Undoubtedly, the quickest trick for faking a dewy youthful radiance is via the application of cream blush. For all the benefits of bronzer and highlighter – defined cheekbones and endless shimmer – there’s nothing like the fresh glow that a smattering cream blush affords.
While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a powder blush – it’s true, fine powder pigments are a dream to blend and layer – creamy alternatives have a natural skin-like finish that no other formula can mimic.
Perfect for touch-ups on the go – makeup artists often employ cream blushes to double as eye and lip colours. Yet, for all that there is to love about these creamy-textured balms – they can be tricky to master.
How To Apply Cream Blush
Professional make-up artist Jana Spiritovic explains, “The easiest way to apply a cream or liquid blush is tapping your damp beauty sponge into the blush, tapping the excess off onto the back of your hand then tapping it on to the apples of the cheeks and the cheekbones.”
“Tapping the excess off onto the back of the hand will make sure you don’t apply too much at once. Another great way to apply them is with a synthetic fibre brush using the same technique,” Spiritovic adds.
When it comes to finding the right blush for your skin tone, it’s best to try a slate of hues at a beauty counter and find a cheek colour that compliments your complexion.
Fair/light skin tones: Peachy and coral cream formulas will enhance the natural flush of your skin tone without looking too pink.
Medium skin tones: If you have cool undertones then rose pink, warm mauve and deep peachy shades will give you a natural glow.
Deep skin tones: Opt for warm pigments in brick, berry and plum shades are the best blush options for you. Formulas with golden shimmer will look phenomenal without washing the rest of your features out.
Here, we’ve curated the best blushes for every skin type from cult-worthy classics to Duchess-approved shades.
Nudestix Nudies Matte All Over Face Color Blush & Bronze ($49; at sephora.com.au)
A dual-ended stick with a long-wearing, matte, monochromatic nude colour and a brush for the eyes, cheeks, and lips.
Stila Convertible Colour ($38; at mecca.com.au)
A two-in-one lip and cheek colour that is available in a wide shade range. This innovative and versatile product can be blended into the cheeks as a creamy, luminous blush, or lightly pressed onto the lips as a sheer tint.
MAC Cosmetics Dazzle Drops ($54; at maccosmetics.com.au)
Gives cheeks a soft peachy glow that is barely detectable for a no-makeup makeup look.
Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm ($42; at clinique.com.au)
With hundreds of five-star reviews it’s little wonder Kate Bosworth adores this mistake-proof formula.
Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick ($55; at charlottetilbury.com/au)
It’s often said that supermodels Miranda Kerr and Candice Swanepoel swear by Tilbury’s ultra-flattering products. Glowing pigments blend easily, illuminating your skin with colour-saturated brilliant pigments for that lit-from-within look.
Giorgio Armani Armani Blush ($68; at sephora.com.au)
From the make-up maestros, A-Blush is a liquid blush that effortlessly glides onto the skin to give a natural glow.
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick ($76; at mecca.com.au)
Created by beauty industry legend Gucci Westman (aka Jennifer Aniston’s former MAU) these versatile blushes, cheek and eye sticks contain organic jojoba oil protects skin from ageing free radical damage and delivers anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Becca Beach Tint ($45; at adorebeauty.com.au)
A long-lasting creme stain that dries to a perfect streak finish. Each tint is subtly scented with their namesake fruit and is free from preservatives and parabens.
This article originally appeared on InStyle.
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