For years, blush felt like an afterthought in many makeup routines for women with deeper skin tones. Some women skipped it because they couldn’t find shades that matched their skin tones, while others assumed it was a product designed only for lighter complexions. But as beauty brands like Yanga Beauty have become more intentional about creating products for melanin-rich skin, blush has evolved from an optional step to a staple. Thanks to the recent rise in celebrity make-up artist, PaintedByEsther’s bold blush technique, more and more women are going for the beautiful, flushed look. 

We asked five women about the blush shades that changed their minds about using it in their routine. Here’s what they said.

“A deep berry blush made me realise blush wasn’t just for light-skinned girls” — Amanda*, 24

For the longest time, I thought blush was one of those products that only looked good on lighter skin tones. Every time I tried one, it either disappeared completely or looked like I was carrying pink dust on my cheeks. So I stuck to my powder highlighter and called it a day.

Everything changed when a makeup artist used a deep berry blush shade on me for a wedding I attended. It looked so natural that I didn’t even realise how much it had transformed my face until I started getting compliments. 

Now, I reach for berry and plum-toned blushes almost every time I do my makeup. They’re pigmented enough to show up without making me look overly made up. If I had to choose between a highlighter and blush, blush wins every time.

“Warm blush shades are my secret weapon” — Tolu*, 28

I don’t wear a full face of makeup every day. Most days, it’s just brows, concealer and lip gloss. But blush is the one thing I’ve added that makes me look like I put a lot of effort into my appearance.

Pink blush shades had always felt too bright on me, but a warm terracotta shade blends into my skin in a way that looks natural while still giving me colour.

What I love most is how versatile it is. I can wear it to work, brunch or a wedding, and it never feels out of place. It’s become one of those products I automatically reach for because my makeup now feels incomplete without it.

“I never understood the hype until I found the right orange blush” — Nneka*, 26

My makeup drawer is evidence that I’ve made a lot of bad beauty purchases. Blush was one of them. I bought several shades, but they never looked the same on me as they did on the babes I saw online.

Then I tried a burnt orange blush and finally understood why everyone was obsessed. It brought warmth back into my face after foundation and gave me so much dimension. I was hooked.

The funny thing is that people rarely ask me what foundation I’m wearing anymore. They usually ask why my skin looks so fresh. Most of the time, the answer is blush and a well-placed concealer.

“Rose tones make me look awake even when I’m exhausted” — Chisom*, 31

I spend long hours in traffic going to and fro from work, and there are days when I look as tired as I feel. But blush has become my quickest fix.

I love a rich rose colour. It gives my face a natural warmth without making it seem like I’m caking on makeup. Whenever I wear it, I look more rested and put together. The best part is that I don’t even need to put on a lot. A small amount makes a big difference. That’s the step that makes people think I’ve slept eight hours on days I definitely haven’t.

“A Makeup artist’s bright pink blush technique completely changed my mind about colour” — Zara*, 30

I used to avoid colourful makeup because I thought it would clash with my dark skin. My routine was very neutral: brown eyeshadow, nude lips and nothing too bold.

But when I saw the bright pink blush look PaintedByEsther did for Olandria, the Love Island star, I knew I had to try my hand at it. I was sure it would look ridiculous, but it ended up being one of the most flattering things I’ve ever worn.

The colour shows up beautifully and gives my face a youthful, playful look. It also taught me that makeup for dark skin doesn’t have to be serious and demure to be beautiful. Playing with intimidating colours is so fun; it reminded me of when I used to do makeup for me, not just to look put together.

Blush isn’t the problem, finding the right product is. A shade that works on lighter skin might barely show up on deeper complexions, which is why pigmentation and undertones matter. Products like Yanga Beauty’s Candid Blush collection are changing that conversation by creating richly pigmented shades that complement melanin-rich skin and make it easier to achieve that effortless, just-blushed look. You can browse your favourite blush shades on the Yanga Beauty website or on the Yanga Beauty Instagram page.