There was a time where the idea of using a cream product on my face would be nightmarish. My skin is prone to be oily and I learned how to do my makeup during the time where the cakier, the better. We could not get enough powders and all-matte-EVERYTHING (liquid lipsticks that gave you butthole lips anyone?) Listen, we can all change, I’ll admit I was wrong. Cream and liquid blush is where it’s at. It doesn’t dry out your skin, looks more natural, creates a seamless blend over top your complexion products and can be applied with just your fingers! Below are some of my faves.
It’s the packaging for me. The Merit Flush Blam Cream Blush ($36) comes in a cute dome shape that applies as easily as a ‘boop-boop’ on each cheek and blends out to a nourishing finish. It also comes in unique shades, my fave being Beverly Hills, a soft peach that has a true orange undertone.
I have a soft spot in my heart for the LYS Beauty Higher Standard Clean Cream Blush ($22) because it’s the latest addition to my collection. First off the compact is HUGE. Secondly, it leaves the best sun-kissed finish. It has a beautiful balmy texture and applies so well to your lips and eyes too.
If you’re looking to pack a punch, pigment-wise the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch blushes ($26) are the way to go. Just a smidge is more than enough to cover your cheeks with a bold flush. This formula dries extremely quickly, so work fast upon application. I love that it also comes in two finishes, radiant and matte. All of the Rare Beauty blushes I have are minis but honestly, one dot on each cheek packs a punch. I can’t imagine ever going through the full size.

For the budget-friendly option, I love the QUO Beauty Featherweight Cream Blush ($14) that may or may not have borrowed their packaging inspo from Glossier. It comes in so many great shades and I love how blendable it is. I would say it’s more on the sheer side in comparison to everything else listed, but it’s buildable and quick-drying, perfect for beginners! It has a bit of a serum-like texture and blends in beautifully to bare or foundation skin.
The one who went viral on Tik Tok. The Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand ($50) has been on my wishlist ever since I saw it in a Vogue get-ready-with-me but it’s been sold out for ages. Thank goodness for PR packages when one unexpectedly showed up on my doorstep. It’s hyped up for a good reason. This combination highlighter and blush (in Pinkgasm specifically) leaves a glowy flush that looks like post-workout but less sweaty. The packaging leaves a lot to be desired, but for this glow I will continue to use this nightmare applicator.
From left to right: Merit Beauty in Cheeky, LYS Beauty in Confident, Rare Beauty in Joy, QUO Beauty in Pure, Charlotte Tilbury in Pinkgasm
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