The Best No. 4: Cargo Blush, $26, 6 Best Blushes -- and the 6 Worst

Makeup

6 Best Blushes -- and the 6 Worst

Want a perfectly-flushed complexion? You need a great blush. Here are the ones that'll help you glow -- and the ones that are so bad they'll turn your cheeks red with frustration

September 21, 2011 | by Stephanie Shum | 88 COMMENTS

The Best No. 4: Cargo Blush, $26

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.4*
Why: One reader says, "I'm glad that when I pay for these blushes I know I am paying for the product and not the packaging." Readers say just one tin of the blush "has seriously lasted two years." Many readers "don't think there is a blush that gives you more product for the money" and it always "blends well." It is also "very pigmented" so "when you put it on, it looks exactly like the color in the tin," making it ideal for all skin colors. One reader says, "as a woman of color, I appreciate that they come in colors that show up beautifully on my skin."

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

*At time of publication

SEE NEXT PAGE: The Best No. 3: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush, $25

10 of 13

products mentioned

E.L.F. Natural Radiance Blusher

6.9

MAC Cream Colour Base

6.8

CoverGirl TRUblend Minerals Blush

6.3

Almay Smart Shade Blush

5.9

Smashbox O-Glow Intuitive Cheek Color

5.9

Revlon ColorStay Mineral Blush & ColorStay Mineral...

5.4

Nars Cream Blush

9.5

Lancome Blush Subtil

9.2

CARGO Blush

9.3

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush

9.6

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood...

9.0

Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour

9.8

leave a comment

View old comments

I'm surprised to see this MAC version listed as a "worst;" the Physician's Formula is wonderful. Thanks for being truthful here!

by GigiSD Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 10:05PM Report as inappropriate

The tarte blushes have such lasting power! Worth the $$

by storrevillas Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 09:27PM Report as inappropriate

Nars blush is great. It comes on sheer and can be bulit up to the color you want. It is worth the money.

by nursesuz77 Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 07:10PM Report as inappropriate

i am so afraid of using blush...

by AstridB Friday, February 15, 2013 at 11:22AM Report as inappropriate

very helpful.

by .flawless. Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 04:03AM Report as inappropriate

Almay's smart shade is very questionable indeed.

by venenumletalis Friday, February 8, 2013 at 09:34AM Report as inappropriate

I am so surprised!!! i found some of my favorite products in this list!

by Misselizabeth Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 01:03AM Report as inappropriate

I don't like blush

by EricaF123 Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 07:03AM Report as inappropriate

This was very helpful. I am probably going to buy the Physician's Formula one.

by NillaButterfly Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 04:50PM Report as inappropriate

thanks

by aishak55 Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 01:34PM Report as inappropriate

I'm so glad I read this because I was gonna buy some of the blushes that were on the worst side but now I'm not

by ainmeb Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 10:39AM Report as inappropriate

YES! I have to agree with the Physician's formula Happy Booster blush!

by JasmineG97 Monday, December 3, 2012 at 05:24PM Report as inappropriate

Agree with the tarte blush - really great product!

by dramageek4ever Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 03:10PM Report as inappropriate

Helpful article, but must admit I'm hooked on NARS blush. Great selection of colors all w/the most subtle glow. My color choice is ANGELIKA. Off, its a real Cotton Candy pink w/the tiniest hint of silver. Not to worry. On, it's not a bright pink, just the perfect pink! I put it on in the morning, might do a touch up at midday, then a swipe in the pm. The case is slim & sleek, making it a perfect fit for the Clutches that are so big this season.

by zudijj Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 06:04PM Report as inappropriate

These all seem like drugstore finds, which I do not like. I prefer highlighting my natural cheek color with luminizer. If I have an event, my go to blush is MAC.

by robyne00 Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 04:46PM Report as inappropriate

I don't think I'll be spending $25 on a blush, that's crazy talk!

by Only1KimmieD Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 08:08AM Report as inappropriate

great love it

by Nicole2814 Monday, October 15, 2012 at 02:15PM Report as inappropriate

It needs more drugstore products!

by kc99012 Monday, October 15, 2012 at 05:31AM Report as inappropriate

Ha ha, the only upsetting thing is that for Best there's only one drugstore product! Otherwise, good article.

by sara_crisis Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 04:42PM Report as inappropriate

Great article. There are some products that I have (like lip glosses, lipsticks, and mascara) that I have quite of bit of and I am currently wanting to expand my blush collection. Knowing what to avoid and look at really helps! I love Tarte cosmetics and I have heard nothing but GREAT things about their blushes. Also, I plan on picking up the Happy Booster blush...one of my fave beauty gurus just gushes over this product.

by Lovelipstick2209 Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 01:19PM Report as inappropriate

I keep hearing good things about Cargo, but I hate trying anything that cost so much.

by Taylerbootz Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 07:31PM Report as inappropriate

I've totally fallen in love with the Tarte amazonian clay blushes. They're SO pigmented and pretty.

by LipglossandSpandex Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 09:02AM Report as inappropriate

Will surely be trying the Cargo blush - I keep hearing lots of positive things about it!

by CinnaBlaze Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 07:56AM Report as inappropriate

I am not surprised at all that Mac and Laura Mercier made the top of the list. Sometimes, you have to pay a little extra for tremendous return on the investment.

by flirtygirl214 Friday, September 28, 2012 at 12:47PM Report as inappropriate

OMG.........yet another old, recycled article! UGH!!!!!!

by jenn8779 Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 10:30AM Report as inappropriate

aside from physicians formula, only the high end ones got good ratings. :-(

by KelseaT Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 01:33AM Report as inappropriate

I have the Cargo blush, it is soooo good. Long lasting, pretty, and not overwhelming! Very informative.

by yestfl Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 08:14PM Report as inappropriate

im not surprised the elf, covergirl, and smartshade almay made it into the worst. However im so happy my favorite blush, the physicians formula happy booser blush made it to 2nd favorite. I wish the maybeline bouncy one was on here too! (my second fave blush of all time)

by Sohee Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 12:35PM Report as inappropriate

Loving blushes, I enjoyed this best and worst list. I definitely want to check out the Tarte and Physicians Formula ones mentioned since they have been hyped so much. I only wish that particular shades would be mentioned in these. Saying that a blush looks good on different skin tones in irrelevant when we don't know what color the reviewer is talking about. All you can comment on for a brand or line of blush is the texture, application and staying power.

by HeathRene Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 11:54AM Report as inappropriate

I was surprised by some of these rankings!

by schien Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 11:03AM Report as inappropriate

Love this product!!!! : PHYSICIANS FORMULA HAPPY BOOSTER GLOW & MOOD BOOSTING BLUSH, $11.95

by rachaeldeeds17 Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 03:45AM Report as inappropriate

I need a good blush!

by heidihannibal33 Monday, September 3, 2012 at 08:09PM Report as inappropriate

I love Laura Gellar but I will Have to try pf It looks so pretty

by debbie_strickland Thursday, August 23, 2012 at 07:57PM Report as inappropriate

i love all of tarte makeup it stays on allday

by sandyc Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 06:52PM Report as inappropriate

I like NYX blush a lot

by LittleBunny Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 07:01PM Report as inappropriate

I really wanted to get the mac blush but not anymore

by milenaa87 Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 06:47AM Report as inappropriate

Okay, I have been looking for a cheap blush everywhere, so I'm definitely trying out the PF Happy Booster Blush!!!

by lamdesamde Monday, June 18, 2012 at 11:02AM Report as inappropriate

I'm really surprised about MAC and Smashbox being in the worst category.

by florawynn Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 12:47PM Report as inappropriate

I thought the ELF Blush works great for me. I guess their formula has inconsistencies since I didn't experience all the bad. My sister has the Physician's Formula blush and loves it!

by darkangel81 Monday, May 7, 2012 at 10:27AM Report as inappropriate

I have never tried any of the worst blushes. I do love my Nars blush and Laura Geller blush! I really want to try the tarte amazonian clay.

by lisiana_de_bem_justino Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 08:14PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks for the information! You have saved me some money.

by toddfan Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 03:09PM Report as inappropriate

I am looking forward to purchasing Phycisians Formula. I also like the new Mad Men Collection from Estee Lauder

by tiffany_gallehugh Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 02:47PM Report as inappropriate

My favorite blush is the cheek stains from Tarte. Really natural looking & it lasts FOREVER. The only issue for me is the price haha.

by pynkNymphette Friday, April 13, 2012 at 11:55PM Report as inappropriate

i dont really wear blush but i really want to try it out

by mayra_alonzo Monday, April 9, 2012 at 08:47PM Report as inappropriate

I love Cargo's blush. It goes on so smoothly and has great pigment.

by beautybody Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 10:12AM Report as inappropriate

I do enjoy Lancome Blush Subtil. It stays on all day and looks natural.

by Brandi27 Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 09:31AM Report as inappropriate

I wish Laura Geller's blushes were on this list. With the multiple pigments, it looks so natural on!

by powerwoman033 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 09:53PM Report as inappropriate

I'm super surprised that NARS powder blush isn't among the best!

by ElphieGranger Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 06:22PM Report as inappropriate

I rarely wear blush unless I'm going somewhere fancy

by queenphoto Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 09:48PM Report as inappropriate

I have blush subtil, but am looking for something cheap to have on hand for everyday.

by Coffee_Black Monday, January 30, 2012 at 06:48PM Report as inappropriate

I have been using the physicians formula blush for the last 6 months and I really love it. Its my fav blush ever. the color looks amazing and it goes on so pretty! I can def see why it made #2!

by ladyboarder9669 Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 02:49PM Report as inappropriate

I have the Physicians Formula blush and I love it. It looks great and lasts all day. I bought mine over a year ago and it's not empty yet.

by CountryGirl78 Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 08:46AM Report as inappropriate

these blushes are very expensive i wouldnt spend over 20 dollars for a blush ridiculous -___-

by Nicole2814 Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 11:38AM Report as inappropriate

I'm surprised at the MAC blushes. I don't use MAC brushes. But the price seem too high for my taste!

by Sprinklesugars Monday, December 26, 2011 at 03:47PM Report as inappropriate

Oh, I think I might try the Laura Mercier one soon!

by celinedejesus Sunday, December 25, 2011 at 03:30PM Report as inappropriate

I think I may try that Cargo blush

by Only1KimmieD Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 08:03AM Report as inappropriate

The ELF blush is pretty bad.

by MissXu Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 07:35AM Report as inappropriate

I just got the Tarte from ebay for $20, free shipping!

by starla1971 Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 02:19PM Report as inappropriate

My favourite blush is Baked-to-Last from The Body Shop, Petal shade. It's absolutely the best, long lasting, easy to apply. Highly recommend, it definitely should be in the list of "the best"!

by datura Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 11:12AM Report as inappropriate

The physicians formula sounds nice and it's the least expensive, so I think I might try it.

by andie Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 07:55PM Report as inappropriate

I wish these weren't all so expensive

by MysticMeercat Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 09:23PM Report as inappropriate

Very good

by AvilaTania Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 06:13AM Report as inappropriate

I love Make Up For Ever HD blush. It's the most natural, beautiful one I've ever used. The funny anecdote is that I have a lung disease and I've gone to the ER and they've said, "Well, your coloring looks great, you have pink, rosy cheeks!" but it's the blush, ha ha!

by shaydie Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 06:27AM Report as inappropriate

They should mention Benefit's Thrrrob; that stuff looks good on so many skin tones!

by 125389 Friday, November 11, 2011 at 11:49PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks for the tips! I LOVE blush, it's my favorite make up item!

by Mysterylady Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 04:35PM Report as inappropriate

I just recently bought the Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush. It's so cute!

by LipglossandSpandex Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 07:28PM Report as inappropriate

~*good thing i dont use blush*~

by hippie95 Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 07:07AM Report as inappropriate

I love love love Rimmel blushes, they have so many different shades, they blend in so well and they look natural!! glitzglambudget.blogspot.com

by GlitzGlamBudget Monday, October 31, 2011 at 12:17AM Report as inappropriate

This is a awesome article for people who use blush. However I don't use it almost never. If I do use it I use a bronzer in the lightest shade instead.

by melissa_thiemann Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 12:30PM Report as inappropriate

So happy that Laura Mercier blush made #1! I've been using both the powder blush and the creme blush for years-I'll dab a bit of the creme onto my chicks then dust some of the powder blush on top to accentuate the color and matte the look -- if i want to remain dewy then I just use the creme alone. Good stuff!

by Kamala_Kirk Friday, October 28, 2011 at 11:53AM Report as inappropriate

hmm.. i try to check this one out..

by Mssaralee18 Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 05:39AM Report as inappropriate

If I'm ever adventurous enough to try blush at least I know what to try.

by taryn.romero Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 05:48AM Report as inappropriate

I'm suprised Benefit's Dandelion blush didn't make the list. I am pale as can be and have had a hard time finding a natural looking blush until Benefit's Dandelion. I can layer it on and it still looks completely natural.

by shimmergurl Monday, October 17, 2011 at 06:11PM Report as inappropriate

All I use is Physician's Formula. I love it

by aprillynnnxo Monday, October 17, 2011 at 05:36PM Report as inappropriate

I love Warmth from Bare Escentuals

by Only1KimmieD Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 12:16PM Report as inappropriate

The entire Almay Smart Shade Line Sucks but their powder blushes are to die for!

by CliniqueLover Sunday, October 9, 2011 at 01:27PM Report as inappropriate

Cream blush is nice and can give you a really nice natural look but I find that powder is easier. Cargo's blush is very nice, and I've been eyeing that new Physicians Formula blush as well as the Tarte Amazonian clay blush!

by LipglossandSpandex Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 07:59PM Report as inappropriate

I use mark blush, and I love it.

by MissPurple Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 10:25AM Report as inappropriate

I use the Physicians Formula blush, and OMG it's my absolutle favorite. I get compliments on my glowing skin all the time :)

by lanigaga Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 11:38AM Report as inappropriate

I love the Physician's Formula blush!

by vfalkow Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 09:29AM Report as inappropriate

i agree with the worst blush pick (revlon colorstay)... I tried it, had to exchange it because I thought I had chosen the wrong shade, but eventually realized I just wasted my money

by gisellemarie Friday, September 23, 2011 at 08:41AM Report as inappropriate

Just kidding--- I bet it will be Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour. Ha!

by ssilkgirl Friday, September 23, 2011 at 08:28AM Report as inappropriate

Before I start reading this, I am gonna bet the number one blush will be Nars.

by ssilkgirl Friday, September 23, 2011 at 07:37AM Report as inappropriate