For the longest time, shimmery blushers felt like a risky move—too sparkly, too frosty, too easy to accentuate texture in all the wrong ways. But the new generation of glow-infused blushers is changing the game—and it only makes sense, since head-to-toe glow really is the order of the day in 2025. Think soft-focus radiance, lit-from-within warmth, and cream blush, powder textures, liquid blush formulas and even blusher sticks that blend like a dream.
Whether you're after a subtle dewy sheen or full-on glittery sparkle, today’s shimmery blushers strike the perfect balance between colour and light. As a lifelong blush obsessive (and glow lover), I set out to find the best ones—testing them within my daily makeup routine to see which truly delivered. The result? A lineup of shimmery blushers that add dimension, light, and just the right amount of flush to your cheeks.
The Best Shimmery Blushers
- Best Overall: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush
- Best Powder Blusher: Kosas Blush Is Life Baked Dimensional + Brightening Blush
- Best Liquid Blusher: Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand
- Best Cream Blusher: Saie SuperSuede Radiant Blush
- Best Gel Blusher: Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Highlighting Blush
1. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush
Rare Beauty's Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush combines the pigment of a blush and the finish of a highlighter into one—delivering seamless colour payoff with a lit-from-within finish—both of which last all through the day. it's highly pigmented, so you only need a small amount, but the silky, cloud-soft texture blends effortlessly and doesn't emphasize skin texture.
Pros
- Blush and highlighter in one
- Smooth, silky texture that's easy to blend
Cons
- Highly pigmented—first-time users may easily over-apply
- Some users find the packaging is flimsy
2. Kosas Blush Is Life Baked Dimensional + Brightening Blush
While this option is more subtle on the shimmer, it delivers vibrant colour with a long-wearing satin finish. I normally find baked blushers can look too powdery on my skin, but this formula is boosted with squalane and hyaluronic acid, so it keeps skin looking smooth and fresh.
Pros
- Squalane and hyaluronic acid for hydration
- Long-lasting wear (up to 6–8 hours) and radiant finish
Cons
- High price point
3. Charlotte Tilbury Liquid Blush Wand
Pinkgasm has been a staple in my makeup bag for years—in fact, I've lost count of how long I've owned this particular tube. It's one of my daily go-tos, but seems to last forever. Expect luminous pigment and weightless but radiant coverage delivered via an easy-to-use sponge tip. But take it slow: it’s intensely pigmented and you only need the tiniest dot per cheek. Simply dab and blend for “lit-from-within” cheeks that glow all day.
Pros
- Glides on easily and blends seamlessly
- Suits a wide range of skin tones
- Wears up to 9 hours with minimal fading
Cons
- Very pigmented—easy to over apply
- Some users find the sponge-tip messy, leaky, or hard to control
4. Saie Supersuede Radiant Blush Powder
Totally blendable and ultra-pigmented, this silky powder packs serious longevity—again, you only need a small amount. Buttery soft in texture, they glide onto the skin to deliver a soft-focus finish with just a hint of radiant shimmer to give your cheeks a healthy-looking glow. It's very pigmented, so go easy! You only need a tiny amount.
Pros
- Very smooth, silky, lightweight, non-comedogenic
- Highly pigmented and long-wearing
- Blends effortlessly
Cons
- Excessively pigmented—users may need to tap off excess before applying
5. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue Highlighting Blush
This hybrid gel-cream blush gives skin a fresh, natural flush and a soft luminous sheen. It’s like skincare-meets-makeup—moisturising but never greasy. The sheerer finish is great for a natural, barely-there look, but for more impact or longevity you may need to layer it under a powder for extra depth.
Pros
- Gel-cream texture is easy to apply
Cons
- Some users find it overly sparkly
- Can fade over time
6. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush
If you're familiar with Hourglass' Ambient Light setting powders then you'll know exactly what to expect from these blushers—a soft focus, lightly blurred finish which gently diffuses light across the skin. The finely-milled powder blends easily, feels weightless, and wears beautifully.
Pros
- Light, airy texture
- Lasts a long time
Cons
- Subtle color—may require several layers to achieve bold effect
- High price point
7. Laura Mercier Roseglow Blush Colour Infusion
If you're wary of anything overly glittery or sparkly, try these satin-finish blushers which have just a hint of subtle shimmer. The powder blends like butter, giving skin a natural yet polished finish that softly warms and brightens the complexion.
Pros
- Smooths rather than emphasises texture
Cons
- Limited shade range
8. Simihaze Beauty Color Glaze Lip and Cheek Pigment
These multi-use pigments can be used on eyes, cheeks and lips, but I find that they really (and quite literally) shine when used as blushers. The innovative formula transforms from powder-to-cream with a finish like that of a glossy gel. Sheeny, dewy, but never sticky, it melds beautifully onto the skin.
Pros
- Works as lip and cheek pigment
- Customisable intensity
Cons
- Colours may appear differently in person
9. Nars Orgasm Liquid Blush
There are few blushers that work well for all skin tones, but this is one of them—and it's no doubt key to its cult following and success. Orgasm delivers a peachy-pink flush with golden shimmer and a satin-silk feel that flatters all complexions.
Pros
- Dewy finish without being overly shimmery
- Works well layered under powder or on its own
Cons
- Some users find it patchy
10. Dior Rouge Blush Shimmer
Sheer, soft-focus shine without too much shimmer overload. Oh and the super-size pan will last you forever.
Pros
- Hydrating powder texture infused with floral extracts
- Buildable, radiant finish
Cons
- Some say shimmer can emphasise texture
- High price point
11. E.l.f. Luminous Putty Blush
The putty texture takes some getting used to, but quickly transforms into a luminous cream that's high on shimmer. It's one of the more affordable shimmery blushers that rivals its luxury counterparts, too.
Pros
- Cream-to-powder texture that's easy to build and gives a luminous glow
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Some shades have chunky shimmer that shows texture
How To Use Shimmery Blushers
As with anything shimmery, it's all about the application—the key is placement and balance. Using a fluffy blush brush, sweep the shimmer blush onto the apples of your cheeks, blending it upward toward the temples for a lifted effect. This mimics where you'd naturally flush and catch the light. For a more diffused look, or if the pigment or sparkle is too intense, use a damp sponge to tap it in.
How We Tested the Best Shimmery Blushers
When I'm testing products for a story, I don’t just swipe it on once and call it a day—I test it the way you actually use it: in real life. When it came to shimmery blushers, I tried over a 20 formulas as part of my everyday routine. I paid close attention to how each blush blended, the intensity of the shimmer and the pigment, how it layered over makeup and how long it lasted through commutes, errands, and dinner plans. I looked at whether the glow was lit-from-within or full glam, how it interacted with skin texture and how many compliments it scored (yes, that matters too). After all that swatching, dabbing, and glowing, I narrowed it down to the blushes that truly delivered—luminous finishes, seamless blend-ability, and the kind of radiance that makes you want to skip highlighter altogether.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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