If you’ve scrolled through TikTok or Instagram in the past few years, you’ve almost certainly seen the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush going viral. This cult-favorite product from Selena Gomez’s beauty line has taken the makeup world by storm, with one blush reportedly selling every two minutes globally. But is it genuinely revolutionary, or just another overhyped celebrity product? After extensive testing across multiple shades and skin tones, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this internet-famous blush.
What is Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush?
The Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is an ultra-pigmented, weightless liquid blush that promises to deliver high-impact color with just one dot. Created by Selena Gomez’s inclusive beauty brand Rare Beauty, this product has become the brand’s bestselling item and a staple in makeup bags worldwide.
Product Specifications
- Product Name: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
- Price: $25 USD / £22 GBP
- Size: 0.25 fl oz / 7.5 mL
- Shades Available: 13 colors
- Finishes: Matte and Dewy/Radiant
- Formula: Lightweight liquid-to-powder
-
Key Claim: Long-lasting color up to 12 hours
- Where to Buy: Sephora, Ulta, Rare Beauty website, Space NK (UK)
The Brand Behind the Product
Rare Beauty isn’t just another celebrity cash-grab. The brand is committed to breaking down unrealistic beauty standards and supporting mental health initiatives. 1% of all Rare Beauty sales go to the Rare Impact Fund, which supports mental health services for underserved communities—making your purchase feel even better.
Read also; Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick Review: Is It Worth The Hype in 2025?
First Impressions: Packaging and Presentation
The Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush arrives in a frosted, lightweight plastic bottle with the brand’s signature minimalist aesthetic. The packaging features a satisfying twist-off cap with a silver circle on top—which isn’t just pretty, it’s also functional. The design was created with accessibility in mind, particularly for individuals with autoimmune diseases like lupus (which founder Selena Gomez has) that can affect motor skills and grip stre
ngth.
Packaging highlights:
- Frosted plastic bottle with elegant design
- Twist-off cap with satisfying click
- Soft doe-foot applicator
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Accessible design for all abilities
The jumbo doe-foot applicator is soft and cushiony, though it does pick up quite a bit of product—which brings us to our first pro tip: less is definitely more with this blush!
The Formula: What Makes It Different?
Texture and Consistency
Here’s where things get interesting: despite being called a “liquid” blush, the Soft Pinch formula is more of a liquid-cream hybrid. It’s not runny or watery like you might expect. Instead, it has a silky, almost mousse-like consistency that transforms as you blend it.
The formula contains:
- Botanical Blend: Lotus, gardenia, and white water lily extracts to soothe and nourish skin
- Long-lasting Color Pigments: For extended wear without fading
- Weightless Transparent Base: Allows true color payoff that flatters all skin tones
- Pure Color Pigments: Deliver intense, buildable color
The Blending Experience
When you first apply the blush, it feels slightly creamy and moves easily across the skin. But here’s the magic: as you blend, it transforms into an almost powder-like finish that sets quickly and becomes one with your skin. It doesn’t feel tacky, greasy, or heavy—it literally melts into your complexion.
What it feels like:
- Initial texture: Creamy and silky
- During blending: Smooth and malleable
- After setting: Soft, velvety, almost powdery
- Throughout the day: Comfortable and lightweight
Matte vs. Dewy Finish
Rare Beauty offers the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in two distinct finishes:
Matte Finish:
- Sets faster and requires quick blending
- Perfect for oily or combination skin
- Natural, soft-focus appearance
- Can be slightly more challenging to blend
- Best for those who prefer a flat, modern look
Dewy/Radiant Fi
nish:
- More forgiving blending time
- Creates a lit-from-within glow
- Ideal for dry or normal skin
- Gives dimension and luminosity
- Perfect for the “glass skin” trend
The Pigmentation: Insanely Intense
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: this blush is EXTREMELY pigmented. When we say “one dot is enough,” we mean it literally. This is not like other liquid blushes where you need multiple applications to build up color.
How Pigmented Is It Really?
The pigmentation of Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is genuinely shocking when you first use it. We’re talking about the kind of intensity where:
- One tiny dot = Natural flush
- Two dots = Noticeable healthy glow
- Three dots = Bold, editorial look
- Applying directly from applicator = Instant clown makeup (don’t do this!)
Many first-time users make the mistake of applying the product directly to their cheeks like they would with a regular blush. Big mistake. The result? Looking like you just ran a marathon or got slapped across the face.
Complete Shade Guide: All 13 Colors
Rare Beauty offers an impressive range of 13 shades
that cater to various skin tones and undertones. Let’s break them down:
Cool-Toned Shades
1. Love (Matte)
- Soft dusty rose pink
- Best for fair to light skin
- Cool undertones
- Natural, everyday shade
2. Bliss (Matte)
- Soft mauve-pink
- Universal cool-toned shade
- Works on light to medium skin
- Sophisticated and modern
3. Faith (Matte)
- Deep berry-mauve
- Best for medium to deep skin
- Cool plum undertones
- Dramatic yet wearable
4. Virtue (Dewy)
- Vibrant fuchsia pink
- Best for medium to tan skin
- Cool pink undertones
- Bold statement shade
Warm-Toned Shades
5. Happy (Matte)
- Soft peachy-nude
- Best for fair to light skin
- Warm peachy undertones
- Perfect “my cheeks but better” shade
6. Encourage (Dewy)
- Warm peach-coral
- Best for light to medium skin
- Golden peachy undertones
- Sunny, vacation-ready look
7. Joy (Dewy)
- Bright coral-orange
- Selena Gomez’s personal favorite!
- Best for light to medium skin
- Fun, energetic pop of color
8. Grace (Matte)
- Soft peachy-pink
- Best for light to medium skin
- Neutral-warm undertones
- Versatile everyday shade
Neutral Shades
9. Hope (Dewy) – BESTSELLER
- Rosy nude-pink
- THE most popular shade
- Works on fair to medium skin
- Natural, universally flattering
10. Grateful (Matte)
- Warm rose-brown
- Another bestselling shade
- Best for light to medium skin
- Sophisticated neutral
11. Believe (Dewy)
- Terracotta roses
- Best for medium to tan skin
- Warm neutral undertones
- Sun-kissed, natural glow
12. Lucky (Dewy)
- Warm terracotta-brown
- Best for medium to deep skin
- Neutral-warm undertones
- Rich, natural flush
13. Worth (Matte)
- Deep plum-brown
- Best for deep to very deep skin
- Cool-toned brown base
- Beautiful on darker complexions
Which Shade Should You Choose?
For Fair Skin (Fitzpatrick I-II): Love, Happy, Hope, Bliss, Encourage
For Light to Medium Skin (Fitzpatrick III-IV): Hope, Grateful, Encourage, Joy, Grace, Believe, Virtue
For Medium to Deep Skin (Fitzpatrick V-VI): Faith, Lucky, Worth, Believe, Grateful
Pro Tip: When in doubt, Hope (dewy) and Grateful (matte) are the brand’s bestsellers for good reason—they’re the most universally flattering shades.
How to Apply Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush: Step-by-Step
Getting the application right is crucial with this highly pigmented formula. Follow these steps for flawless results:
The Foolproof Application Method
Step 1: Prep Your Skin Start with your regular base makeup (primer, foundation, concealer). The blush works beautifully over both liquid and powder foundations, or even on bare skin.
Step 2: Shake the Bottle Give the bottle a gentle shake to ensure the pigments are well-mixed.
Step 3: Remove Excess Product This is critical! Gently wipe the applicator against the rim of the bottle to remove excess product. You should have just a small amount on the doe-foot.
Step 4: Apply to the Back of Your Hand First Dot the blush onto the back of your hand—seriously, don’t skip this step! This gives you better control over the amount you’re applying.
Step 5: Use Your Fingertips or a Damp Sponge Pick up a tiny amount from your hand and gently pat it onto the apples of your cheeks. Use a bouncing motion to blend upward toward your temples.
Step 6: Work Quickly The formula sets fast, especially the matte shades. Blend immediately and don’t hesitate.
Step 7: Build Gradually Start with one dot per cheek and build up slowly. You can always add more, but it’s harder to remove excess.
Application Tools That Work Best
Fingers: Most recommended for beginners; gives you the most control and warmth helps blend Damp Beauty Sponge: Perfect for a seamless, airbrushed finish Stippling Brush: Good for precise placement Foundation Brush: Can work, but use a light hand
Avoid: Dense brushes or applying directly from the applicator
Pro Application Tips
- For Natural Look: Apply under your foundation for the most natural, skin-like finish
- For Bold Look: Layer over powder products for maximum intensity
- For Dewy Glow: Mix with a drop of liquid highlighter before applying
- For Monochromatic Makeup: Use the same shade on lips, cheeks, and eyelids
- On Mature Skin: Apply to the apples of cheeks and blend outward (avoid pulling upward which can emphasize texture)
Performance: All-Day Wear Test
Longevity and Staying Power
One of the most impressive aspects of the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is its exceptional longevity. This isn’t your typical cream blush that fades by lunchtime.
Wear Time Results:
- 0-4 hours: Full, vibrant color exactly as applied
- 4-8 hours: Minimal fading, still looks fresh
- 8-12 hours: Noticeable but beautiful subtle flush remains
- 12+ hours: Leaves a soft tint even when most makeup has faded
The blush essentially acts as a blush stain, penetrating into the skin rather than just sitting on top. This means it actually becomes more natural-looking as the day progresses.
How It Wears on Different Skin Types
Oily Skin:
- Excellent performance, especially with matte shades
- Sets completely and doesn’t slide around
- May feel slightly greasy initially with dewy formulas
- Minimal fading throughout the day
Dry Skin:
- Beautiful, natural finish
- Dewy formulas work particularly well
- Matte shades may emphasize dry patches if skin isn’t prepped
- No flaking or patchiness
Combination Skin:
- Performs well in both T-zone and dry areas
- Choose finish based on your preference
- Sets properly on oily zones without looking flat on dry areas
Mature Skin:
- Melts into skin beautifully
- Doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles
- Provides a youthful, natural flush
- Doesn’t emphasize texture
Transfer and Smudge Resistance
The blush does have a brief “setting period” (about 30 seconds to a minute) where it can transfer if touched. Once set, however, it’s incredibly resistant to:
- Touching and rubbing
- Masks (a real bonus in 2025!)
- Light sweating
- Humidity
It will fade somewhat with heavy exercise or face-touching, but not completely disappear.
The Blending Challenge: What You Need to Know
Let’s address the elephant in the room: blending the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush can be tricky, especially for beginners.
Common Blending Issues
Problem 1: Fast Setting Time The formula sets quickly, particularly the matte shades. If you don’t blend immediately, you may end up with harsh edges or patches.
Solution: Work one cheek at a time, blend quickly, and use a damp sponge for seamless blending.
Problem 2: Patchiness Some users report patchiness, especially when applying over powder products or with matte shades.
Solution: Apply over a hydrating base, use a patting motion (not rubbing), or apply under foundation for a more natural finish.
Problem 3: Too Much Product The doe-foot applicator picks up more product than needed.
Solution: Always wipe off excess on the rim and apply to your hand first before transferring to your face.
Problem 4: Difficulty Moving Once Set Once the blush sets, it’s difficult to blend further or remove.
Solution: Apply exactly where you want it, blend immediately, and don’t second-guess your placement.
Is It Beginner-Friendly?
Honestly? It depends. The Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush requires a learning curve. If you’re:
✅ Good for beginners who:
- Take their time and follow instructions carefully
- Are willing to practice and learn
- Prefer long-lasting, low-maintenance makeup
- Want one product that lasts months
❌ May challenge beginners who:
- Prefer forgiving, easily adjustable formulas
- Like to blend and perfect over time
- Tend to apply products directly to the face
- Get nervous with highly pigmented products
Rare Beauty Blush vs. Other Liquid Blushes
How does it compare to other popular liquid and cream blushes on the market?
Rare Beauty vs. Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick
Rare Beauty Wins:
- More affordable ($25 vs $38)
- More shades available
- Longer lasting
- More pigmented
Charlotte Tilbury Wins:
- Easier to blend and more forgiving
- Creamier, more moisturizing formula
- Luxurious packaging
- Buildable without being shocking
Rare Beauty vs. Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Stick
Rare Beauty Wins:
- Significantly longer wear time
- More color options
- Better for oily skin
- More pigmented per application
Milk Makeup Wins:
- Multi-use (lips and cheeks)
- Travel-friendly stick format
- More natural, sheer finish
- Easier for beginners
Rare Beauty vs. Glossier Cloud Paint
Rare Beauty Wins:
- Longer-lasting formula
- More intense pigmentation
- Better for full makeup looks
- Larger shade range
Glossier Wins:
- More natural, sheer finish
- Easier to blend
- More forgiving formula
- Better for minimal makeup looks
Rare Beauty vs. Milani Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush
Rare Beauty Wins:
- Better quality packaging
- Wider shade selection
- Matte and dewy options
- Supports mental health initiatives
Milani Wins:
- More affordable ($9 vs $25)
- Very similar performance
- Great drugstore dupe
- More accessible for budget-conscious buyers
Pros and Cons
What We Love ✨
- Insane pigmentation that makes the product last forever
- Long-wearing formula that stays put for 12+ hours
- Beautiful, natural finish once properly blended
- Extensive shade range with 13 colors for various skin tones
- Two finish options (matte and dewy) to suit different preferences
- Lightweight, comfortable formula that doesn’t feel heavy
- Minimal product needed means one bottle lasts 6+ months
- Inclusive brand with commitment to mental health advocacy
- Works on multiple skin types from oily to dry
- Doubles as a blush stain that looks natural all day
- Can be used on lips and eyes for monochromatic looks
- Cruelty-free and vegan formula
- Accessible packaging designed for all abilities
What Could Be Better 🤔
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Extremely pigmented can be intimidating and easy to over-apply
- Fast setting time doesn’t allow much room for error
- Can be patchy if not blended quickly enough
- Matte shades set very quickly and can be difficult to work with
- Doe-foot picks up too much product requiring extra steps
- Not the most affordable at $25 (though drugstore dupes exist)
- Can get messy around the bottle rim
- Difficult to fix once it sets on skin
- May emphasize texture if skin isn’t properly prepped
- Limited shade range for very deep skin tones (only a few options)
Is Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush Worth It?
Our Verdict: YES, with practice!
The Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush absolutely lives up to its viral fame—but it’s not for everyone. If you’re willing to invest time in learning the proper application technique, you’ll be rewarded with one of the longest-lasting, most beautiful blushes on the market.
The pigmentation is genuinely exceptional, and the fact that one tiny bottle can last six months or more makes the $25 price tag much more reasonable. Plus, supporting a brand with inclusive values and mental health advocacy feels good.
Worth buying if you:
- Value long-lasting makeup that doesn’t need touch-ups
- Have the patience to master the application technique
- Want a blush that will last you months (or even a year!)
- Appreciate highly pigmented products
- Support brands with social missions
- Need a blush that works under masks
- Prefer modern, lightweight formulas
Skip it if you:
- Are a complete makeup beginner with no experience
- Prefer foolproof, forgiving formulas
- Like to adjust and perfect your blush throughout application
- Have a very limited makeup budget (try Milani dupe instead)
- Prefer soft, buildable pigmentation
- Need more shade options for very deep skin tones
- Get frustrated easily with tricky products
Best Drugstore Dupes for Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
If you love the idea but not the price tag, try these affordable alternatives:
Top Dupes
1. Milani Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush ($8.99)
- Why it’s similar: Nearly identical formula and performance
- Color dupe: Blossoming Berry (similar to Hope)
- Pros: 1/3 of the price, same long-lasting formula
- Cons: Smaller shade range, less luxe packaging
2. e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush ($7)
- Why it’s similar: Highly pigmented liquid formula
- Color dupe: Berry Bomb (similar to Faith)
- Pros: Budget-friendly, good pigmentation
- Cons: Not as long-lasting, can be patchy
3. NYX Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint ($8.99)
- Why it’s similar: Liquid formula with intense color
- Color dupe: Bang Bang (similar to Joy)
- Pros: Affordable, easy to find, buildable
- Cons: More sheer, doesn’t last as long
4. Flower Beauty Blush Bomb ($9.98)
- Why it’s similar: Highly pigmented color bomb format
- Color dupe: Pinched (similar to Grateful)
- Pros: Drew Barrymore’s brand, similar intensity
- Cons: Less shade variety, harder to find
5. Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel-Cream Blush ($8.99)
- Why it’s similar: Lightweight gel-cream texture
- Color dupe: Coral Ember (similar to Encourage)
- Pros: Easy to find, beginner-friendly
- Cons: Less pigmented, shorter wear time
How to Make Your Rare Beauty Blush Last Longer
Tips to Extend Product Life
Since the blush is so pigmented, one bottle should easily last 6-12 months with daily use. Here’s how to make it last even longer:
- Always wipe excess off the applicator before applying
- Apply to the back of your hand first instead of directly to face
- Close the cap tightly after each use to prevent drying
- Store upright to prevent leaking
- Don’t pump the applicator in and out—this introduces air and can dry out the formula
- Use a separate brush or sponge to pick up product from your hand
Storage Tips
- Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Store upright with cap tightly closed
- Don’t leave in hot car or bathroom
- Keep away from moisture and heat
- Use within 12 months of opening for best results
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use Rare Beauty blush on your lips?
Technically, the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is formulated for cheeks only. However, many beauty enthusiasts (including makeup artists) use it on their lips for a monochromatic look. It won’t feel as comfortable or moisturizing as an actual lip product, but it does provide long-lasting color and even leaves a subtle tint as it wears off.
If you do use it on lips: Apply a lip balm first, use sparingly, and top with clear gloss for comfort.
How long does one bottle of Rare Beauty blush last?
With proper use (1-2 dots per application), one 0.25 oz bottle typically lasts 6-12 months with daily use. Some users report their bottles lasting even longer—up to 18 months! The extreme pigmentation means you need so little product that it’s actually one of the most cost-effective blushes per application.
Does Rare Beauty blush work on mature skin?
Yes! Many users with mature skin report excellent results. The lightweight formula melts into skin without settling into fine lines or emphasizing texture. The key is proper skin prep (moisturizer, primer) and using a patting motion rather than rubbing to blend.
Is Rare Beauty blush good for oily skin?
Absolutely! The matte formulas, in particular, work beautifully on oily skin. The formula sets to an almost powder-like finish that doesn’t slide around or get greasy throughout the day. Users with oily skin consistently rate this as one of their top blushes.
Can you apply Rare Beauty blush over powder?
Yes, but it works better under powder or over liquid/cream products. Applying over powder can sometimes result in patchiness, especially with the matte shades. For best results, apply the blush after liquid foundation but before setting powder.
Which Rare Beauty blush shade is most popular?
Hope (dewy finish) and Grateful (matte finish) are consistently the bestselling shades. Hope is a rosy nude-pink that works on fair to medium skin tones, while Grateful is a warm rose-brown that’s slightly deeper and more neutral.
Is Rare Beauty blush vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes! All Rare Beauty products, including the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, are 100% cruelty-free and vegan. The brand does not test on animals and does not use any animal-derived ingredients.
How do you remove Rare Beauty blush if you apply too much?
If you’ve applied too much, work quickly! While it’s still fresh, use a clean damp sponge or cotton pad to gently lift some of the product. You can also dab additional foundation or concealer over the area to sheer it out. Once it sets completely (after about a minute), it’s much harder to remove without disrupting your base makeup.
Can you mix different shades of Rare Beauty blush?
Absolutely! Many makeup artists and enthusiasts mix shades to create custom colors. You can mix them on the back of your hand before applying to your face. This is a great way to adjust shades to better suit your skin tone or create unique colors.
Does Rare Beauty blush expire?
Like all cosmetics, the blush will eventually expire. The general recommendation is to use it within 12 months of opening. Signs that it may have expired include changes in texture, smell, or color, or if it separates and won’t mix back together.
Final Thoughts
The Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush has earned its viral status and cult-favorite reputation. Yes, it requires a bit of practice to master, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll understand why beauty enthusiasts worldwide can’t stop raving about it.
The combination of intense pigmentation, long-lasting wear, beautiful finish, and inclusive shade range makes this one of the best liquid blushes on the market—period. Add in the brand’s commitment to mental health advocacy and accessible design, and you have a product that’s not just good makeup, but makeup that makes you feel good about your purchase.
Is it perfect? No. The learning curve can be frustrating, and the extreme pigmentation can be intimidating for beginners. But if you’re willing to invest a little time in mastering the application, you’ll be rewarded with a blush that looks fresh and natural from morning until night—without a single touch-up.
Our Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐
Bottom Line: A revolutionary liquid blush with exceptional pigmentation and longevity that’s worth the viral hype—once you master the application technique.
Where to Buy Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
- Rare Beauty Official Website: rarebeauty.com
- Sephora: Available in-store and online
- Ulta Beauty: Select stores and online
- Sephora at Kohl’s: In-store and online
- Space NK: UK and Europe
Current Price: $25 USD / £22 GBP
Have you tried the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush? Which shade is your favorite? Share your experience and application tips in the comments below! Are you Team Hope or Team Grateful?
This review is based on extensive personal testing and research. We may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links in this article, which helps support our content at no extra cost to you. All opinions are 100% honest and our own.
