Blushes for that perfectly ‘drunk’ glow—no tequila required
There’s a common misconception that a natural flush means reaching for pink blush. But here’s the real secret: It’s actually red.
This trick was passed on to me by none other than Rose-Marie Swift, founder of RMS Beauty and former makeup artist for the Victoria’s Secret Angels. She swore by this red-toned technique to achieve that effortless naturally-flushed glow that looked like it belonged to the skin and not on top of it. It’s that believable, healthy glow you get when your blood’s moving, your skin’s a little warm, and you’re not trying too hard. And the best part? You can recreate it, no cardio or cocktails required.
If red still feels a little intimidating, start with berry tones. They offer the same believable depth but with a bit more softness.
But no matter the shade, placement is everything. To master the “drunk blush” look, apply your blush where the sun naturally hits your face. That’s across the tops of your cheeks (a little higher than the apples), sweeping over the bridge of your nose. For extra realism, tap a light flush onto your forehead and chin. This small detail ties the look together and makes it feel completely natural, like your skin is just naturally warm, flushed, and alive.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Grateful, P1,810
This viral liquid blush is loved for good reason. Grateful is a vibrant, warm-toned red that somehow manages to be bold and wearable all at once. Depending on your undertone, it can pull more coral or lean into a true pink but either way, it melts beautifully into the complexion for that believable, sun-kissed flush. The finish is radiant without being overly dewy or shimmery. It adds that subtle glow that mimics how skin naturally looks when it’s genuinely blushing—fresh, flushed, and alive.
Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Blush in Craft, P2,650
Craft is that rare shade that feels effortless and universally flattering. It’s a muted berry-rose with just the right balance of warmth and depth, making it easy to build up without ever looking harsh. What sets it apart is the way it catches the light, not with shimmer but with a delicate luminosity that gives the skin a smoother, more polished appearance. The texture is silky and ultra-fine, blending seamlessly into the skin and leaving behind a delicate stained effect that mimics a real, natural flush.
Dior Rosy Glow Blush in Cherry, P3,100
The Dior Rosy Glow Blush in Cherry is the ultimate secret to achieving a personalized, barely-there flush. The pH reactive formula transforms on contact with your skin, revealing a soft cherry pink that looks different on everyone but always feels effortless and fresh. If you are looking for something that packs a bold punch, this may not be your pick. This blush is designed to be more subtle, adding the kind of quiet, refined tint that looks like your skin is naturally carrying a soft, healthy glow.
Tower 28 BeachPlease Luminous Tinted Balm in Finest Hour, P1,129.60
This warm terracotta rose shade brings depth and quiet warmth to the cheeks, enhancing the complexion with a flush that feels completely effortless. The creamy balm texture blends smoothly into the skin, delivering a sheer veil of color that looks as though it comes from within. Its luminous finish catches the light softly, creating that fresh, flushed-from-within effect without ever appearing heavy or overdone.
Benefit Benetint in Dark Cherry, P1,650
This deeper cherry red tint is one of those easy, foolproof products you’ll want to reach for on no-makeup days. It gives both your lips and cheeks a soft, just-bitten flush that looks fresh but never overdone. The sheer color blends right into the skin, adding life without covering anything up. Its lightweight, water-like texture feels completely undetectable—so light, you’ll forget you even have it on.
Fwee Lip and Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot in Memories, P1,120
This viral K-beauty blush is known for delivering that fresh, youthful glow that looks like it comes from within. The shade is a soft, sheer red with a subtle hint of pink that gives the cheeks a sweet, windswept flush. It leaves behind a smooth, satin-matte finish with just enough radiance to keep the skin looking alive. It feels weightless and blends seamlessly into the skin, leaving behind a soft, diffused flush that melts in without any harsh edges—exactly what you want for that carefree, “drunk blush” effect.
Strokes Beauty Lab Crush Blush in Hottie, P498
Locally loved and proudly homegrown, Hottie is a vibrant, juicy red-pink that brings instant life to the cheeks. The finish leans dewy but natural, giving your skin a healthy glow that looks fresh, not greasy. The creamy formula glides onto the skin with ease, making it simple to build your color from a soft, barely-there flush to bold, playful cheeks in just a few swipes. It’s the kind of blush that adds an instant, lively pop to your face while still feeling effortless and fun.
