If cream blushes aren’t part of your makeup collection as of yet, you’re missing out big time. Not only do they play a big part in helping achieve a no-makeup makeup look (AKA a “clean girl” aesthetic), but they’re also great if you’re after a bolder result, too. Not to mention, they’re an absolute must-have during the hot summer days, when the last thing you want is to feel caked in product.
The best cream blushes are super versatile, and you can use them to add a bit of colour to your lips and eyelids as well as your cheeks. That’s because the smooth and creamy formula is usually easy to blend regardless of the part of the face that you’re using it on (feel free to experiment with placement). Whether it’s bright red, rosy, peachy or mauve, using your cream blusher on different areas will make your overall look more synchronised and put together.
And it seems like every other week there’s a new cream blush-related trend that goes viral on TikTok (and we’re guilty for trying most of them out). Whether you're keen to try and blend your blush into your under-eye concealer area or if you're curious to try out the latest Doyuin blush method - there are plenty of ways in which you can put your cream blush to good use. Heck, you can even get inspired by Kylie Jenner and blend your blush all the way up to your temples for an extra flushed look.
Although some prefer cream products over powdered versions in general, there’s also no reason why you shouldn’t ditch your trusty powder blush altogether. In fact, many professional makeup artists strongly recommend layering and securing a cream product (be it a blush, bronzer or highlighter) with a powdered product for long-lasting wear.
So, if you're curious to discover the best cream blushes on the market right now, read on, because below, we've put together a guide summarising the best options to fit all budgets, skin tones and desired finishes. Oh, and if you also want to learn a few tips and tricks on the application and picking the right shade, scroll all the way down to the bottom to view expert advice.
Feeling inspired to upgrade your makeup routine? Check out our guides on the best liquid blushes, best bronzers, best foundations and best concealers. We can also help you pick the best lipstick, best highlighter and best eyebrow product.
The throwback technique has had a 2022 update.
GLAMOUR tested: the best cream blushes at a glance
- Best cream blush overall: Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush, £18, SpaceNK
- Best long-lasting cream blush: Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush, £16.80, Boots
- Best affordable cream blush: E.L.F. Cosmetics Putty Blush, £6, Beauty Bay
- Best hydrating cream blush: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip and Cheek Glow, £30, FeelUnique
Why we love it: Are you fan of a natural-looking makeup? Well, look no further. This cream blush from Rare Beauty is lightweight, melting into the skin to give your look a smooth, satin finish. It's also easy to layer and won't cake or crease, which makes it the perfect cream blush for beginners to use and learn.
GLAMOUR-approved: Run.. don't walk to get this cream blush, because I can confidently say that it's my absolute favourite for an everyday makeup look. Not only is it easily blendable, but it's also really great when it comes to layering. I loved how seamlessly it melted into my skin and how wearable the shade range is.
Pros: Water-resistant and lightweight, adds a natural glow. Very compact and perfect for travelling.
Cons: Some customers report that the product does not last very long on their skin.
Customers are saying: Fab for people just getting started with blush, goes on smooth with a brush. Pigmented yet very light once applied.
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Why we love it: Summer generally calls for a lightweight, sweat- and water-resistant cream blush, and thankfully, this is exactly what we need. This blush has a sheer and buildable finish that smooths over your skin without making it feel sticky or greasy. Did we mention how easy it is to use?
GLAMOUR-approved: Pretty much half of my makeup collection consists of Fenty Beauty, so I expected a lot from this blush. And let me tell you, it delivered big time. Not only did it last all day, but I was also pleasantly surprised by the pigment upon first application and how buildable it was. I'm someone who loves a big blush moment so this product is an easy 10/10 for me.
Pros: Compliments darker skin, very easy to apply and blend.
Cons: Some customers report that the blush is too sheer and not pigmented enough. Many also say that the product is much smaller than expected.
Customers are saying: Application is super easy with or without a brush, beautiful on deep skin. “For people like myself who are nervous about blush, it's so easy to be gentle with and blend out.”
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Why we love it: This unique blush turns from putty to cream as soon as it's applied and has a semi-matte powder finish. It even includes argan oil and vitamin E for extra nourishment. It's available in six colourful shades named after island destinations, making it too tempting to just buy the whole lot and call it a day.
GLAMOUR-approved: This blush was such a joy to test out. I stan for affordable makeup, especially when you get similar results that you can get from a more pricey alternative. I enjoyed the semi-matte finish and found that it works just as well under and over your base makeup and doesn't move around during the day. About the only thing that I was missing was lack of shimmer, but that of course is only a matter of preference and can easily be overlooked.
Pros: Extremely affordable, available in six different shades.
Cons: A few customers report that they've had minor skin breakouts after using the blush.
Customers are saying: Easier to blend with a brush than with fingers. Pigmented, can go over powder with no problem.
Why we love it: This cream blush is perfect if you're looking to add a radiant flush of colour to your lips and cheeks. What makes this particular blush so unique and different from other products is its focus on skincare as it also contains an extra boost of vitamin E and raspberry leaf stem cell extract to prevent dryness and help keep your skin hydrated.
GLAMOUR-approved: The second I applied it on my skin, this blush felt instantly smooth and hydrating, which is great when it comes to blending it out. I also regularly use it as cream eyeshadow and always finish the look off by dabbing the product onto the centre of my lips. I'm a big fan of the formula and the consistency, but what I most enjoy about this blush is its versatility.
Pros: Blends out easily and doesn't lift the makeup underneath.
Cons: Many customers report that the shade is slightly darker than it appears on marketing pictures, leaning more towards a brown-ish colour instead of bright pink.
Customers are saying: Goes on well on top of foundation and powder bronzer, stays well on the cheek and adds glow to the whole face, suitable for both winter and summer. Great for mature skin.
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Why we love it: Not sure if you're in the mood for a pop of colour or something a bit more subtle? With this cream blush stick, you'll never have to settle for just one. The best part is that it also contains protective antioxidants that condition your skin and do away with pores while applying some natural colour to your cheeks.
GLAMOUR-approved: I went for a bolder shade “Revel”, thinking that it's going to be really hard to make it look natural on my skin tone. Fortunately, I was surprised to see that the pigment is actually quite subtle but, at the same time, buidable if you want to go for a more dramatic look. I don't know what I loved more, the finish or the stunning packaging.
Pros: Looks natural on the skin and blends seamlessly. The packaging is very compact and portable.
Cons: A bit pricey considering competitor brands.
Customers are saying: Lovely texture. “The finish is sort of satin - not glowy nor matte."
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Why we love it: This nourishing cream blush is enriched with red camellia oil, which helps it melt into the skin and plump your lips and cheeks. Keep in mind that since it's a relatively new product, it's currently popping in and out of stock, so be timely if you happen to find it available in the shade you need.
GLAMOUR-approved: Okay, this blush is definitely a premium one, but it is actually worth the splurge if you're after a super creamy consistency and long-lasting wear. I was a big fan of the formula and of how great it felt on my skin. I also found that it's easy to layer and blend out too. I recommend using your fingers for a natural finish.
Pros: Great for every skin type. Comforting to the skin by helping it maintain its protective barrier.
Cons: Not the most daring set of shades.
Customers are saying: Lovely texture and glides on smoothly. “The colour is very pretty, subtle, yet the product is buildable, allowing you to get your desired colour.”
Why we love it: This cream blush stick for lip and cheek will have a bit of something for everyone, with no less than eight gorgeous shades to choose from. This lipstick-like product glides easily onto your skin for a lightweight flush of colour. It's also quick to blend and easy to build and layer with other makeup.
Pros: Eight. Gorgeous. Shades. Need we say more?
Cons: Some customers note that the product has stopped retract back into the tube after use, forcing them to push it down to close it.
Customers are saying: Provides colour without being too obvious, perfect for a natural sun-kissed look.
Why we love it: Looking for a travel-size cream blush stick that provides a soft matte finish? Well, your search is over, because this convenient dual product features your chosen shade of blush on one end and a soft bristled applicator brush on the other. Not many other blushes can claim to be as easy to use.
Pros: Great for everyday use, includes a handy applicator brush that makes this product convenient to use on-the-go.
Cons: A few customers note that they prefer to blend using a sponge instead of the included brush.
Customers are saying: Perfect bronzer blush shade for everyday makeup, creamy and so easy to apply, completely beginner-friendly.
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Why we love it: Blush? Check. Lip tint? Check. Effortlessly buildable, easy to apply and contains a long-lasting vitamin-rich formula? Check, check aaand check. This twist-up cream blush stick adds that finishing touch to your look thanks to its soft, dewy finish. Did we mention that it also a selection of oils and plant butters to shield your skin from free radicals?
Pros: Contains avocado oil, mango butter and peach nectar to help hydrate your skin and give it a dewy sheen.
Cons: Several customers note that the product is a bit smaller than expected.
Customers are saying: Not super pigmented, perfect for a natural glowing look. Small packaging, but lasts a while.
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Why we love it: Why settle for either a powder or cream blush when you can get a product that has both? This product includes both a weightless and non-cakey powder as well as a hydrating and dewy cream blush that together combine for a radiant and headline-grabbing splash of colour.
Pros: Both blushes are great when used together or separately.
Cons: A few customers report that the blush case can sometimes be a bit tricky to open.
Customers are saying: Bright and vibrant, blends well. “I am impressed how my skin looks smoother thanks to it."
Why we love it: This sheer gel-cream product practically wrote the book on buildable blushes. Its lightweight formula gives your cheeks a dewy look and blends seamlessly into your skin. It's main selling point is that it's incredibly easy to layer and difficult to overdo, making it the most failsafe option for building your favourite look.
Pros: Easy to apply, creating a natural glow free from streaky or chalky finishes.
Cons: Several customers note that the tube the product arrives in makes it tricky not to squeeze out more blush than actually needed.
Customers are saying: Very easy to apply and melts on the skin, good range of colours available to mix up your look.
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How do I pick the right shade of a cream blush?
Figuring out the perfect shade of blush for you can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but fear not. Once you consider your skin tone, personal makeup style and how it corresponds to the latest trends, the rest is entirely up to you. Are you in the mood for something more subtle or bold? Something that shimmers or something that has a bit of bronze?
According to Ninni Nummela, Chanel Makeup Artist, finding your perfect shade is easier than you think. "I like using the old trick of pinching my cheeks for a natural flush. Not only does it give you an instant radiance, it also reveals the most natural and suitable blush shade for your skin tone,” she said.
If you have a warmer complexion, Sheeva Fallahi, Beauty Editor at LookFantastic, recommends going for warmer shades of blush, including “golden peaches and corals." On the flipside, those that have fair skin with a pink undertone would benefit from choosing “cooler pinks such as soft roses and mauves.”
Of course, both Sheeva and Ninni agree that all of this goes out the window if you're going for a bolder look. This will be a great excuse to go for brighter shades, so have fun and see what suits you best.
How to apply a cream blush?
Believe it or not, applying a cream blush is even more fun than picking one out. Since it's mostly a matter of preference, you're free to do whatever works best for you as an individual. Although some swear by sponges and others prefer their trusty makeup brush, at the end of the day you don't really need a special tool to apply your blush since you can just as easily achieve the desired result using your fingers.
According to Bobbi Brown, founder of Jones Road Beauty, applying a blush with your fingertips is a perfectly valid technique used to achieve a more natural look. She recommends using the smallest amount of product needed before gently patting the blush onto the apples of your cheeks and blending it towards your hairline. Any leftover product can be used across the nose.
Placement is also an important part of application when it comes to cream blushes. A recent viral blush trend showed that you can even ‘change’ the shape of your face by applying your blush on the top of your cheekbones as opposed to the apples of your cheeks. With this slight change, you can change a classic look to a more lifted one.
Sheeva shares that starting off your makeup routine with a quality primer can make all the difference if you want to make sure your blush doesn't fade away by the end of the day. Not only will this help your blush last longer, but it will also help it stick to your face better too. Sheeva also suggests applying your cream brush after your foundation, concealer and contour. Once you've finished blending in your blush, use a bit of setting powder to set it in place and voilà, all done!
For more shoppable beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
