Liquid vs. Powder Blush: Before or after?

Liquid vs Powder Blush: Which Should You Use and When?

Blush is a great way to add color and definition to your cheeks, but with so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which type of blush is right for you.

In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of using liquid blush versus powder blush and providing instructions on how to apply liquid blush before or after powder blush to achieve different looks.

Let’s begin

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for details.

Liquid Brush: Benefits and When to use

Liquid blush and powder blush each have their own unique benefits and drawbacks.

Liquid blush is known for its natural and buildable finish, and it’s great for those with dry or mature skin.

It’s also easy to blend and layer, and it can be used to create a variety of looks, from subtle to bold.

However, a con (that it can also be a pro) liquid blush can be a bit messier to apply and it may not last as long as powder blush (when not properly applied)

When to use liquid blush vs powder?

Liquid blush is perfect to use when:

You are wearing liquid foundation (satin or dewy preferably)
You want a glowing, hydrating finish (recommended for mature skin)
In combination with powder, for more coverage and intensity
When you are not wearing foundation at all, to add a quick pop of color that looks natural

Our #1 favorite liquid blush is this liquid blush by Rare Beauty. It’s a weightless, long-lasting, excellent liquid blush

Powder Blush: Benefits and when to use

Powder blush, on the other hand, is known for its intense and matte finish.

It’s great for those with oily or combination skin, as it can help to control shine.

However, there are also powder blushes with shimmer for a more shiny finish instead of matte.

Regardless, It’s also easy to apply, and it can be used to create a variety of looks, from natural to dramatic.

Powder blush can be a bit trickier to blend and layer, and it may not be as natural-looking as liquid blush.

Is liquid blush better than powder blush?

Liquid blush is not better than powder blush, and both are great makeup products everyone can try for their makeup routine. However, liquid has some benefits that powder blush doesn’t have. You can achieve a more natural-looking finish with liquid or cream blush, and if you have dry skin or mature skin, liquid blush is an excellent way to add natural juiciness to the skin.

Powders are powders, and all the powders can dry the skin unless they have hydrating ingredients on them. Which a powder blush can have but this is not usual on powder blushes

I see it more on other face powders like powder foundations. Usually, powder blush is matte or shimmer but does not leave a dewy, hydrating, skin-like finish.

That’s why I personally prefer and use liquid blush over powder for my everyday makeup routine.

When to apply powder blush vs liquid blush?

Powder blush is perfect to use when:

When you are wearing a powder foundation, or a matte liquid foundation
You are wearing a matte makeup look. (matte makeup base, matte eyeshadows, no highglighter)
In combination with liquid blush for more intensity.

Liquid Blush before or After Powder Blush?

When it comes to applying liquid blush, there are there main options: wear liquid blush by it self, before powder blush or after powder blush.

Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to consider your desired look and skin type before deciding which method to use.

Applying liquid blush before powder blush

Applying liquid blush before powder blush is a great way to achieve a natural and buildable look. And I personally like to do it this way.

To do this, start by applying a small amount of liquid blush to the apples of your cheeks and blending it outwards.

Then, apply a small amount of powder blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it outwards.

This will help to set the liquid blush and give it a more natural and long-lasting finish.

Applying liquid blush after powder blush

Applying liquid blush after powder blush is a great way to achieve a more intense and long-lasting look.

To do this, start by applying a small amount of powder blush to the apples of your cheeks and blending it outwards.

Then, apply a small amount of liquid blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it outwards.

This will help to intensify the powder blush.

Yes, you can use powder first and then liquid. Nothing happens and it helps to make a more natural look, plus you can create your custom blush shade by mixing both, powder and liquid.

How to make your blush last longer

Another benefit of using both liquid and powder blush is that you are mixing two different formulas and textures that when perfectly layered together, can make your blush last longer.

My personal experience with liquid blush is that it doesn’t last long. (or maybe I want my cheeks to look cute and pink all day?, maybe!)

So I usually have my liquid blush on my purse, so I can do a quick retouch any time of the day, whenever I go.

This is something I can’t do with powder blush, for example, and I don’t think It looks good to reapply powder blush on top of my after-hours makeup.

When my natural oils have been mixed with foundation, it now starts to look more dewy and natural on the whole face, and adding powder blush to that makes it look not natural and can look cakey.

That’s when liquid blush wins for me.

A solution for this? Do the Liquid and powder blush hack below!

Liquid blush and powder Blush Hack

liquid blush and powder blush applied on a woman chick

Now that you know that you can use liquid blush or powder blush before or after, depending on the desired look. I need to share with you the next trick.

Don’t be afraid of mixing textures! Patrick ta, one of my favorite celebrity makeup artist, did the following in a masterclass:

He mixes textures of blush by applying liquid blush, then sets it with powder, and after that, applies liquid blush again.

Layering textures look more natural on the skin and make the product stay longer and more intense in color.

What do you think, would you try this trick? Let me know in the comments below.

Applying blush to enhance your face shape

Blush can be a great way to enhance your natural features and add definition to your face, but where you apply it can make a big difference in how it looks.

The best areas to apply blush will vary depending on your face shape.

For example, if you have a round face, you’ll want to apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it outwards towards the temples to create a slimming effect.

If you have a square face, you’ll want to apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it upwards towards the temples to soften the angles of your face.

If you have an oval face, you can apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it outwards and upwards for a natural and balanced look.

If you have a heart-shaped face, you’ll want to apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it upwards towards the temples and along the cheekbones to create a more balanced look.

It’s important to keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and you should experiment with different blush placement to find what works best for you.

The way you apply blush can also change your face shape! I show how to make your face look more lifted with concealer, blush and bronzer on this post.

Final thoughts about liquid vs powder blush

In conclusion, whether you choose to use liquid blush or powder blush, it’s important to consider your desired look and skin type before deciding which method to use.

If you’re looking for a natural and buildable look, applying liquid blush before powder blush is a great option. Or liquid blush by itself without powder.

If you’re looking for a more natural and long-lasting look, applying liquid blush after powder blush is a great option.

Additionally, make sure to choose shades that are suitable for your skin tone, usually lighter shades of blushes are great for fair to medium skin tones and darker shades are great for medium to deep skin tones.

As always, play around with different products and techniques to find what works best for you.

Bye bye!

Valeria H.