If you’d have asked me this time last year what my desert-island makeup products were, blush wouldn’t have even made the top 10. In fact, I think I probably only had one blush in my otherwise excessive makeup stash. You see, I have always championed a streamlined, simple routine. As far as I was concerned, all I needed for my daily routine was a hefty layer of concealer, some bronzer and maybe a quick coat of mascara on my lashes. Anything else was just added faff that I couldn’t be bothered with.
But then, a cream blush came my way, and everything changed. I realized that the thing that stressed me out about blusher the most was the application process. With powder formulas, it’s all too easy to make mistakes, from applying too much to getting it in the wrong place. However, cream blushers are basically foolproof. Not only can they be patted into the skin with fingers really quickly, but they also can be blended out super easily.
On top of that, they essentially melt into the skin, leaving a dewy, glowy finish. I have become such a fan of cream blushes that they’re basically the only makeup product I’m using at the moment. In fact, I can’t imagine leaving the house without at least a little dab of dewy color on my cheeks. Bronzer, highlight and even (dare I say it) concealer have taken a back seat. All my face needs to look alive and well is a little bit of cream blush.
And my newfound love for cream blush means I’ve been trying every product I can get my hands on. I’ve given them all a whirl, from liquid formulas in tubes to putty-like textures. These are the best cream blushes money can buy.
Shannon wears Morphe 2 Wondertint Cheek & Lip Mousse in Wish.
1. Westman Atelier Pink Baby Cheeks Blush Stick
Definitely on the pricier end of the spectrum but also my most-cherished makeup item, this stick blusher is without a doubt the best I have ever tried. It melts into skin like skincare and can be built up if you want a punchier look.
2. Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease Luminous Tinted Balm in Rush Hour
It's got a thicker balm texture than most others around, which gives skin the most delicious dewiness. Plus, it's impressively pigmented. It's tens all round for this one.
3. E.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Blush in Bahamas
Another glowy option, this stuff is much purse-friendlier than some of the others on this list. Results are natural-looking and dewy, giving the cheeks a subtle but pretty wash of colour.
4. Morphe 2 Wondertint Cheek & Lip Mousse in Wish
The first time I stuck my finger in a pot of Wondertint, I was dubious. Unlike the cream blushers I know and love, this stuff has a mousse texture and a matte finish. I didn't think I'd love it, but it's now one of my most-used products. The matte finish gives skin a wind-kissed, air-brushed look that I can't get enough of.
5. Bite Beauty Daycaton Whipped Blush in Watermelon Marg
Not a summer's day has gone by that hasn't involved me dabbing a bit of this slightly iridescent blusher on my face. It can be used alone as a glow-boosting blusher or dotted on to the high points of the face for a bit of extra highlight.
6. Tata Harper Vitamin-Infused Cream Blush in Peachy
Something about this pot of joy just makes the act of putting makeup on a total treat. The formula feels luxe and lightweight, like you're giving your skin a special treat. Plus, this peachy tone is the perfect way to liven up a dull complexion.
7. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip & Cheek Glow in Colour of Dreams
I don't instantly think of Charlotte Tilbury when I'm talking blusher, but this glowy cream is truly exquisite. For days when you can't be bothered to apply any makeup at all, a dab of this on to the apples of the cheeks and over the lips is enough to make you feel together.
8. Glossier Cloud Paint in Dawn
If you haven't tried Glossier Cloud Paint before, be warned that it is super pigmented. You need hardly any of the stuff. The super-bright shade Dawn might look a little scary at first, but layering up just the tiniest amount onto the tops of the cheekbones is the perfect way to amp up your makeup look.
9. Beauty Pie Supercheek Cream Blush in Bare Blush
Price shown is members' price.
When I first tried this wonderful product last year, I told everyone I know to go out and buy a pot. In fact, I think I've converted pretty much everybody I know. It's glossy and silky enough for a totally foolproof application but stays put all day.
10. Iconic London Sheer Blush in Fresh Faced
I am yet to find a product like this. It embodies everything I love about no-makeup makeup. Sitting somewhere between a tint and a cream, it delivers a healthy shot of plumping hydration while leaving the subtlest flush.
11. Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Petal Poppin
Fenty's Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush is widely regarded as one of the best in the business. It's super creamy, making it incredibly easy to work into skin and just do what you want it to.
12. Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Colour
For those who hate powder blushes because they're so fiddly to apply, here's one for you. It starts off as a cream, which makes application a breeze, but gives a blurring, power-like finish on the skin.
13. Milk Makeup Glow Oil Lip & Cheek in Astro
This natural-finish blush and lip color is buildable and easy to blend. It has ingredients such as mango butter, avocado oil, and apricot oil to hydrate the skin.
Next up, These Top-Rated Eyeliners Basically Repel Sweat and Tears, and They're Under $12
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
