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A Guide to Black-Owned Beauty Brands in the Pink Blush Renaissance
- Jessica Taylor
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
Summer may be winding down, but Black women are reclaiming pink blush as a hot makeup bombshell that will outlast the season. A good blush brightens the skin, presents a youthful glow, and adds a playful, rosy shimmer to the cheeks, emphasizing a flush of color and dimension to your face.
For decades, Black women were told that rosy cheeks weren’t for them, being led to believe that peachy and pink tones wouldn’t translate well on dark skin. Through conversations with black women and being a black woman myself, many of us skipped bright blushes entirely, finding them too harsh, or opted for mellow, deeper tones instead to add depth to our makeup.
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Recently, popular celebrity makeup artist Ngozi ‘Esther’ Edeme, known by her social media handle as ‘paintedbyesther’, redefined the use of blush on darker skin tones to create a vibrant appearance through a signature pink flush on her deep-toned clients. During an interview with Dazed Digital Magazine, the celeb MUA noted that her special secret is to “look at the undertone of her muse and choose a color” that best complements their skintone.
When her glam for Love Island USA star Olandria Carthen went viral on social media, there was a shift in how blush is perceived in a makeup routine, now becoming a statement rather than a bonus, sparking a pink blush Renaissance.
Now, if you aren’t familiar with undertones, you stopped by the right place. An undertone is the pigment beneath the surface of your skin and can range from warm to cool to neutral. Knowing yours can help you find flattering shades for your complexion and maximize your look.
Not sure about your undertone? Click here to learn more in this Essence guide.
From powders to liquids and creams, this guide celebrates and spotlights popping blushes from must-have Black-owned beauty brands for your essential makeup bag.
Blush for Warm Undertones:
If you have a warm undertone, you likely have a yellow, peachy, or golden hue. These blushes enhance the golden warmth in the face and bring out that sun-kissed shine.
Price: $39
Retailer: Sephora
Not Black-owned but part of a limited-edition collab with Toni Bravo
Price: $22
Retailer: Sephora (online only)
Price: $16
Retailer: Ulta
Blush for Cool Undertones:
For cool-toned complexions, you probably have pink, red, or blue hues and need to balance your skin to avoid excessive ruddiness. The following pigments brighten and freshen pinkish tones.
Price: $22
Retailer: Sephora
Price: $18
Retailer: Ulta
Price: $29
Retailer: Sephora
Blush for Neutral (Olive) Tones:
If you have a neutral undertone, you have a mix of warm and cool tones, allowing you to be versatile in your blush selection. The following blushes use both tones to help you achieve a seamlessly blended glow.
Price: $22
Retailer: Sephora
Price: $27
Retailer: Sephora
Price: $28
Retailer: Sephora
Universal Blush Suitable for All Tones:
This Fenty Beauty multi-use blush looks good on everyone. Since It doesn't lean too warm or too cool, it provides a harmony that adapts to your unique undertone.
Price: $32
Retailer: Sephora
Remember, while it’s helpful to use the recommended products for your undertone, there is power in doing what's unexpected—mixing and matching shades, and crafting your own cosmetic style. Elevate your base and explore these dazzling blushes from your favorite Black-owned brands.
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