If you’re trying to figure out how to find the right blush color for your features, there are two things you’ll want to determine first: your Skin tone and your undertone . Skin tone refers to how light or deep your skin’s pigment appears and is typically classified as fair, medium, olive, or deep. Undertone, on the other hand, refers to your skin’s overall tint, which can be cool, warm, or neutral.

It doesn’t take much to figure out your skin tone—all you really need to do is look in the mirror and determine whether your skin appears light, dark, or if it falls somewhere between the two. Undertones are a bit different. One of the easiest ways to figure out your undertone is to take a look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertone. A greenish tint, on the other hand, is typically indicative of warm undertone. If you see a mix of both blue and green, or if the color is not distinct, you likely have neutral undertones.

At this point, you’re likely still wondering, “What color blush is right for me?” While there are no hard-and-fast rules you need to follow (makeup is about experimentation!), you’ll generally enjoy the most flattering results with a hue that matches your skin’s undertones. So if you have cool skin, you’ll want to opt for a cool-toned blush. Warmer blush hues complement warm skin well. Those with neutral undertones have the flexibility to play with a broader spectrum of shades—lucky you!

Below, we’ll explain more about how to pick a blush for your skin tone and introduce you to some of our favorite formulas for a gorgeous-looking flush.

The Best Blush for Fair Skin

The most flattering blushes for fair skin tones tend to be those that add a subtle wash of color without overpowering your lighter features. In general, you’ll want to steer clear of rich, highly saturated shades and stick with softer hues, such as pale pinks and peaches.

In our experience, the best blushes for pale skin with cool undertones fall into the light, muted pink category. 

The Best Blush for Medium Skin

Medium skin tones have the versatility to pull off a wide array of blush shades, each enhancing the richness of your complexion. The best blush for tan skin will usually be something light in tone but saturated enough to “pop” on your skin.

. This medium-toned rose hue adds a fresh-looking flush that complements the cooler tones in your skin.

Earthier corals and apricots are ideal for those with medium skin and warmer undertones, as they help to accentuate your skin’s natural golden cast. For a beachy, sun-kissed effect, you can also try a bronzer/blush hybrid.

To add a flattering flush of color to neutral medium-toned skin, look for a vibrant, deep pink or even red blush that you can build to your desired intensity.

The Best Blush for Olive Skin

Choosing a blush color for olive skin can be tricky because this skin tone can be fair or deeper in tone. What all olive skin has, however, is a slight golden or greenish undertone that lends it a natural warmth. Muted hues with subtle warmth tend to be the most flattering picks for those with this skin tone.

If you have muted undertones—which is the olive skin equivalent of having cool skin—you’ll typically fare best with equally muted hues. Consider reaching for a soft, dusky pink blush. Those with a more prominent golden tone in their skin can try a terracotta hue,Finally, for those with neutral olive skin, earthier blushes are a great way to add definition to your features without an overly saturated pop of color.

The Best Blush for Dark Skin

If you have a deep skin tone, it’s typically best to stick with bold, rich shades, as lighter hues could wash out your complexion (or simply fail to show up as well as you’d hoped).

Cool-toned dark skin stuns in pinkish-purple and plum shades. Who Does Purple Blush Look Good On?

Anyone can wear purple blush, as long as you choose the right shade for your skin. Anything too dark could result in a flush that’s less fresh-faced, more bruised (and we’re guessing that’s not the effect you’re after).

Those with fairer skin typically fare best with pastel purples, as they’re soft enough to not overpower your complexion. The YSL Beauty Make Me Blush Liquid Blush in 69 gets our vote—it’s the perfect lavender shade for a fresh-faced finish. Deeper mauves are ideal for those with medium skin, as they’re not too dark nor too light. Try it out with the Urban Decay Hydromaniac Dewy Liquid Blush in Unhinged (you can build up the pigment for a bolder effect if desired).

For olive skin, we recommend sticking with pink-leaning purples that aren’t too saturated.  The satiny blush looks bright fuschia in the package, but applies like a dream to deliver a soft wash of gorgeous, glowy color. And if you have a deep skin tone, berry shades were made for you.

What Color of Blush Looks Good on Everyone?

While your ideal blush shade depends on your unique skin tone and undertone, there are some universally flattering colors that work for a wide range of complexions. A mid-toned rose is one such example—it’s soft enough that it won’t overpower fairer complexions, but rich enough to flatter medium and deep skin tones. Peachy pinks are also widely flattering, thanks to their equal mix of cool pink and warmer orange undertones. This hue is especially flattering if you’re looking to fake a natural beachy glow. Finally, mauves tend to look great on most complexions, especially if you’re seeking a more subtle flushed effect.

At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is that the best blush is the one you like best. We encourage you to experiment with different shades and formulas until you find a blush that makes you feel like the very best version of yourself.