I didn’t need another blush, but Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush has a reputation for being both brilliant and a bit intimidating. The promise is simple: a long-wearing, high-impact liquid that gives a fresh “pinched” flush. The risk is also simple: it’s so pigmented you can end up looking like you applied it in the dark.
So I tested it properly – daily wear for a full month in normal life (work, errands and UK weather). I used one shade (Hope – a nude mauve) and rotated between light base days (tinted moisturiser) and full base days (foundation and concealer). If you like this kind of wear-test review, browse the Make Up section on Milk Beauty: Make Up section.
Week 1: First impressions and learning the dosage
The tube is small but the doe-foot is big, which makes it very easy to over-apply. The formula is thin and fast-setting. My first mistake was going in with “two swipes per cheek” like I would with a cream blush. Bad idea. One tiny dot per cheek is plenty.
Once I switched to dabbing a little on the back of my hand and tapping it on with a brush, it behaved. Fingers gave the most natural finish; a damp sponge softened the colour but could lift my base if I overworked it.
Pros:
- Strong pigment, so you use very little.
- Dries down to a skin-like finish when you keep it light.
Cons:
- The learning curve is real.
- It sets quickly, so slow blending can leave edges.
Week 2: Longevity and layering
By week two I could get consistent results. Applied in thin layers, it lasted 7-8 hours on me without going patchy. It faded gradually rather than disappearing, which is what you want from a cheek product. Shade-wise, Hope reads as a muted mauve that can lean pink if you apply too much; in thin layers it stays neutral and daytime-friendly.
Layering is possible, but you have to tap – rubbing can disturb your base and make the blush sit “on top” of the skin. A light dusting of powder on my T-zone helped stop transfer without killing the glow.
Positives:
- Wears evenly and stays visible.
- Plays nicely with most bases if you tap, not rub.
Negatives:
- Very silicone-heavy primers can cause slight pilling if you’re heavy-handed.
- Too much product can look thick quickly.
Week 3: UK weather stress test
Damp air, sudden showers and central heating are usually where liquids start to misbehave. Surprisingly, it held up. Even on days when my skin looked a bit tired, it kept a believable flush.
The main weakness is contact: if you touch your face a lot (chin-in-hand, wiping around your nose), it will transfer and you’ll notice an uneven fade. Used underneath a powder blush, though, it acts like a stain and the powder lasts longer.
Highlights:
- Great as a “base blush” under powder.
- Doesn’t turn muddy as it wears.
Drawbacks:
- Transfer is the enemy.
- Can cling to dry patches if you skip skincare prep.
Week 4: Who it suits and final thoughts
After a month, I get the hype – but it’s not universal. This blush suits you if you like precise application and you want your colour to last all day. It’s also a smart buy if you’re budget-minded, because one tube will last ages.
I’d be cautious if you have very dry, flaky cheeks (prep matters), or if you want a foolproof, slap-it-on product. It rewards a light hand, but it doesn’t forgive a heavy one.
Quick tips after a month:
- Start with less than you think – you can always add.
- Apply by tapping, not rubbing, especially over foundation.
- If you set your face, keep powder away from where you want the blush to “glow”.
Final pros:
- Long wear with minimal touch-ups.
- Tiny amount needed; good value per use.
- Works alone or layered under powder.
Final cons:
- Easy to overdo.
- Fast-setting texture can punish messy blending.
- Not the best choice for very dry, textured cheeks.
Final verdict
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush earns its cult status if you’re willing to treat it like a high-pigment product: apply less than you think, then build. If you want effortless, forgiving blush, you’ll probably be happier with a cream stick or a powder.
Disclaimer: This review reflects my experience using one shade over one month. Your results can vary depending on skin type, base products and application technique.