The blusher trends we’ll all be wearing in summer 2026

When it comes to makeup trends, nothing says summer more than a pop of blush, IMO. Whether you choose cream blush, blush stick or liquid blush, they all have the ability to liven up your complexion, making your skin look healthy and glowing after a day in the sun. It’s one of the most versatile products to keep in your makeup bag, working seamlessly to add dimension and glow to a face full of glam, or to brighten bare skin, making it ideal for a “no makeup” makeup look.

In recent years, blush has established itself as the MVP of our makeup bags. And it’s impossible to ignore the prominence of blush on red carpets and celebrity MUAs’ feeds, too. As a beauty editor, I see new blushers launch every week (almost a new TikTok-viral blush launches every day), each with innovative formulas and textures that will undoubtedly shape the summer blush trends we’ll see in the coming months. Ahead, I’ve rounded up the most stunning blush look you’ll want to apply to your cheeks this summer, along with the best blushers to get the look.

1. Smudged Blush

we have Smudged lips and dusky skin are defining makeup trends in 2026, so it was only a matter of time before we saw some smudgy blushers enter the fray too. From Prada’s cream-to-powder blush to the soft putty texture of Gaussian’s Cloud Paint Flush Blush, these soft matte formulas deliver a soft-focus mist of color on the cheeks, blending seamlessly into the skin. Unlike their dewy counterparts that tend to vanish into thin air, smudgy blushers often have a matte texture that’s far superior, making them long-lasting formulas that last day and night – no disappearing acts with these hardworking blushers.

2. watercolor flush

It’s impossible to ignore the barely-there flush on the feeds of celebrity makeup artists lately, who have come up with a flurry of watercolor blush formulas that deliver a sheer wash of color to the cheeks. These watery tints impart a dewy glow with a stained glass-like finish on your cheeks that look healthy and glowing. Also, these transparent shades are ideal if you prefer a more natural and less saturated blush. Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Color Wash is one of our favorites for watery color and a glass-like glow that lasts all day.

3. Dewy Glow

Dew season has been no stranger to the beauty industry over the past few years, and it’s not going anywhere for summer 2026. Honestly, a dewy blush is totally ahead of trends. It never fails to make skin look bright and radiant, making it the perfect blusher trend for summer. And it’s perfect if you love a bright blush moment. Look for balmy formulas, such as Merit’s Flush Balm, which delivers a healthy glow to your cheeks in one stroke and is an all-time favorite of our beauty team.

4. Dull cheeks

If bright and bold blush scares you, this blush trend is for you. These simulate the natural flush you get after a day in the sun or a coastal walk Natural-looking blushers add a hint of color to the skin without making it look like you have blush blindness. And thanks to their creamy texture, they’re easy to control placement and layer to your preferred intensity without ever looking like it’s too much. Rhodes Pocket Blush is a favorite for a sun-kissed flush.