Photo: Imaxtree
That little extra glow that makes all the difference in highlighting those cheek bones (or gives you cheekbones if you’re not so naturally endowed)? That’s all thanks to blush. But is all blush created equal?
Unfortunately, not. Natural and/or organic blush is far better for your health and the environment than its unnatural and non-organic competition.
That’s because blush often contains talc, a potentially harmful ingredient found in skincare products. There’s quite a bit of controversy surrounding the use of talc in cosmetic and other personal products that are worth talking about – and we will, in just a second.
And of course, you’ll also find the more common toxins in blush: parabens, sulfates, phthalates, preservatives, fragrance, etc.
For those reasons alone, changing over to natural blushes will improve your health. But there’s a bonus – they also contain skin-beneficial ingredients that are not only safe, but they’re also good for you!
Keep reading to find out more about the best natural and/or organic blush your money can buy.
THE BEST ORGANIC & NATURAL BLUSH
Any one of these could be considered the best natural and/or organic blush. They all have in common incredible ingredients that deliver nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and whole lot of love to your largest and most visible organ.
But they also each have their own unique characteristics that are worth mentioning (don’t worry – we will). Choose the one that’s right for your needs after you learn a bit more about them.
Westman Alterier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick $48
This bestselling blush is formulated without talc, parabens, PEGs, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Instead of all that filler, it’s been infused with hydration boosting Berryflux Vita, detoxifying Vitis Vita grape extract, hydrating jojoba oil, and, as a special bonus, an Ayurvedic oil blend that soothes, cushions and supports the moisture barrier. Available in six buildable shades, blush sticks are easy to use and an excellent addition to any day bag.
100% Pure Fruit-Pigmented Powder Blush $38
As it is made with 100% natural and vegetarian ingredients it is no wonder why 100% Pure Powder Blush has become so popular. Colored with fruit pigments from the likes of plums, pomegranates, cranberries, strawberries, and more, the formula gives just the right amount of sparkle and shine. Other key ingredients include the nourishing Vitamin E and moisturizing cocoa as well as shea butters.
Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Last Looks Blush $25
Infused with plant-based Hyaluronic acid, grapeseed oil as well as phospholipids to plump skin, Juice Beauty’s vegan cream blush is highly blendable and provides a natural-looking tint to the skin. Available in 4 unique shades, the cruelty-free formula combines photopigments from purple carrot and rose to deliver a healthy flush to the skin. The blush also avoids known skin irritants like mineral oils, artificial dyes, and sulfates.
Mob Beauty Cream Clay Blush $28
Mob Beauty presents their versatile Cream Clay Blush, a vegan product that serves multiple purposes, delivering a natural, semi-matte finish with sheer to vibrant color for cheeks, lips, or any other desired area. Available in over 8 shades, achieving the perfect match is effortless. Enhanced with clay for long-lasting wear, this clean formula boasts a smooth texture that blends seamlessly, while mica adds a radiant glow without any glittery shimmer.
Featuring soothing chamomile extract and plant-based waxes from avocado, berry, and olive, the velvety blush nourishes the skin. Moreover, the eco-conscious design includes a compact crafted from 90% post-consumer recycled fiber and a refillable blush pan made from 100% recycled PET, promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
Ilia Color Haze Multi-Use Pigment $32
For use on cheeks or lips, this whipped pigment delivers customizable, buildable, blendable color. With the addition of jojoba and coconut oil, it’s as much a hydrating skincare product as it is a beautiful blush. Choose from 5 shades that can be adapted for either a soft or bold look that always finishes in the perfect matte.
Kjaer Weis Cream Blush $56
With over ten shades in this collection, there’s not a skin tone, the model-favorite brand Kjaer Weiss didn’t cover. When you want the dewy finish of a creamy blush with the added benefit of ingredients that fight the visible signs of aging, make the investment in this luxurious organic blush. Not only does it contain the soothing properties of castor and jojoba oils, its infused with wrinkle-fighting rosa rubiginosa seed oil and antioxidants like gardenia Florida fruit extract (which also acts as a natural preservative!).
Lys Beauty Higher Standard Satin Matte Cream Blush $18
Lys Beauty’s talc-free blush, adored for its rich pigment and creamy texture, delivers a natural flush with six versatile shades from deep plum to vibrant pinks. Enriched with Kaolin Clay to minimize pores, Avocado Oil for hydration, and Vitamin E for soothing relief, it offers multifaceted skincare benefits. Cruelty-free, vegan, and fragrance-free, it’s a conscientious choice for beauty lovers seeking high-quality, ethical products.
Jane Iredale PurePressed Blush $30
Containing the “Rolls Royce” of minerals – aka boron nitride – this pressed powder blush by Jane Iredale stays true to its roots as a comprehensive mineral makeup line that uses only the highest quality ingredients. Use this blush to softly define and highlight your cheekbones while the antioxidant-rich and non-comedogenic formula protects your skin from free radicals as well as breakouts.
RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek $36
Ranging in 6 unique shades (sheer to intense color) RMS Beauty’s organic cheek stain provides deep hydration as it nourishes the skin. The non-toxic formula can be worn on cheeks or lips and blends ingredients like cocoa butter with argan as well as coconut oils.
Lily Lolo Cheek Duo $24
Who doesn’t love two ingredients in one? We sure do! That’s why we had to add this Lily Lolo blush duo that allows you to choose between natural matte finish and a satiny, radiant glow. It also acts as a convenient company – so you can even call it a three-in-one. Plus, it contains vegan-friendly and conditioning oil like jojoba seed, argan kernel, pomegranate seed, annuus seed, and manuka.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a mineral blush option that adds a sheer hint of color in either matte or shimmer, check out Lily Lolo’s Pressed Mineral Blush $20 (available in 7 shades).
Alima Pure Shimmer Blush $24
Loose powder blushes give you a soft, sheer finish that flatters every skin tone. And this vegan loose powder blush delivers all that without any fragrance, parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Instead, the richly pigmented mineral ingredients give you a subtle look with an even subtler impact on the health of your skin.
Tower28 BeachPlease Luminous Tinted Balm $20
Looking for that picture-perfect, sun-kissed glow? Of course, you can count on a line called Beach Please for that! These luminous tinted balms work for both lips and cheeks and are available in six different shades. They’re long-lasting, and buildable, without any harsh lines or cakey residue. And, like all the organic blushes we’re presenting to you, they’re packed with a skincare boost from things like green tea extract and aloe vera.
Ritual De Fille Inner Glow Crème Pigment $29
Last but definitely not last are these cream pigments on cheeks, eyes, or lips. All nine shades strike a harmonious balance between dewy and matte finish and provide bold, long-lasting color that easily slips between day and night. Free of fillers and expertly crafted with minimal ingredients, it also contains jojoba oil that adds both moisture and the creamy texture that make this cream blush so luxurious.
Youthforia BYO Blush Oil $36
Youthforia’s BYO Blush Oils redefine blush and highlighter with a radiant, natural effect and skincare benefits. Available in 4+ shades, including a TikTok-famous universal hue, these vegan oils adapt to skin’s pH for a personalized glow. Infused with 20 plant-based oils and extracts, they hydrate and nourish cheeks for a supple finish. Dermatologist-tested and USDA BioPreferred certified, they prioritize skin health while being fragrance and silicone-free. With nourishing ingredients like Avocado Oil and Aloe, plus skin-loving Turmeric and Vitamin E, they cater to breakout-prone skin types for a flawless, radiant complexion.
Gen See Clean Sheen Cheek and Lip $22
For a flush of color, reach for Gen See’s popular liquid Cheek blush. Available in 6+ shades, the vegan formula offers buildable, blendable color. Infused with squalane, it provides essential moisture for a dewy finish and works well for those with sensitive skin.
A LITTLE ABOUT TALC
We have an entire article about talc that you should check out, but it begs repeating here.
Talc is most commonly found in eyeshadow, powder foundations, bronzers, highlighters, and blushes. It adds to the texture of these products, making them easier to apply. Talc also absorbs oil and moisture, so it’s great for achieving a matte effect. It can also prevent caking and make makeup more translucent.
Talc is a naturally-occurring, soft mineral. Sounds harmless enough, right? But talc is often mined very close to asbestos, by which it can become contaminated. Asbestos is a carcinogenic substance that’s dangerous to human health and, if talc becomes contaminated with it, it may lead to various issues. The most common of these issues involve respiratory issues when the product is accidentally inhaled (even little exposure, over time, can be harmful).
Luckily, most organic and natural blushes avoid talc altogether. If they do choose to use it they will use Cosmetic-grade talc which is free of asbestos.
Clean blush, is also usually full of all kinds of skin-beneficial ingredients. The businesses that develop these carefully formulated makeup lines often recognize that makeup can and should double as skincare.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Conventional blush is made with all the most common toxins, including parabens, sulfates, and fragrances. Luckily, the environmental movement has brought us countless options for natural and organic blush that leave out all the bad stuff. Instead, the best natural and organic blush use ingredients that aid your skin healing and hydrating. That’s why any one of these recommendations we made will leave your complexion better off than your current fave.
