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If you have oily skin, you probably know the struggle of finding the perfect blush shade, only for it to break you out the first time you use it. If you’ve been having this issue, it’s probably because you’ve been picking comedogenic blushes — but, don’t worry!
There’s a simple solution to your breakouts, choosing a non-comedogenic blush formula.
From powder blushes to cream formulas, we’re here to help you find the best non-comedogenic blushes for sensitive skin.
What are Non-Comedogenic Blushes?
Non-comedogenic makeup products, including blush, are specially formulated to prevent the clogging of pores, which is essential if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. The term “non-comedogenic” refers to formulations specifically designed to avoid pore-clogging ingredients that often lead to breakouts. Normally these are targeted towards people with oily skin who tend to be the most acne-prone, but you can use them if you have dry skin or any skin type that tends to get a bit sensitive when using new products.
Top Picks for Non-Comedogenic Blushes
Finding the best blushes for delicate skin can be quite a task, so we’ve rounded up all of the best recommendations so you can find a product that works for you. Any of these blushes will be the perfect choice for a new blush in your makeup routine or as last minute gifts for the blush-lover in your life.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
We’d be surprised if you haven’t heard of the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blushes as they are arguably one of the most popular blushes online at the moment. The product comes in a range of vibrant shades in warm undertones and cool undertones that will suit a wide range of skin tones.
The blushes are super pigmented, a little really does go a long way, so the best option is to apply a small bit at a time to avoid going overboard. These are some of the best cream blushes for an oily complexion because of their staying power, once you’ve patted the product in and set it with some powder, you don’t need to worry about it moving or melting away throughout the day. Plus, it’s a cruelty-free formula, so you can’t go wrong!
e.l.f. cosmetics Putty Blush
If you’re looking for a good drugstore option, the e.l.f. putty blushes are a consistent customer favorite, and won’t cost you too much either.
These cream blushes give you a natural glow and a buildable color that won’t clog your pores or make you look too greasy by the end of the day. The shade range is good, with a range of shades to compliment most skin tones.
Beauty Pie Supercheek Shimmer Elastic Powder Blush
Cream blushes may be having their moment right now, but don’t forget about powder blushes! We love the Beauty Pie Supercheek Shimmer Blushes as, although they are a powder, they are so silky and weightless that you’ll hardly notice you have anything on your skin.
The shades are so pretty, each offering a subtle flush of color that looks very natural. Whatever color you choose is your personal preference, but we love Superjuju the best. Each of the blushes is also infused with skin-loving ingredients like vitamin E that will care for your skin while adding a pop of color to your cheeks.
Merit Flush Balm
Merit is known for their cool, minimal products that are perfect for an everyday makeup routine and their Flush Balm Blush is no exception. With a buildable texture and lightweight formula, each shade of this blush gives a natural flush of color that can be built up to be as vibrant as you’d like it to be.
For a shade that will flatter most skin tones, we’d recommend Beverly Hills, but we also have a lot of love for the shade Fox.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Blush Wand
You can’t go wrong when it comes to the makeup line from celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury. The Matte Blush Wands are fairly new to the range but are such a versatile product to integrate into your makeup collection for those who like a blush with a matte finish, while still having a non-comedogenic formula. The matte shades are perfect for the lips and cheeks, giving an intense hit of pigment that stays put all day.
The range of colors is limited but will be great for most skin tones, ranging from a light, bright pink to a juicy red that will really make your cheeks pop.
Mango People Mango Cream Blush & Lip Multistick
We love any makeup product that combines stunning formula with skincare ingredients and Mango People do just that. Their non-comedogenic products are perfect for oily and drier skin types, they don’t even feel like you’re putting on makeup.
The Mango Cream Blush & Lip Multistick has a creamy texture that gives a natural look without settling into fine lines and pores, it’s completely plant-based, infused with Adaptogenic herbs from Ayurveda, and is cruelty-free. With a very good range of colors, including mid-toned pinks, warm-toned browns, and pops of peach, we think that most people will love this product.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm
Speaking of makeup that doubles up as skincare products, you can’t forget about Colorescience, known for its products that come with SPF for added protection for your skin.
Their Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm has an impressive SPF 50, something you rarely see from other cream formulations in the world of makeup, which makes it a great option for people who take their sun protection seriously. They have three colors, all of which give a pretty dewy finish to the skin.
Ulta Mineral Blush
We think that Ulta’s makeup range flies under the radar too often, but we’re a big fan of their products, especially the Mineral Blush. This powder formula is the perfect blush for those who want to mattify their skin with powder without looking too dry. Whether you have dry or mature skin, we think this product is going to be a winner.
There are quite a few different shades to choose from, all of which have a very natural look and a nice shimmer to them that doesn’t look over the top but gives your skin a beautiful glow.
Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Blush Powder
The Physicians Formula Multi-Colored Blush Powder is not just a pretty palette, it’s a good option for anyone with oily or sensitive skin who’s looking for non-comedogenic beauty products. With shades for dark or fair skin, just swirl your brush across the pan and you’ll have the perfect color to put onto your cheeks.
We like Blushing Berry for a versatile shade that will work with most skin tones, but there are also a few other shades that you can try.
SAIE Glow Sculpt Multi-Use Cream Highlighting Blush
This multi-tasking formula is the perfect mixture of a blush and highlighter. The Saie Glow Sculpt Highlighting Blush comes in a few different colors and has a buildable formula for easy application. The colors don’t seem the most pigmented at first, but it’s all about giving the skin a beautiful glow with a hint of color, don’t worry you can build it up if you’re not getting as much pigment as you’d like at first swipe.
Our favorite shade is Peachglow, a gorgeous shade that will add a bright pop of color to fairer skin tones and a gorgeous hint of warmth to medium skin tones.
bareMinerals Gen Nude Blonzer Blush + Bronzer
Finally, we have the bareMinerals Gen Nude Blonzer, this mineral fusion has a small shade range but the colors are absolutely beautiful. Each shade is the perfect mix between a blush and bronzer, giving a natural finish to any simple makeup look.
If you find that you can never find the right blush and bronzer combination, this could be the solution to all of your biggest makeup problems.
Tips for Choosing and Applying Non-Comedogenic Blush
There are lots of different blushes out there, but not all of them are non-comedogenic. Here are a few quick tips that you can follow to find the perfect blush that doesn’t lead to breakouts or sensitivity.
Read the ingredients list
When you’ve found a new blush that you like the look of, carefully review the ingredient list to make sure there aren’t any comedogenic ingredients such as mineral oil, lanolin, and certain waxes.
For happy skin, you will normally want to look for oil-free formulas, so also keep an eye out for things like jojoba oil and coconut oil that could also be in the product.
Do a patch test first
If you have super sensitive skin and don’t want to run the risk of having a bad reaction, you should conduct a patch test before fully incorporating a new blush into your routine. All you need to do is apply a small amount of the product to your face (preferably in a discrete area) and monitor your skin’s response.
Look for mineral formulas
Mineral-based blushes are often gentler on sensitive skin, so we’d recommend looking at these types of blushes first.
Avoid fragrances and other irritants
Fragrances and certain additives can irritate sensitive skin, so try to choose blushes labeled as fragrance-free and formulated without common irritants.
Don’t forget about the power of skincare
Finally, having a good skincare routine can help keep your skin under control and will also help you to apply your blushes much nicer. If you have skin that gets irritated easily, use skincare products that contain ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, and white tea that are very calming.
Using hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and cocoa butter can help smooth your skin out and create the perfect canvas for the rest of your makeup.
If your skin is oily, you may want to think about using ingredients that any board-certified dermatologist would recommend, like vitamin C and salicylic acid to brighten your skin and gently exfoliate.
How to apply blush
There is no right way to apply blush, but you should apply your products in a way that suits your face shape. Start by finding the apples of your cheeks, as they are the focal point for a healthy glow and where you should focus most of the blush. For every day wear, it’s a good idea to choose a blush formula that complements bare skin and your skin tone effortlessly, like a mid-toned nude or a pop of pink. Some people like to keep their blush right on the apples, whereas some people like to apply it a bit higher on their cheekbones, it all comes down to personal preference and what you think looks best on you.
There are a variety of formulas for blush, so the best way to apply will depend on the formula. For cream blushes, you could apply with your fingers, sponge, or a dense brush. For powder blushes, your best bet is using a fluffy brush for an airbrushed finish.
