Beauty trends have been playful and centered around aesthetics as of late, such as strawberry makeup, cherry makeup, the “clean look” and sunkissed looks; at the center of each of these makeup trends is a statement-making blush. Blush has been the hottest topic of conversation within beauty circles throughout this year, and we have seen a variety of blush formats, colors and up-and-coming brands play a key role in the demand of blush. Below, discover the top trends and fan-favorite brands within this makeup segment.
Trending Formulations
While powder was always the tried-and-true format, formulations have increasingly begun to vary. Liquid blushes are up +36% in market adoption to last year with Rare Beauty leading this trend after releasing their Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. Now, other brands are updating the trend further with fresh launches—note Hourglass’ just released Unreal Liquid Blush that’s applicable through a dropper. Liquid blush has become an everyday go-to due to its high pigmentation and the ability to easily blend. Cream blushes continue to be on the rise, too, seeing +12% market adoption to last year. Blush cream balms, seen by Merit, as well as blush cream sticks, like Rhode's newest release of Pocket Blushes, are consumer favorites. In contrast, the tried-and-true classic, powder blush, is making a comeback up +82% in searches to last year. Brands are relaunching powder and baked blushes (+95% to LY), ironically in an effort to get basics to stand out amongst the new liquid launches.
Trending Color Palette
Vibrant pink blushes had a moment during the Barbiecore buzz; however, we are seeing a palette shift to other tones (note, bright pink never fully goes out of style when it comes to blush). Peach blush is a top-pick with average weekly searches up +21% to last year. This trend first made appearances at the Fall/Winter 2024 shows and is already resonating within the market. Similarly, coral blush is +39% to last year, too, seen by Makeup by Mario, Milani and Fenty Beauty. While orange hues are growing in popularity, so are more purple-toned blushes like mauve. Up +59% to last year, mauve blush is steadily growing in searches and sure to be a winter favorite. Overall, brightly colored and heavily pigmented blushes are top of mind for consumers.
Top Brands & Products
Other than Rare Beauty and Rhode Skin, a variety of beauty brands are standing out within the blush market, too. Patrick Ta—TikTok favorite makeup artist—is on the rise as his Major Headlines Double Take Crème and Powder Blush Duo is a celebrity favorite and makes numerous appearances on TikTok, thanks to Alix Earle. Another social media favorite is the Pixi Beauty Blush-On-The-Go (#pixiblushstick 4k TikTok posts) and has proved to be an easy-breezy summer go-to. Saie’s Dew Blush (#saiedewblush 1k TikTok posts), Huda Beauty’s Liquid Blush Filter (#hudabeautyblushfilter 413 TikTok posts), Glossier’s Cloud Paint Gel Cream Blush (#glossiercloudpaint 1k TikTok posts), Merit’s Flush Balm Cream Blush (#meritflushbalm 328 TikTok posts) and, of course, Charlotte Tilbury’s Blush Wand (#charlottetilburyblush 1k TikTok posts) are top market movers as we see high engagement rates on social media.
Key Application Methods
Blush application methods have changed with the most coveted looks of the moment. For example, we are seeing makeup trends utilize blush for contouring or even a “sunburn” effect—applying across the nose—rather than simply on the apples of the cheek. Under-eye blush has become a staple method to add more color to the face while also disguising hollowness below the eyes. And to make the face appear more lifted, makeup gurus are placing blush at the height of the cheekbone and upwards towards the temples. Application methods differ depending on preference; however, we are seeing blush fanatics apply creams and liquids directly onto the cheek and blend with fingers or brushes while others prefer to apply blushes with a brush, think Morphe’s Huephoric Silk Blush. Creators like Meredith Duxbury (@meredithduxbury 18.7M TikTok followers), Mikayla Nogueira (@mikaylanogueira 15.8M TikTok followers) and Nikkie de Jager (@nikkietutorials 8.7M TikTok followers) post blush looks and tutorials while also trying out new products and giving their reviews.
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