Like a good mascara, blush is one of the easiest and fastest ways to give your face a little pick-me-up before heading out the door. No matter if you have fair, medium, or a darker skin tone, a simple swipe adds both color and definition that can make the world of a difference.
But with so many shades to choose from—not to mention types: creams, powders, sticks, oh my!—what's the best way to make sure you nail the technique? The first step is choosing the right hue. "For a natural look, pick a blush shade with the same undertones as your skin. Or, if you want to pop, choose a shade that’s the opposite of your skin tone," says Carl Ray, chief makeup artist for Albolene. Here's a quick cheat: If you love the way you look in orange clothes, look for blushes with a warm, peachy tone; if you hate how you look in orange, but could wear hot pink all day, look for blushes with a cooler, pinker tone, says Jenny Patinkin, a makeup artist in Chicago.
Once you know what you're searching for, peep this list of the best drugstore blushes to find the ideal product for you. Makeup artists say these standouts rival anything you'd find at the beauty counter.