My makeup routine on school mornings takes about four minutes. Concealer, mascara and one dot of liquid blush on each cheek, and I’m out the door. That tiny dot does more than anything else in my bag. It’s also why so many of you ask me about Rare Beauty blush alternatives that give the same flushed look for less.
The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is famous for a reason. One drop goes a long way, and it blends into a soft, healthy glow. Still, it costs $25 for a small tube. Below are 6 picks from Amazon, Walmart and Target that capture the same look, starting at just $4.90.
Why Everyone Loves the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
It went viral because a single dot can tint a whole cheek. The formula is very pigmented, yet it melts into skin when you tap it in. For reference, the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is $25 at Sephora right now.
- Tiny amount, big color: one dot per cheek is usually enough.
- Blendable finish: it softens into a natural flush instead of sitting on top.
- Dewy or matte: it comes in both finishes and a wide range of shades.
- Long wear: fans say it lasts through a full day.
- Doe foot wand: easy to dot on cheeks, lips or even eyelids.
What to Look for in a Rare Beauty Blush Alternative
- Pigment: look for a formula that says buildable or highly pigmented. Then start with less than you think.
- Finish: pick dewy for dry skin and a soft matte for oily skin.
- Applicator: a doe foot wand makes the dot method easy.
- Shade: soft pinks and roses suit most skin tones. Berry shades look gorgeous on deeper skin.
- Reviews: blending is the hard part, so read what reviewers say about patchiness.
The 6 Best Rare Beauty Blush Alternatives
e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush, $8.00
This is the one I’d grab first. It’s very pigmented, so one small dot really is enough. That’s exactly what people love about the original.
It has a 4.6 star rating from more than 16,000 reviews on Amazon. Reviewers say it blends out smoothly and lasts all day. Dusty Rose is a pretty everyday shade.
Best for: the closest overall match for less than a third of the price.
L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Le Liquid Blush, $10.97
This one has a lightweight, glowy finish with a soft glow. It looks like a fresh flush rather than a stripe of color.
It has a 4.4 star rating from more than 1,300 reviews. Plus, the tube feels a bit more polished, which makes it a nice gift.
Best for: a dewy glow on dry or normal skin.
Revolution Superdewy Liquid Blush, $4.90
At under $5, this is the budget pick. The finish is dewy, and the squeeze tube lets you control how much comes out.
It has a 4.2 star rating from over 4,300 reviews. Some reviewers say it’s less pigmented than the rest. So it works best if you like a sheer wash of color.
Best for: trying the trend without spending much.
Milani Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush, $9.97
Milani’s version has a wand and a creamy formula that taps in easily. Rose Romance is a soft rose that suits most skin tones.
It has a 4.3 star rating from 250 ratings at Walmart. Also, you can grab it on a grocery run, which is a big win in my house.
Best for: a soft rose flush you can pick up with your groceries.
NYX Professional Makeup Fat Cheeks Liquid Blush, $10.97
This is the boldest pick on the list. The color payoff is strong, so a little goes a long way.
It has a 4.6 star rating from more than 600 ratings at Walmart. Dragon Fruit Drip is a bright berry pink. For a softer look, blend it out with a damp sponge.
Best for: bright, buildable color that lasts.
ColourPop Liquid Blush, $10.00
ColourPop’s liquid blush comes in a big tube for the price. It blends into a natural flush and layers well.
It has a 4.7 star rating from 306 reviews at Target. Angel Face is a sweet light pink. That makes it a great pick for fair skin.
Best for: the most product for your money.
A Quick Note on Picking Your Shade
Liquid blush looks much brighter in the tube than on your cheek. So don’t be scared off by a shade that seems bold. Once it’s blended, most of these turn into a soft wash of color.
Fair skin usually looks best in light pinks like Angel Face. Medium skin tones glow in roses and corals, like Dusty Rose or Rose Romance. Deeper skin tones can carry berry shades like Dragon Fruit Drip beautifully. If you’re unsure, a muted rose is the safest bet for almost everyone.
One more tip: check the return policy before you buy. Walmart and Target both make it easy to return unopened makeup, which takes the guesswork out of trying a new shade.
How to Style Your Liquid Blush Alternative
Liquid blush is more versatile than it looks. Here are a few easy ways to wear it.
- The school run face: one dot per cheek, tapped up toward the temple, with tinted balm and mascara.
- Monochrome makeup: use the same blush on cheeks, lips and lids for a soft matching look.
- Date night glow: layer a dewy blush over powder, then add a highlighter on top.
- Sun kissed look: sweep a little across the nose and cheeks like you spent the day outside.
If you love a pretty glossy lip with it, my Dior Lip Glow Oil alternatives pair perfectly with these.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is similar to Rare Beauty blush?
The e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush is the closest match. It’s just as pigmented and blends out the same way. The NYX Fat Cheeks Liquid Blush is a strong second if you like bolder color.
Does Walmart have a Rare Beauty blush look alike?
Yes. The Milani Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush and the NYX Fat Cheeks Liquid Blush are both at Walmart for about $10. Both have wands and creamy, blendable formulas.
Is Rare Beauty blush worth the price?
It’s a great product, and one tube lasts a long time. Still, for $5 to $11 these picks give a very similar flush. That’s why I’d try one of them first.
How do I keep liquid blush from looking patchy?
Apply it before powder, use a tiny amount, and tap it in with your fingers or a damp sponge. Then build up slowly. Liquid blush gets patchy when it goes on top of a lot of powder.
Final Thoughts
If I had to pick just one, I’d grab the e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush for the closest match. For the best value, the Revolution Superdewy Liquid Blush is under $5. And if you want a glowier finish, the L’Oreal Lumi Le is a lovely standout.
Want more beauty finds? My Pillow Talk lipstick alternatives are another easy way to get a high end look for less.
Discover more designer look alikes in my ultimate guide to designer alternatives for less.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you purchase after clicking through the link.
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