Cream blushes have continued to gain popularity over the past couple of years as an alternative to powder blush. Years ago the formulas weren’t as good as they are now so I personally didn’t use them regularly. My skin was also very different 10 years ago and powder blush suited my combination skin type. Now that I am in my late 40’s, my skin has changed drastically and I need makeup products with more moisture. Add in the fact that cream blush formulations have become better than ever, I now exclusively use cream or liquid blushes in my daily makeup. Cream blush creates a natural, skin like flush that powder cannot replicate. The right application can help make your face look lifted and sculpted while enhancing facial structure, but if done incorrectly can look patchy and/or streaky. In today’s post, I am sharing a guide on how to apply cream blush for a seamless finish.
How To Apply Cream Blush
Cream blush formulas behave differently compared to powder blush formulas. They can disturb your makeup base when applied incorrectly. It’s important to know how to blend, the timing behind when to blend and proper application techniques. These things are all critical because cream products can set quickly. Not all cream blushes set down but most do and once they set, it’s hard to move them or blend them any further. Mastering cream blush application will allow you to create anything from a fresh everyday flush to a sculpted editorial look with minimal product.
What Is a Cream Blush?
Cream blushes are blushes with a creamy texture and formulation. They are designed to melt into the complexion, add dimension and blend seamlessly into the skin. Cream based blushes are a great alternative if you don’t want to wear powder or want something with more moisture to it. Not all cream blushes are moisturizing, but many are and can give you that healthy pop of color or radiance that powder blush cannot. Many have a skin like finish to them and are formulated with skincare ingredients. Cream blushes come in various forms such as stick, compact, mousse and liquid. If you have mature skin or dry skin, I highly recommend adding a cream blush formula to your makeup routine.
Benefits of Cream Blush
Natural Skin-Like Finish
Cream blushes look much more skin-like and natural compared to powder blushes. They mimic a real flush to the cheeks with little to no powdery texture.
Ideal For Dry or Mature Skin
While cream blushes are ideal for those with dry or mature skin types because they add extra hydration and a soft glow. They do not emphasize fine lines as much as powder blush. Oily skin and combination skin types can definitely use cream blush though many may still need to set with a powder blush to avoid getting shiny.
Seamless Layering
Cream blush is very easy to blend over a liquid or cream foundation. It looks seamless and will create a very natural skin-like finish to the cheeks. Additionally cream blushes are easy to build from a sheer wash of color to a bold statement.
Multi-Use Versatility
In addition to wearing cream blush on the cheeks, it can easily double as a lip tint or subtle eyeshadow.
Modern, Editorial Look
If you love a dewy, glass-skin makeup look like I do using cream blush is necessary. Even if you want a simple no makeup makeup look, cream blush can achieve that much more than most powder blushes.
Are Cream Blushes Better Than Powder?
I don’t think one is better than the other but they do serve different purposes and work well for certain skin types. Cream blush on the whole works better for those with dry skin or mature skin while powder blush is best for those with oily or combination skin types. I myself have normal to slightly dry skin and use both formulas easily. But I definitely lean more towards cream blush.
Layering the two together is one of the best ways to utilize the benefits of both and get a very long wearing cheek look. Start with applying your cream blush to give you that skin like finish. And then set it with a powder blush for longevity. Formulations have come a long way over the past few years. So it honestly can come down to personal preference, preferred blush colors and what brand you love because there is definitely something for everyone.
How To Use Cream Blush
Step 1: Prep the Skin
Ensure your skin is well prepped and you are starting with a hydrated base. Make sure your foundation is blended fully before applying your cream blush. Avoid applying powder on your cheeks because the cream blush will stick to the powder resulting in a patchy application.
Step 2: Apply a Small Amount
It’s best to always start with a small amount of blush on the cheeks. It’s easier to add more than it is to remove too much. Dab the product lightly onto the cheeks and add more as needed. Where you place your cream blush is dependent on your face shape and what type of look you want to achieve. I personally search through Tiktok for tutorials and then test different placements before deciding which I like best. My blush placement has changed as I’ve gotten older so it’s important to continuously update your makeup techniques to account for these changes.
Step 3: Blend Using Tapping Motions
Avoid dragging or drawing a line of blush onto the cheeks. It’s best to dab and blend rather than smudge and drag. Start by applying blush to front part of the cheeks and then blend back and upward towards the temples.
Step 4: Build in Thin Layers
Try to avoid applying too much blush at once. Start small and build up. Allow a slight set time in between your blush layers.
What To Apply Cream Blush With
Fingers
For a natural, diffused finish to the cheeks, you can easily use your fingers to apply cream blush. The heat from your fingers will warm up the product allowing it to melt seamlessly into the skin.
Dense Synthetic Brush
A dense synthetic blush brush is the better choice for a more precise application. Ideal for structured placement such as trying to give the cheeks a lifted look. Here are three of my favorite blush brushes: BK Beauty 106 (discount code: MAREE10), Makeup by Mario F4 brush and It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Brush.
Damp Makeup Sponge
Using a damp makeup sponge will help the blush merge with the foundation and give you a soft, airbrushed finish.
Best Cream Blush For Mature Skin
Here are some of the best cream blushes for mature skin. I have personally used all of these formulas and love them!
Merit Beauty Flush Balm
The Merit Beauty Blush Balm is a cream blush designed to give a tint to the cheeks and a “lit-from-within” flush of color to the skin. The texture is very emollient and balm-like so it melts into the skin. Microfine pigments provide a touch of color without covering up your natural skin texture. They claim it is a long-wearing buildable formula that leaves a gorgeous glow on the skin that’s never cakey or heavy. The way it makes my cheeks look and the color options are absolutely beautiful so I do reach for it quite often. My favorite shades are Rouge and Bon Bon.
Rhode Pocket Blush
The Rhode Pocket Blush is a creamy formula designed to give a diffused wash of color with a satin finish. They are a lightweight formula that melts into the skin easily without leaving a tacky or greasy feel. These were by far my most reached for blush product of the entire year. My favorite shade is Juicebox for the perfect pop of color. Read my full review here!
Make Beauty Dewy Gel Cheek Tint
These cheek tints are very different from anything I have yet an absolute dream for dry or mature skin. It’s a gel tint that gives just a sheer wash of color to the cheeks. I was worried it would wear off quickly because of transparent formula but it was much more long wearing than I anticipated. If you are someone who loves a no makeup makeup look, these gel tints would be perfect.
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick
The Westman Atelier Blush Sticks are a cream blush formula designed to give a soft wash of buildable color with a satin finish. They are a lightweight hydrating formula that melts into the skin easily without leaving a tacky or greasy feel. They leave my cheeks looking fresh without being too dewy or shiny. I primarily use them on my cheeks but they are also suitable to use on the lips.
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Blush Cheek Tint
Initially these feel somewhat similar to the NARS Afterglow blushes but as they blend out, you can definitely see they are more pigmented. Not too much that it becomes difficult to blend them out, but just enough that you know they will be long wearing. They have a soft satin finish and has a slight blurring aspect to them as well. You have some time to play with them when you first apply but once they dry down, they are incredibly long wearing.
L’Oreal Lumi Le Liquid Blush
If you love the Lumi Glotion, you will probably love the Lumi Liquid Blushes. They are hydrating and creamy while still delivering a ton of pigment and intensity. I like to apply them onto a makeup mixing palette and work off that so I can control the amount I am putting on.
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