If shopping for new blush has ever made you think, Wait, I've got a marker like that [1], you're definitely not alone. After all, being faced with a bright orange, red, or even purple choice can be daunting — especially considering how pigmented these look in their packageing. But, if your skin tone is darker, not only do bright shades still seem bright [2], there's another concern that pale blushes will be a different kind of bright on your complexion.
Generally speaking, bolder shades in a stick [3], compact, or bottle will also result in bolder shades on skin, but even ones that may seem light at first glance can be built up without added ashiness. It's up to you whether you want to opt for a blush that is the opposite of your undertone — think orangey for cool undertones and something purplish for warmer ones — or if you want to just play into a neutral undertone [4] with a colour that looks barely there at all.
We've picked 16 different blushes from Sephora that would look especially fabulous on olive to deep complexions [5] as a starting off point. Check them out ahead, and see which one pops out at you, too.
Dior Rouge Blush in 962 Poison Matte
This bold berry Dior Rouge Blush in 962 Poison Matte [6] ($44) can really pop on darker skin, especially with golden or otherwise warm undertones.
Melt Cosmetics Blushlight in Sundown
The rich Melt Cosmetics Blushlight in Sundown [7] ($22) stands out on dark skin with warm undertones (and on olive skin, too). It's also a good choice for someone who typically gravitates toward bronzer over blush, or wants to add this on top of another blush for a shimmery finish.
Nars Blush in Exhibit A
This bright Nars Blush in Exhibit A [8] ($30) is a bright red that vividly stands out on deep complexions with neutral undertones.
Buxom Wanderlust Primer-Infused Blush in Dolly
For skin that's on the olive side (or darker with those undertones), the Buxom Wanderlust Primer-Infused Blush in Dolly [9] ($23) is a sweet pearly shade (with hydrating hyaluronic acid inside, too).
Becca Cosmetics Mineral Blush in Songbird
For a natural-looking flush, the soft Becca Cosmetics Mineral Blush in Songbird [10] ($20) really accentuates medium-dark skin with cool undertones.
Nudestix Gel Colour Lip + Cheek Balm in Wicked
Not only can this oil-infused Nudestix Gel Colour Lip + Cheek Balm in Wicked [11] ($26) double as lipstick, we'd cheers to this deep wine shade on dark skin with warm undertones.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Natural Beauty
The long-wearing clay in this Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Natural Beauty [12] ($29) helps prevent chalky build-up on skin, and offers a subtle rosiness that's still visible on deep skin tones with neutral undertones.
Inc.redible Three Love Lip, Cheek and Eye Tint Stick in Free Lovin'
The versatile Inc.redible Three Love Lip, Cheek and Eye Tint Stick in Free Lovin' [13] ($12) highlights deep complexions with warm undertones, and also moisturises with coffee butter on top of that sheer-yet-buildable shade.
Sephora Collection Matte Perfection Blush Duos in 06
Darker skin with a cool undertone really gets an intense glow when tangerine blush like this Sephora Collection Matte Perfection Blush Duos in 06 [14] ($16) is swept on, but there's also a brick-like shade to add extra dimension, too.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Drama Cla$$
Don't be nervous about how purple this Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in 07 Drama Cla$$ [15] ($20) looks in that compact — it goes on softly and really complements darker skin with warm undertones to oppose its cool hue.
Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Cheek and Lip Stain
There's only one colour of this Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Cheek and Lip Stain [16] ($30) but its deep crimson shade can complement a range of skin tones. We think it looks especially nice on dark, neutral complexions, but it looks nice on other undertones, too.
BareMinerals Blush in Golden Gate
For dark cool or olive complexions, this subtle BareMinerals Blush in Golden Gate [17] ($22) offers a creamy loose powder that still works on sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Make Up For Ever Artist Face Colour Highlight, Sculpt and Blush Powder in B500
Make Up For Ever Artist Face Colour Highlight, Sculpt and Blush Powder in B500 [18] ($23) has a subtle purple undertone to counteract skin with warm ones, but is bold enough to be visible on darker complexions.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure
This top-rated Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure [19] ($24) shines on golden-tan complexions with peachy undertones, but several Sephora shoppers praise it for darker skin as well.
Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Cola Pop
Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Cola Pop [20] ($25) is a ruddy brown that won't end up ashy on dark skin with neutral undertones, thanks to its powder-less finish.
KVD Vegan Beauty Everlasting Blush in Foxglove
This KVD Vegan Beauty Everlasting Blush in Foxglove [21] ($22) is a finely milled, highly pigmented powder that can offer a flushed glow to golden tan skin with peachy undertones.
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