Liquid is the texture I reach for when skin looks bare and I want color that looks like it comes from underneath. e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush in Peach Perfect is a peachy pink with a dewy finish, made with rose flower water and hibiscus flower extract. Saie Dew Blush in Hottie is a papaya shade with a chunky doe foot applicator, so a dot on each cheek is enough. Anastasia Beverly Hills Blurring Serum Liquid Blush in Hibiscus is a bright pink with niacinamide and a soft matte finish, which is the one to choose if dewy feels too shiny. Laura Geller Serum Blush in Poppy Peach is a peachy pink, fragrance free and cooling on the skin.

ciele blush and PROTECT in Behati is a dusty rose liquid with SPF 50 and mineral filters. Wonderskin Wonder Blading in Sundrop is a coral peach stain made to stay put. Jouer Cosmetics Sun Wash Liquid Blush in Rose Eclat and BY TERRY Brightening CC Liquid Blush round out the grid, and I would test both in person before deciding on shade.

Pairing tip: dot liquid blush on before powder, not after, and blend with a damp sponge so the edge disappears.

What I would skip: a liquid blush over a heavily powdered face. It grabs onto the powder and looks patchy, so use a cream base first.

Sticks are the fastest option, and the best ones need no brush at all. e.l.f. Soft Glam Cream Blush Stick in Melon-Drama is a peachy coral with a satin finish, made with shea butter and sunflower oil. Bobbi Brown Skin Enhancer Blush Stick in Mango Rush is a warm vibrant coral that works on cheeks, lips and the rest of the face. Makeup by Mario Soft Pop in Soft Coral is a peachy pop with a dewy finish and a built-in brush on the other end. LYS Beauty Higher Standard in Focused is a warm cinnamon pink with medium coverage. Ogee Sculpted Cream Blush Stick in Rose Quartz has a natural, radiant finish.

VIOLETTE_FR Bisou Blush in Inès marbles two cool rosy pink shades into one, and it comes with a brush attached. Jouer Cosmetics Blush and Bloom Cheek and Lip Stick in Bare Rose and NUDESTIX Intense Matte Lip and Cheek Pencil in Sunkissed Rose both do double duty on cheeks and lips.

How to wear it: swipe a stick onto the apples of the cheeks, then blend up toward the hairline with your fingers.

What I would skip: dragging a stick straight across dry, flaky patches. Smooth the skin with a moisturizer first, or the color will cling to the texture.

Start with how you like your makeup to feel. If you want soft and blurred, go for a putty or cream-to-powder blush. If you want skin to look fresh and dewy, pick a liquid. If you are running out the door, keep a stick in your bag. Then choose the shade by undertone: cool pinks and mauves like Cosmo and Souvenir de Volubilis flatter cool skin, while peach and coral shades like Peach Perfect and Melon-Drama warm up olive and deeper skin. Whichever you pick, place the color a little higher than you think and blend until you cannot find where it ends.