Blush is a type of makeup product used to add a flush of color to the cheeks. The most common colors of blush are various shades of pink, from soft baby pinks to bolder hot pinks. However, the exact shade that is considered “dusty pink” can vary.
What is dusty pink?
Dusty pink is a pale, soft shade of pink that has a muted, faded, or “dusty” quality to it. It sits somewhere between baby pink and rose pink on the color spectrum. Dusty pinks are much softer and more subtle than bold pinks.
Some examples of dusty pink blush shades include:
- NARS Blush in Sex Appeal
- Glossier Cloud Paint in Beam
- Colourpop Super Shock Cheek in Between the Sheets
- Patrick Ta Blush in She’s Seductive
- Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Blusher in Love Glow
- Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso
- Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat
These shades have a soft, muted quality and lean more peachy-pink than true pink. They provide a very natural, gentle flush of color to the cheeks.
How does dusty pink differ from other pink blush shades?
Here’s how dusty pink blush differs from some other pink cheek colors:
- Baby pink: Dusty pink has a bit more color than a baby pink. Baby pinks read very soft and subtle on the cheeks.
- Rose pink: Rose pinks have more of a true pink or reddish tone while dusty pinks lean peachy-pink.
- Hot pink: Hot pink blush provides a bright, bold flush of color. Dusty pink is much more muted and subtle.
- Mauve: Mauve has more purple undertones whereas dusty pink leans peach.
Is dusty pink flattering on most skin tones?
Dusty pink blush is quite versatile and tends to be flattering on many different skin tones. Here’s a breakdown of how it works across skin tones:
| Skin Tone | Does Dusty Pink Work? |
|---|---|
| Fair | Yes, dusty pink adds a natural flush without being too overpowering. |
| Light | Yes, it blends beautifully into light skin. |
| Medium | Yes, it works well to liven up medium skin tones. |
| Tan | Yes, it complements and flatters tan skin when applied lightly. |
| Deep | It can work but deeper dusty pink shades tend to look better than the lightest shades. |
| Dark | Deeper variations can work beautifully on dark skin. Sheer application is best. |
As you can see, dusty pink blush tends to be versatile across the spectrum. The key is finding the right undertone and depth within the dusty pink color family to complement your skin. Applying with a light hand also helps make it work for more skin tones.
How to apply dusty pink blush
Here are some tips for applying dusty pink blush:
- Use a soft, fluffy brush. Look for tapered blush brushes or stippling brushes.
- Swirl the brush into the blush, then tap off any excess product.
- Smile and apply the blush to the apples of the cheeks in soft circular motions.
- Blend well, extending the color slightly towards the hairline.
- Build up color gradually. You can always add more but it’s hard to take away.
- For a monochromatic look, also apply a bit along the bridge of the nose and eyes.
- Finish off by blending with a clean brush to soften any harsh edges.
Applying with a light hand creates the most natural, soft flush of color. You want the blush to look like a natural glow from within.
Makeup tips and tricks with dusty pink blush
Here are some makeup tips to make the most of dusty pink blush:
- Pair it with brown, bronze, gold, peach, or rose gold eyeshadow looks. Cool tones like silvers and grays tend to clash.
- Use a lip liner slightly darker than your natural lip color, then apply a dusty pink lipstick. This helps create a gradient effect.
- Try a monochromatic makeup look – use dusty pink blush, eyeshadow, and lip color for an understated glam vibe.
- Sheer application works well for daytime. Intensify color for night looks.
- Look for dusty pink blushes with a luminous or subtle shimmer for a lit-from-within glow.
- Tap a rose gold highlighter on the high points of the face to complement the blush.
Best makeup and skincare to pair with dusty pink blush
Dusty pink blush pairs beautifully with lots of makeup and skincare products. Try these combinations for a harmonious look:
- Lipstick: Peachy nudes, pinky browns, rose pinks, or pale pinks
- Eyeshadow: Warm neutral palettes with golds, coppers, champagnes
- Eyeliner: Bronze, brown, slate gray
- Mascara: Dark brown or black
- Contour: Cool-toned taupe shades
- Highlighter: Rose gold or champagne
- Setting powder: Translucent or yellow-based
- Setting spray: Dewy finishes
- Skincare: Look for hydrating products to create a luminous base
Overall, opt for warm, golden shade complements in makeup and glowy skincare for the perfect dusty pink look.
Conclusion
Dusty pink blush is characterized by its soft, muted tone that provides a natural flush of color to the cheeks. Ranging from peachy nudes to rose pinks, dusty pink works well on most skin tones when applied sheerly. For the most flattering look, pair it with warm eyeshadow tones, nude lips, and luminous skin. Dusty pink blush can create an understatedly glam finish when worn monochromatically or as a soft flush of color for everyday wear.
