I Tested Dozens of TikTok Viral Blushes, and These 6 Are Worth the Hype

TikTok is the epicenter of virality, and if your FYP is filled with beauty content, chances are, you know what makeup and skincare items have gone viral on the platform. While I love seeing great products get their flowers, I also believe that social media virality is often a game of who can jump on the bandwagon first. (Read: not all viral beauty products deserve that level of praise.)

In the age when blush is at the forefront of so many makeup looks, and brands are launching new formulas on what feels like a daily basis, it’s hard to decipher which TikTok famous blushes are truly top-tier. As someone who believes that no makeup look is complete without a healthy dose of blush, I took it upon myself to test 10+ options that have reached viral status on TikTok. Ahead, I’m sharing which ones are approved by TikTokers and me, a beauty editor and self-proclaimed blush expert.

If there’s one blush I own the most shades in, it’s this one from Patrick Ta. Creators and I agree, it’s perfection. From the cream and powder formulas in one compact to how they play beautifully together on the skin to the gorgeous color selection and long-wearing capabilities, there’s nothing I don’t love about this pick. The versatility is hard to beat since you can use each formula separately or layer them for your desired pigmentation and finish. Patrick Ta also knows how to create a shade selection that caters to a wide range of skin tones—it comes in neutrals, baby pinks, rich berries, and bright melon hues.

While I don’t believe this is the best traditional powder blush formula on the market (I think the powder can lean a bit dry), it’s got a lot of things going for it. First, I love the compact and chic packaging—it’s easy to travel with and a fun little designer splurge item that doesn’t cost serious designer money. I also love that it’s available in nine shades, ranging from the original baby pink to a vivid cherry red, and more. I’ve been layering Pink and Pink Lilac recently, which brightens my fair complexion instantly. 

It seems no other blush has reached the same level of virality as this one from Rare Beauty. The liquid formula packs a punch in terms of color payoff; you only need a dot or two to create an intense flush of color. The brand’s liquid blush comes in luminous and matte finishes and a wide range of shades that suit a variety of skin tones. And I’d be remiss not to mention the longevity—it wears beautifully all day without fading or settling into lines. 

This loose powder blush gives your skin the same airbrushed finish as the brand’s iconic setting powder. Available in six colorways, each containing four shades that you can mix to create your custom color, I believe it’s a product worth investing in. The texture is weightless and buildable, and it blends into the skin effortlessly to create a smooth, satin finish. And, it’s great for all skin types—it’s not a dry, chalky powder that emphasizes dryness, but it’s also not too luminous or shimmery for those with oily skin. 

The internet went wild when this jelly-like lip and cheek stain launched, and admittedly, I questioned whether the buzz was just about the uniqueness of the texture, and not necessarily reflective of its performance. But when I got my hands on it, I was pleasantly surprised. The gelatinous consistency deposits rich pigment that gives lips and cheeks a long-wearing stain. Applying it with a synthetic fluffy brush on the cheeks builds a natural-looking flush, though I’ve found that it can look slightly patchy when applied over some base products. I absolutely love it on the lips, though. It looks smooth, and even, and creates a beautiful popsicle-stained finish. 

I’m cheating a bit with this once since it’s technically a highlighter, but hear me out. Chances are, you’re familiar with Charlotte Tilbury’s range of highlight, blush, and contour wands—they’ve garnered immense popularity on social media. But the Highlighter Wand in Pinkgasm is a fan-favorite because it marries blush and highlighter together, creating the ultimate fresh and glowy cheeks. While I wish there was more product in the tube (especially considering the price), I love how easily the formula blends into the skin and how radiant it leaves my complexion. I’ve also found that it’s more long-wearing than a lot of liquid products I’ve tried; I tend to get around eight hours of solid wear with it.