can apply with fingers and easy to wipe it off if you make mistakes,” she says. On the other hand, although liquid blushes are easy to spread and blend, thanks to their watery texture. They also tend to set down quickly, so you may have to work fast. Finally, powder blushes, especially Korean ones, are usually matte “and tend to stay on better, so they don’t fade or smudge throughout the day,” Lee explains.
“In Korea, powder blush is the most popular, because it lasts longer on the face compared to other formulations,” adds Kim.
How do you find the right shade of blush?
First of all, keep in mind that there is no “right” or “wrong” when it comes to makeup—you should feel free to wear whatever you want. After all, it all washes off at the end of the day. However, there may be certain shades that seem to be more flattering than others, depending on your features. “Recently, in Korea, professional color analysis has become increasingly popular. However, if professional analysis is not an option, using the same tones as your most frequently used lip products can be an effective way to identify the right shades for you,” Kim says.
Additionally, if you already know your undertone, Lee says that pink and purple hues are especially suitable for those who are cool-toned, whereas warm-toned individuals may gravitate toward corals and oranges.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee spoke to K-beauty experts about Korean blushes. She also looked through her own stash and combed through reviews for top-rated options, assessing each one based on their features and customer evaluations.
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