Everyone should have cream blush in their makeup bag: It is highly flattering while providing warmth, dimension, and structure, and can be experimented with in different formulas, shades, and applications to achieve your desired look. Cream blushes, (which can be applied with your fingers, a brush, or a sponge), leaves you with a more natural finish than powder blushes. And with summer coming up, they’re the best products to help you stay flushed and flirty. Who wouldn’t want that?
Here are some tips for applying cream blush, plus a few of our favorite new products.
Pro tip: Use your foundation brush to blend.
If you happen to overdo it with cream blush, the leftover foundation on your foundation brush will seamlessly tone down the blush application. It’s like a magic eraser that won’t leave you cakey.
Pro tip: Cream blushes aren’t strictly for the cheeks.
Cream blushes can be used on the lips, the temples, or even the eyelids. They are best to create a more monotone makeup look (a makeup look where one color is worn multiple ways).
Pro tip: Make it last by pairing it with powder.
If you need your cream blush to last all day, you can set it lightly with a powder or translucent blush. This will allow for an airbrushed look without adding too much product.
Our Favorite New Cream Blushes
Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush ($20, shop here)
Tower 28 is a vibrant brand that offers clean and vegan makeup products. This cream blush, which is formulated with green tea extract and aloe vera, is described as a multitasking balm, so you can have a pop of color wherever you need it. Plus, it soothes and hydrates the skin.
Bonus: Once you use up this cream blush, upcycle the compact by turning it into a mini picture frame to protect your beloved memories.
Freck Beauty Cheekslime Blush + Lip Tint With Plant Collagen ($22, shop here)
This lightweight blush from Freck is funky, fresh, and cool – even the name “Cheekslime” sounds captivating. The buildable blush and lip tint gives your skin a surge of hydration, while the blendable formula dries down to a multidimensional matte finish. You can bet this product won’t go anywhere.
Colorscience SunForgettable Total Protection Color Balm SPF 50 ($30, shop here)
If you are going to spend $30 on a blush, opt for this high-tech and protective formula. Colorscience’s multitasking color stick with SPF 50 is great for the lips and cheeks and contains the brand’s signature EnviroScreen technology to provide all-mineral protection from environmental aggressors.
Elf Cosmetics Putty Blush ($6, shop here)
This putty blush from Elf gives a high-end look and feel without the hefty price tag. The putty-to-powder formula is cruelty-free and formulated with argan oil and vitamin E to hydrate and moisturize the skin. In addition, it’s available in an array of colors that will complement every skin tone. For only $6, you might as well try every single color.