• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • Read my work
  • LET’S TALK

Vicki Duong

November 4, 2021

My Top 5 Cream/Liquid Blushes

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.


DEEP embarrassment for holding the product upside down.

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

SHOP THE POST

 

Posted In: ARCHIVE, Archive Beauty · Tagged: beauty, charlotte tilbury, cream blush, lys beauty, makeup, merit, quo beauty, rare beauty

Connect



TikTok   |   Substack

The Fine Print

vickiduong.com does participate in some advertising and affiliate marketing links. LEARN MORE.

vickiduong

The dreamiest duochrome. Mood Swing by @marcjaco The dreamiest duochrome. 

Mood Swing by @marcjacobsbeauty
A peek at some of the misc merch that comes with P A peek at some of the misc merch that comes with PR packages. 

I feel like I have to put a big disclaimer note on this as well, obviously I’m grateful to be gifted a lot of really cool items, but that doesn’t mean that every single thing I get is wanted or useful and I love to pass things along to friends and family or donate where appropriate. 

Maybe I do a part two where I share actual merch I found useful and still use.
Do you know what fair trade means? Fair wages, s Do you know what fair trade means? 

Fair wages, safer working conditions, and putting people before profits because a good deal shouldn’t come at someone else’s expense. 

As we approach the holiday season, supporting ethical, sustainable and Canadian businesses is more important than ever. And while there’s no such thing as perfect consumption, we can be more intentional about where our money goes. 

@fairtradecanada 
@fouroclocktea 
@umanocommerceequitable 
@bridgeheadcoffee 
@caminoamigos 
@awakechocolate 
@andbackco 
@crankcoffee_ 
@nealbrothers 
@cafewilliam_
⚠️ content warning: sexual assault 57 men in the ⚠️ content warning: sexual assault

57 men in the group chat, and we’re all only finding out two years later because Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit.

I think when stories like this make national headlines, it can create the illusion that they’re shocking because they’re rare. That this is something that happens at some fraternity, at some university, in some city you’ve never been to.

But shit like this happens all the time in our own cities. 

I’m sharing one of many stories I could tell that should make your blood boil. And trust and believe, most women have their own version of these stories too.
What can you get done in 17 minutes? Turns out a f What can you get done in 17 minutes? Turns out a full set of @runzienails .
A bit about @wearhuha and the new Softwear collect A bit about @wearhuha and the new Softwear collection that drops today. 

A few things I also forgot to mention: the brand offers sizes 2XS to 3XL, it’s based right here in Vancouver, like their undies the Softwear is available with bundle and save options.
Once again, I’m just giving @reformation my money Once again, I’m just giving @reformation my money
Listen, I always have these grand plans to vlog bu Listen, I always have these grand plans to vlog but after a few hours, I either forget or my phone dies or both. So it was meant to be a weekend vlog is now a Saturday morning vlog.

Sooooo, *annoying influencer voice* come with me…
1️⃣ spent my morning with @holtrenfrew at their k-beauty pop-up where I learned that @rebekah.ho can’t count to seven
2️⃣ tried the pecan pie latte at @slocoffee_ , my first fall season drink of the year. I liked it, flavour was subtle and not to sweet
3️⃣ went to @nettlestaleshop to try on @ratboi , a new brand for the shop! Loved this polka dot set but it wasn’t quite my size so I ended up passing on it.
4️⃣ lunch at @nubatown , still one of my all time faves 
5️⃣ went for an upper body focused massaged with Andi at @solamassagestudio — so I never get massages because I have a hard time relaxing and I’m very ticklish. Andi has created such a relaxing environment. I even fell asleep. This massage was heaven and while I was sore the day after, the day after that I felt great.

Taking bets now on whether or not I ever do this again.

Copyright © 2026 Vicki Duong · Theme by 17th Avenue