Finding a blush that looks fresh without becoming patchy or overly intense is harder than it sounds. I usually prefer formulas that blend quickly, work well with my fingers and still leave the skin looking like skin.

These three give very different versions of pink, from soft everyday colour to a brighter statement. I have been switching between them depending on how much colour I want that day.

Essence Baby Got Blush

Essence Baby Got Blush Liquid Blush is the easiest of the three when I want something quick and uncomplicated. The pink shade looks quite bright straight from the tube, but once I start blending it, the colour becomes much softer and more wearable.

I only need a small amount on each cheek, and I prefer tapping it in with my fingers rather than immediately reaching for a brush. It gives me a fresh flush without looking heavy, and I can easily add another layer when I want the colour to be more noticeable. This is the one I would choose for an effortless everyday makeup look.

Huda Beauty Blush Filter

Huda Beauty Blush Filter gives me the softest, most polished result. The colour has a muted rosy quality that works beautifully when I want my makeup to look put together but still natural.

What I enjoy most is how seamlessly it seems to melt into my base. It does not create an obvious stripe of blush across my cheeks, which makes it especially useful when I am wearing lighter foundation or skin tint. I like concentrating it slightly higher on my cheekbones and blending the edges until the colour almost disappears into the skin.

NYX Cheeks Juicy Plump Blush

NYX Cheeks Juicy Plump Blush is definitely the boldest option here. The vivid pink immediately brings more energy to my makeup, so this is the one I reach for when neutral blush suddenly feels a little boring.

Despite the brightness, I can still control the intensity by starting with a very small amount. Blended lightly, it gives my cheeks that playful, almost doll-like pink flush. Added in another layer, it becomes much more of a statement.

These three cover almost every blush mood I have: easy and fresh with Essence, softly polished with Huda Beauty, and unapologetically pink with NYX.