Cream blush is a product that's single-handedly taken over the beauty space in the last few years, compared to the powder blush that once stood in its place, which now feels like a distant - powdery - memory. Since the rise in natural, 'clean girl' make-up look, cream blush sales have risen, and we're totally here for the transition.
Designed to work in synergy with the skin, cream products emulate the skin's natural texture without looking stark or chalky. Cream blushes typically last longer on the skin compared to powder blushes, as the formula adheres to the skin without looking patchy. Cream blushes also feel more hydrating and lightweight, and you can usually use them on the lips as well as a natural tint. A win-win.
Best cream blushes at a glance:
Editor's choice: REFY Cream Blush, £14 on REFY
Best matte cream blush: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Matte Liquid Blush, £30 on Charlotte Tilbury
Best pigmented cream blush: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, £22 on Sephora
Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Blush can be attributed for kick-starting the cream blush craze, but countless brands have since followed suit, meaning we are now spoiled for choice in the cream blush department. As with everything, cream blushes comes in all shapes and sizes. Available in stick, liquid, cream or balm form, it's time to ditch the powder blush and embrace a glowing make-up look.
From brands like Rare Beauty, REFY and Charlotte Tilbury, shop the best cream blushes below.
Shop: The Best Cream Blush
Editor's Choice
refybeauty.com
REFY gets it right with this product. We've found that the super creamy, blendable formula sits perfectly on the skin without losing any of its pigment. We especially love the dewy, buildable finish that allows you to tailor the colour depending on your preference. With five shades to choose from, you can find the perfect blush shade to look dewy and sunkissed that lasts all day. When we tested it, we found that this blush is perfect for daily use, especially in the shade 'Rose'. It's super flattering on fair skin tones and we love the healthy glow it delivers.
Pros
- Available in five shades
- Buildable, pigmented formula
Cons
- Compact size, so may need replenishing quicker
Best matte cream blush
www.charlottetilbury.com
It's no surprise Charlotte Tilbury has made it to our buyer's guide, as Pillow Talk is known as a universally nude pink shade that suits everyone, and it's one of our personal favourites. We found that the this softly glides over the skin with the attached sponge that allows you to precisely place the blush exactly where you want. The mauve-y, rose shade adds a natural flush of colour to mimic a sun-kissed glow. Reviewers enjoy the intense pigment, though some have suggested that the sponge applicator can get slightly messy at times and we'd have to agree. If you love Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk lip collection, we know you'll love this matching blush shade.
Pros
- Matte formula for longevity
- Flattering blush colour for all skin tones
Cons
- Sponge applicator may absorb excess product
Best pigmented cream blush
www.sephora.co.uk
If you haven't heard about this viral blush, where have you been? It's safe to say Selena Gomez's beauty brand has gone crazy since launching. The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush went viral for its super pigmented, creamy finish which will stay in place all day. We found that it's not ideal for oilier skin types and it does take a little extra work to blend in, but, trust us, the results are worth it. Looking for a super long-lasting blush? Rare Beauty Soft Pinch is the one to try.
Pros
- Highly pigmented
- Second-skin finish
Cons
- Product might not work on an oilier skin type
Best dewy cream blush
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
If you love a dewy finish, we know you'll love Saie's Dew Blush. This lightweight, cream-to-liquid blush leaves a luminous flush to the cheeks. We particularly enjoy the dewy finish this product leaves, and how buildable it is, allowing you to tailor your blush exactly to suit you. With many five star reviews, we can't help but rave about this product. One reviewer was pleased they found the perfect shade of peach as a pigmented cream blush with another one raving that it melts perfectly on the skin.
Pros
- Radiant finish
- Flattering shades
- Buildable pigment
Cons
- Might not work for oily skin
Best multipurpose cream blush
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Milk Makeup knows a thing or two about a winning cream formula. The Lip + Cheek blush is perfect for on the go when you need a touch of colour, and the creamy formula glides onto the skin effortlessly. Reviewers say these blushes are perfect for summer to pop in your beach bag. What's not to love?
Pros
- Perfect for on-the-go
- Great on the lips too
Cons
- Might need to repurchase more regularly
Best natural looking cream blush
www.spacenk.com
Another Rare Beauty pick. As the name would suggest, this blush melts onto the skin to create a natural wash of colour. With five shades to choose from, this super flattering, creamy blush looks beautiful applied on the skin for that soft pinched look. For the best results, we recommend applying with your fingertips for a sun-kissed look and build up to your desired coverage.
Pros
- Water-resistant formula
- Crease-proof
Cons
- Not ideal for an oilier skin type
Best retractable cream blush
www.spacenk.com
A part of Hourglass's Vanish range - an effortless looking blush with a weightless texture. The retractable, triangular tip allows you to achieve a precise application in exact areas you want to flush. Reviewers say this product is both buildable and blendable, making it easy to achieve your perfect blush look.
Pros
- Precise application
- Buildable coverage
Cons
- Bulky packaging in a make-up bag
Best gel-cream blush
uk.glossier.com
You can trust Glossier to bring you a natural, clean girl finish. The Cloud Paints are known for their sheer yet natural formula that mimic the skin's texture. Made with both collagen and blurring powder pigments, Cloud Paint blends in with the skin and feels super comfortable to wear all day. It is on the sheerer side, though, so we don't recommend if you're looking for something highly pigmented.
Check out our review of Glossier's Cloud Paint Bronzer.
Pros
- Ten shades to choose from
- Gel-texture feels lightweight to wear
Cons
- Applicator not included
Best shimmering cream blush
www.lookfantastic.com
A classic when it comes to blush. NARS Multiple's can be used in a variety of ways and you can't go wrong with the universally flattering shade - 'orgasm'. The flattering pink shade with gold shimmer running through looks radiant on all skin tones. We would apply the creamy formula on the eyes, cheeks and lips for a seamless finish.
Pros
- Creamy texture
- Multipurpose use
Cons
- Quite a shimmery finish
What's the best way to apply cream blush?
Depending on the cream blush you choose depends on how you apply - a cream blush in a compact like REFY's Cream Blush, we'd recommend using a dense, synthetic brush. Some cream blushes can be applied with fingertips or a damp sponge to avoid any patchiness.
Why should you use cream blush over powder?
A cream blush has a more dewy finish on the skin compared to a powder blush. A creamy finish feels more hydrating and nourishing on the skin without looking chalky. However, If you want your cream blush to last longer, we recommend applying a powder blush on top to ensure longevity from your make-up.
Georgia Scott is a Beauty & Fashion Product Writer for Bauer Media, writing for Grazia, Closer and heat. Georgia specialises in beauty writing and spends her days hunting for the latest trending beauty products to get her hands on and review.