Makeup artists and editors concur: these 8 Korean blushes deserve a spot in a professional kit (and in your makeup bag).

      (Image credit: @mimixn; Original art by Jamie Brown)

      As a beauty editor, I've come to recognize a few truths. Firstly, sunscreen is the most effective anti-aging product available. (Preventing sun damage means you won't have to deal with it later.) Secondly, gray brow gel is an excellent makeup trick for achieving full, natural-looking brows. Lastly, Korean makeup warrants the same level of appreciation as Korean skincare. It’s a fact. Korean makeup is both innovative and effective. One category that I consistently gravitate towards is blush. From my perspective, these blushes offer sophisticated, purposeful formulations that meld into the skin, providing either a soft, dewy glow or a velvety, blurred finish. I'm not alone in this belief. Celebrity makeup artists frequently include Korean blushes in their professional kits. According to celebrity makeup artist Kelly Zhang, "What distinguishes Korean blushes for me is their skin-like finish. Korean skincare has gained immense popularity in the U.S., and I feel that philosophy extends beautifully into Korean makeup. There’s a strong emphasis on making the skin appear healthy, fresh, and authentic—and their blushes significantly contribute to that." According to Zhang, K-beauty formulas are usually sheer, lightweight, and easy to layer. "They blend seamlessly into the complexion rather than sitting on top of it. Even the cream blushes feel light and non-greasy, making them suitable for various skin types, including oily skin. To me, Korean blush is all about enhancing your skin to look better. You can still see your skin underneath, just with a lovely, natural hint of color." Below, discover eight of the best Korean blushes to try, as recommended by celebrity makeup artists like Zhang and me, a makeup enthusiast editor.

      The Best Korean Blushes, Listed

      Best Overall: Clio Essential Lip & Cheek Blush Tap

      Best Powder: Rom&nd Better Than Cheek Blush

      Best Liquid: A'Pieu Juicy-Pang Water Blusher

      Best Stick: Tirtir Mood Glider Lip and Blush Stick

      Best Blurring: Fwee Lip&Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot

      The Best Korean Blushes

      Best Overall: Clio Essential Lip & Cheek Blush Tap

      **CLIO**

      Essential Lip & Cheek Blush Tap - 04 From Berry

      Format: Cream or balm | Finish: Natural glowy | Shades: Six

      Pros: Soft, creamy texture, featherlight formula, easy to blend, easy to build, natural finish, can be used on lips and cheeks

      Cons: None

      Celebrity makeup artist Lila Childs adores Clio's Essential Lip & Cheek Blush Tap. "It provides that perfect bouncy watercolor flush," she states. Zhang is also a fan of this balmy blush. "My favorite Korean blush brand is Clio," she says. "I appreciate their formulas as they are sheer, soft, and user-friendly. You can gradually build up the color, resulting in a fresh, natural blush while still showing your skin." "For application, I prefer using a brush for more control and a seamless finish. I begin at the center of the cheek and blend horizontally outward in a soft V shape, with the V's point extending to the outer cheek. This technique achieves a very natural flush while making the face appear more lifted."

      Best Powder: Rom&nd Better Than Cheek Blush

      **rom&nd**

      Better Than Cheek Blush

      Format: Powder | Finish: Velvety matte | Shades: Seven

      This budget-friendly, viral blush provides an airbrushed effect due to microfine particles that set, smooth, and blur the skin. (They don’t settle into pores or accentuate skin texture like other powder products.) The seven shades, inspired by dried fruits such as blueberry, peach, mango, and lychee, provide a soft, velvety bloom of color. "Natural" is the keyword here, as this isn't the blush for those seeking bold color payoff, particularly on deeper skin tones.

      Pros: Soft, airy texture, featherlight formula, easy to blend, blurring finish

      Cons: The shade range is limited, and some may prefer more vibrant pigmentation.

      Best Liquid: A'Pieu Juicy-Pang Water Blusher

      **A'PIEU**

      Juicy-Pang Water Blusher

      Format: Liquid | Finish: Dewy | Shades: Eight

      This liquid blush offers a dreamy, dewy finish, enriched with rose flower water and a mix of fruit extracts. It feels like a serum on the skin, blends effortlessly, and can be layered for increased color intensity. It's my go-to for a natural, summertime flush any time of year.

      Pros: Soft, hydrating texture, featherlight formula, easy to blend, dewy finish

      Cons: It may be too dewy for oily or acne-prone skin