Rare Beauty's Soft Pinch Liquid Blush has become the talk of beauty TikTok, spawning countless tutorials and review videos. But while Selena Gomez's brand basks in the spotlight, several innovative indie brands have been quietly revolutionizing the liquid blush game. We've discovered some fascinating alternatives that approach the perfect flush from completely different angles – from pH-adjusting formulas to skincare-makeup hybrids.
These under-the-radar options aren't trying to replicate Rare Beauty's success; instead, they're carving out their own unique paths in the beauty world. Whether you're intrigued by color-changing technology or drawn to multitasking formulas, there's something here to pique your curiosity.
Sunset Daze Bronzing Drops: The Chameleon of Cheek Products
LA Girl's take on liquid cheek color breaks free from traditional categorization. These drops blur the line between bronzer and blush, creating a natural warmth that adds dimension to any complexion. The formula's versatility is what catches our attention – it can deliver anything from a subtle sun-kissed glow to a more pronounced flush.
We're particularly intrigued by the inclusion of jojoba oil and cocoa butter in the formula. These ingredients create an interesting synergy where the pigments seem to become one with your skin rather than creating a obvious makeup layer. The dropper packaging also introduces an element of precision that we don't often see in this product category.
Why we like LA Girl
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Versatile Formula
Functions as both bronzer and blush for multiple uses
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Skin-Nourishing
Contains jojoba oil and cocoa butter for added skincare benefits
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Precise Application
Dropper packaging allows for controlled product dispensing
BYO Blush: When Chemistry Meets Cosmetics
Remember those mood rings that changed color with your body temperature? Youthforia's BYO Blush takes that concept into the 21st century. This clear green liquid transforms into a custom pink shade based on your skin's pH level – it's like having a tiny chemistry lab in your makeup bag.
The science behind this formula goes beyond the color-changing party trick. With 20+ plant-based extracts in the mix, it reads more like a fancy facial oil than a traditional blush. We find the concept of pH-reactive makeup fascinating, especially since it creates a different shade for each wearer. While we can't verify the brand's claim that you can sleep in this makeup safely, the focus on skin-friendly ingredients signals an interesting shift in how we think about color cosmetics.
Why we like Youthforia
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Custom Color
pH-reactive formula creates a personalized shade for each user
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Skincare-Infused
Contains 20+ plant-based extracts for skin benefits
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Innovative Technology
Color-changing formula provides a unique application experience
Sheer Skin Tint: The Stealth Blush Contender
Here's a plot twist: Summer Fridays' Sheer Skin Tint wasn't created to be a blush, but it's accidentally great at creating that natural flush effect. It's like finding out your favorite sweater has pockets – a delightful bonus feature that makes perfect sense once you discover it.
The formula appears to take cues from Korean beauty innovations, with its focus on skincare ingredients and buildable coverage. When concentrated on the cheeks, it creates this interesting lived-in flush that evolves throughout the day. The way it interacts with your skin's natural chemistry reminds us of watercolors bleeding into paper – organic and unpredictable in the best possible way.
Why we like Summer Fridays
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Multitasking Formula
Works as both skin tint and blush
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K-Beauty Inspired
Features skincare-focused ingredients and buildable coverage
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Natural Evolution
Creates a lived-in flush that develops throughout wear
Flush Balm: Where Minimalism Meets Maximum Impact
MERIT's Flush Balm seems to embody the "less is more" philosophy that's gaining traction in beauty circles. The formula strikes an interesting balance between cream and powder textures, creating what we'd describe as a soft-focus effect on the cheeks.
The real story here lies in the formula's skin-friendly ingredients. While many cream blushes can feel heavy or greasy, this one appears to prioritize texture as much as color payoff. We're seeing more makeup artists incorporate this into their kits, suggesting that the professional beauty community is taking notice of these smaller brands' innovations.
Why we like MERIT
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Hybrid Texture
Unique cream-to-powder formula for seamless application
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Professional Quality
Gaining popularity among makeup artists
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Lightweight Feel
Non-greasy formula with excellent color payoff
Color & Light Palette: Two-In-One Color Theory
Kosas approaches cheek color like an artist's color wheel, providing complementary shades that work together to create depth. Their Color & Light Palette reminds us of those paint-by-numbers sets we loved as kids, except here, you get to make up the rules as you go.
The formula stands out for its considered approach to clean beauty. Rather than simply removing potentially problematic ingredients, Kosas appears to have carefully selected botanicals that serve specific purposes. The cream-to-powder transition is particularly interesting from a technical standpoint – it's not often we see formulas that successfully navigate this textural evolution.
Why we like Kosas
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Artistic Approach
Complementary shade pairings for dimensional color
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Clean Formula
Thoughtfully selected botanical ingredients
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Innovative Texture
Successful cream-to-powder transformation
The Future of Flush
The liquid blush category continues to evolve beyond simple color delivery systems. From Youthforia's pH-reactive innovation to Summer Fridays' multitasking approach, these brands are rethinking what cheek color can be. While Rare Beauty may have sparked renewed interest in liquid blush, these alternatives suggest that the category's most exciting developments might be happening away from the mainstream spotlight.