For a healthy, radiant glow no matter what time of the year it is, cream blushes are your best bet. Unlike most powders, these buttery formulas impart an unmistakable, radiant sheen to the skin that mimics the effects of, say, an hour-long jog on the beach or a luxurious facial. Because cream blushes generally contain oils, they’re comparatively more moisturizing than powder blushes and won’t disturb dry spots or highlight textured areas of the skin.
Cream blushes couldn’t be easier to apply, either. While some come in stick form and others in pots, it’s the same deal: Simply apply straight from the bullet and blend out with fingers, or use a beauty sponge or stippling brush for more precision. Whatever you do, it’s hard to mess up, especially considering most cream blushes are on the sheerer (but buildable) side. Pro tip: If you’ve gone overboard with the intensity, just use a foundation brush or sponge to diffuse the color.
For a flushed, “drunk blush”-inspired look, makeup artist Carissa Ferreri previously recommended using a cream blush (or gel) formula in rosy tones. “Focus the blush a bit higher on the cheeks, like right under the eyes, and then diffuse any harsh lines,” she explained. Makeup artist Joseph Carrillo also suggests “smiling and applying the color in the center of the apples” before gently fading the edges.
Curious to know which cream blushes have made the Allure cut? Keep scrolling to find 19 of our favorites, including an affordable Best of Beauty Award winner that made its debut on the runways of New York Fashion Week and an innovative, dual-ended stick created by Mario Dedivanovic (you know, Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist).
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