Blush is often one of the most overlooked makeup products and not seen as a necessity for most. A swipe of mascara and a bit of lipstick is what a lot of women will wear but I would argue that blush does more for the face than any eyeshadow, mascara or lipstick can. Blush brings a natural flush and a bit of color on your cheeks which can instantly brighten the face. It looks youthful and fresh. And is the one makeup product that I think you should not skip. Years ago there was only powder blush options which would work for some. But especially as we get older, powder blush can be too drying or not work with a mature skin type. Cream and liquid blush rose in popularity. But I personally wasn’t always a fan because the formulas never felt right. However, over the past 5 years, cream blush formulations have improved exponentially. And they are actually 99% of what I wear on a daily basis! Ha! It can be a bit confusing with so many amazing blush formulas out there to decide exactly what is best for your skin type. So I thought I would dedicate a blog post to talk about the differences between cream vs powder blush and help you decide which product would suit your needs.
Cream Blush Vs. Powder Blush
In this post I will share the pros and cons of cream and powder blushes with an explanation of how to use them and the benefits each have. It can also depend on the brand and formulation of the blush because not all powder blushes are the same and not all cream blushes are the same but for the most part there are some common similarities.
What Is a Cream Blush?
Cream based blushes are a great alternative if you don’t want to wear powder or what 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. If you have more mature skin or dry skin, I highly recommend adding a cream blush formula to your makeup routine.
Pros
Blendability
Cream blushes are often very easy to blend and don’t accentuate any fine lines or texture like powder blushes can do.
Texture
Cream blushes naturally have a creamy and smooth texture which allows them to look more skin-like on the face.
Moisturizing
Many cream blushes have additional skincare ingredients which make them more moisturizing on the skin.
Ease of use
While I personally prefer to apply cream blush with a blush brush, they are easier to apply with your fingers than a traditional powder blush.
Versatility
In addition to the apples of the cheeks, I will sometimes add my cream blush to my lips as well to create a cohesive look. I love to do this especially with the new Rhode Pocket Blush.
Cons
Movement
Due to the nature of a cream blush being more emollient, there is a chance that it will move around the face especially if you have oily or combination skin.
Longevity
Because of the added moisture in a cream blush formula, they may not last as long as a powder blush would.
Finish
If you prefer a matte finish on the cheeks, there is a smaller selection of cream blushes with a matte finish.
Shop my favorite cream blushes
How Long Does Cream Blush Last?
I don’t think you can definitively say how long a cream blush will last because it depends on your skin type and the cream blush formulation you are using. However, the more emollient a cream blush is, the less time it may last on your skin. Also it matters how you apply your cream blush which can determine its longevity. Using a makeup brush and working it into the skin rather than just quickly swiping it on will ensure that it remains on your face longer. Additionally, if the cream blush is intensely pigmented, it will more than likely be longer wearing than a sheer formula.
What Is Powder Blush?
More than likely, powder blush is what you are more familiar with. Since it was the only option for blush for many years. Powder blush is a powder cheek color designed to give a matte or satin finish to the cheeks. Some powder blushes have a shimmer finish which can combine the look of highlighter and blush in one. Powder has a tendency to emphasize texture and fine lines. So it’s important to find a formula with a blurring aspect or perhaps smoothing finish. Powder blush is suitable for all skin types. But tends to be best for those with oily skin types or combination skin types.
Pros
Longevity
Powder blushes are known to be longer wearing on the skin. So if you are someone that needs your makeup to last all day, choosing a powder blush may be a good option. A great option for this is the NARS powder blush.
Mattifying
Not all powder blushes give a matte finish. But since they are a powder they will leave a matter finish on the skin than cream blush.
Blurring
With all the technology advancements on the formulation of powder blushes, many have a smoothing or blurring aspect to them to try and counteract the powdery texture.
Pigment
Powder blushes often deliver a rich payoff of pigment. Which aids in their ability to last for a long time on the skin.
Cons
Ease of Use
Powder blush is not as easy to apply with your fingers so it’s necessary that you use a brush. For some this may be an added step or hindrance that they don’t want to do.
Drying
Even with the most blurring or smoothing of formulas, powder blushes will not be as moisturizing on the skin as cream blushes.
Complicated
Since powder blushes need to be applied with a brush, there can be more challenging to apply if you are not comfortable using makeup brushes.
Enhances imperfections
Powder will show texture and fine lines more than a cream or liquid formula.
Less skin like
If you want the most natural and skin-like finish in a blush, powder would not be the best option. The surface of the skin is not naturally powdery so any powder that sits on it will always look a bit more conspicuous than a cream or liquid which can mimic the surface of the skin much better.
Shop my favorite powder blushes
How Long Does Powder Blush Last?
There isn’t an exact number of hours that powder blush is designed to last. But on the whole it has a longer wear time than cream blushes. Many people who like to use cream blush will apply that first as a base. And then set it with a powder blush in a similar color which will help the overall look have longer staying power.
Is Cream or Powder Blush Better?
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 a personal preference, preferred blush colors and what brand you love because there is definitely something for everyone.
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