Dior has managed to cut through the noise of luxury beauty brands with its line-up of stellar make-up offerings. With Peter Philips, creative and image director for Dior Makeup at the helm, it has looked to backstage fashion show artistry to develop professional-grade products with a penchant for going viral. This has been the case for products such as the Forever Skin Perfect Foundation, £48, well-loved by Hailey Bieber, the Addict Lip Glow, £33, which has been popular since launching in 2009, and the Addict Lip Glow Oil, £33,which at this point needs no introduction. But its over 20-year-old Backstage Rosy Glow Blush, £35, may well be its most iconic product to date. At the centre of a cool 18.2K posts on TikTok, the buzz around the blush resurfaced in 2021 after eagle eye beauty buffs learnt it was Kylie Jenner's secret to a baby-doll flush, but Dior isn't done delivering game-changing blushers just yet.
Joining the Dior Backstage family is the new Rosy Glow Stick, £37, which reimagines its classic predecessor. Building on the success of the Rosy Glow Blush, the new stick-form blush still features the brand's custom colour technology, which reacts with the skin's natural pH levels to reveal a wholly personalised colour pay off. Speaking of, the seven buildable shades on offer reflect those available in the Rosy Glow Blush range, so you'll be pleased to know Jenner's go-to 001 Pink is now available across both mediums.
Shop: Dior Rosy Glow Stick
www.dior.com
What the brand says: 'The Dior blush stick offers 12 hours of "custom" colour and a dewy-glow finish that reflects light, for cheekbones that appear enhanced and plumped. Powered by a unique technology, each shade reacts to the skin's pH and takes on cool pink or warm coral undertones.'
What we know: Following on from the success of the Rosy Glow Blush, comes this new iteration of the range in stick form. It maintains the brand's custom colour technology, which reacts with the skin's natural pH levels to reveal a wholly personalised colour pay off, so each swipe is unique to all.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'I am a core member of the Rosy Glow Blush fan club. I use the shade 001 Pink every day and refuse to finish my make-up without a buffing of its cool pink-hued glow-giving magic. It was the single product that made me love powder blushes, having always favoured liquid formulas, but Dior's newest innovation may well knock the OG off its pedestal. It is rich, creamy, and ultra-blendable, all while offering up buildable colour coverage so you can customise between a natural, clean-girl vibe or dial it up to full-glam for whenever the moment calls. I've taken to 012 Rosewood, which comes up more cool-toned on my skin tone, making it pop just that much brighter, which I adore. Will it replace my beloved Rosy Glow Blush? I don't think so, but I will definitely be layering this glossy balm atop for that next-level glowy blush factor.'
Pros
- Easy to travel with
- Buildable pH reacting personalised colour
Cons
- Tube rotator is fidly
The obvious difference comes down to application and formula. Unlike the OG's pressed powder pigment, the new modern iteration can be swiped over cheeks straight from the smooth bullet, making it a breeze to blend and apply on-the-go. Its finish maintains Dior's blush range's all-important 'glow' factor - think a non-glittery, lit-from-within sheen, which leaves cheeks plump and glazed. And skincare hasn't gone amiss, too. Loaded with cherry oil, the blush promises to provide up to 12 hours of hydration for comfortable all-day wear.
Our honest thoughts on the new Dior Rosy Glow Stick
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'I am a core member of the Rosy Glow Blush fan club. I use the shade 001 Pink every day and refuse to finish my make-up without a buffing of its cool pink-hued glow-giving magic. It was the single product that made me love powder blushes, having always favoured liquid formulas, but Dior's newest innovation may well knock the OG off its pedestal. It is rich, creamy, and ultra-blendable, all while offering up buildable colour coverage so you can customise between a natural, clean-girl vibe or dial it up to full-glam for whenever the moment calls. I've taken to 012 Rosewood, which comes up more cool-toned on my skin tone, making it pop just that much brighter, which I adore. Will it replace my beloved Rosy Glow Blush? I don't think so, but I will definitely be layering this glossy balm atop for that next-level glowy blush factor.'
Annie Vischer, health and beauty director, says: ‘I haven’t regularly used a powder blush since 2012, I’m a cream devotee, so of course I sat up and took notice when Dior announced they were expanding the Rosy Glow line to a stick. I always plump for petal pink tones so the Candy shade was a no brainer. I use a pro tip I was once given and scribble it onto the top of my hand (a makeshift make-up palette) before using a blush brush to transfer it onto the tops of my cheeks, the bridge of my nose and to tap any excess across my eyelids if they’re bare. The result is a healthy hit of colour that perks up my skin in seconds. It wears well, there was no sign of patchiness by the time I was packing up for my evening commute and it doesn’t cake up if you make to reapply it. Would recommend. Heartily.’
Rachael Martin, beauty editor, says: 'Beautifully balmy and rich with luminous pigment, I'm sure these blush sticks from Dior will be all over my TikTok feed within days. I opted for 'Rosewood.' Due to the name, I suspected this would be a browny-pinky-nude, but in reality it's more of a true pink. A few clumsy swipes across the apples of my cheeks works wonders for pepping up my skin - necessary when spending days in harsh, office lighting. It blends out beautifully (I just use the warmth of my fingertips) and settles down to reveal a sweet pink with real radiance. Dreamy!'
Renee Washington, fashion & beauty digital writer, says: 'I really love the Dior Rosy Glow Stick in Cherry, it's such a gorgeous colour that pops beautifully on dark skin. For blush I usually go for something bright and pink and this fits the bill. The formula is creamy, super pigmented, and blends like a dream. I wore it with no make-up and it still looks great. Plus, the packaging is a table vanity dream and the casing is different for each shade! That said, I did break the stick's rotary base pretty quickly, so the design isn’t the most practical. I will still reach for it often that being said because the finish is so natural and glowy, it gives that lit-from-within look without feeling heavy or sticky.'
A cream blush fan? Shop more of the best below
www.spacenk.com
What the brand say: 'A viral bestseller for a reason. This weightless liquid blush delivers high-impact colour with just one dot, blending seamlessly for a pinch-perfect flush that lasts up to 12 hours.'
What we know: Viral is one way to put it. This blush took the internet by storm when it launched in 2022, and since then #rarebeautyblush has amassed 87.7K posts on TikTok and counting, proving its popularity. Available in 13 stunning shades in both matte and dewy finishes, the dermatologist-tested, sensitive skin-approved formula is loaded with a botanical blend of ingredients that help to calm and nourish skin.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'This is quite frankly one of the best cream blushers out there. A little goes a long way and the creamy, bendable formula imparts a soft (yet somehow delicately punchy) wash of long-lasting colour wherever applied. I am wedded to the shade Hope and you likely will be too if you love a cool, blue-tone pink.'
Pros
- Available in matte and dewy finishes
- Features a botanical blend of skin-loving ingredients
Cons
- Ultra-pigmented so you'll need to be careful when applying
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
What the brand says: 'A pop of colour with a filtered finish! Blush Filter is a lightweight liquid blush with buildable pigments and finely milled micro-pearls for a soft-focus, high-impact glow.'
What we know: Steered by a filter-like blurred finish, these blushers are ultra blendable with pigments that melt into the skin revealing an 'airblushed' finish. With 11 shades on offer, that work across all skin tones, the easy-to-apply formula allows for maximum playtime and delivers a soft glow finish.
Renee Washington digital fashion and beauty writer says: ‘Sunset Lychee is my favourite shade, it’s this this coral-y shade that gives full-on holiday glow. What I love about these blushes is that they’ve made shades for warm, cool, and neutral undertones so it actually works on everyone. It has a lipstick applicator, but I also like to apply it with my fingers, and it melts into the skin. Some blushes tend to fade throughout the day but this stays put.’
Pros
- Innovative peanut-shaped doe-foot applicator
- Boasts ample play time
Cons
- Requires a few rounds of building for max colour pay-off
Rhode www.rhodeskin.com
What the brand says: 'A little blush for a little flush. Our on-the-go cream blush wakes up cheeks and lips with a satiny, diffused flush that melts on smoothly and stays all day. It’s a lightweight formula that hydrates skin for baby-soft cheeks and leaves a glowy finish without a greasy feel.'
What we know: Much like the rest of the products in Hailey Bieber's beauty range, this blush has been dermatologist-tested and developed to ensure it is kind to skin. It is developed with peptides (an collagen and elastin builder, and Rhode's hero ingredient) as well as tamanu oil, which moisturises and protects with antioxidant production and an anti-inflammatory effect.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'This balmy, on-the-go blush is multitasking hero, perfect for lips, cheeks, and, as I found, even eye lids. It's creamy yet lightweight and super blendable, while packing the kind of skin-hugging pigment that leaves the skin awash with a natural-looking, satin flush that is glowy, never greasy. The shades on offer are enough to hook you, but my current obsession is Juice Box - a blue-toned pink that makes cheeks pop.'
Pros
- Skincare benefits
- Multipurpose, can be aplied to lips, cheeks and lids
Cons
- Cap can be stiff and fiddly to remove
www.meritbeauty.com
What the brand says: A clean, acne and sensitive skin safe 'cream tint that melts into skin for lit-from-within color that stays flush all day.'
What we know: Primed to have you ready in five minutes flat, Merit has become synonymous with no-fuss, streamlined beauty. This formula proves why. Creamy yet lightweight, it blends seamlessly into the skin, leaving behind a radiant, natural-looking glow. Whether you’re going for a barely-there flush or something more striking, the buildable shades and texture makes it a breeze to achieve your desired finish. It's no wonder why celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Lily Collins and Brenda Song are hooked to the brand.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'I'm not one for ultra-poppy colours on my cheeks, having long favoured natural-looking warm shades that compliment my medium skin tone, but I've made an exception for Merit's Flush Balm in Rouge. This totally-outside-my-comfort-zone bright red blush is made completely wearable by its glossy, microfine formula that imparts a light and buildable glimmer of colour, which can be glided over cheeks and lips with a natural skin-enhancing satin finish. It'll perk up your complexion in seconds without looking OTT, trust me.'
Pros
- Easy to apply on the go
- Glow-giving
Cons
- More glossy than matte
Annie Vischerwww.selfridges.com
What the brand say: 'Buildable cream colour with a weightless velvet feel, Cheeky Posh delivers luminous all day wear.'
What we know: With seven covetable shades on offer, this flush-giver boasts a weightless, dewy soft-focus flush of velvety colour that melts into the skin thanks to a combination of skin-loving ingredients like blue lotus wax, jojoba esters, and ginseng extract.
Annie Vischer, health and beauty director, says: 'A creamy blush stick with serious pigment pay off. I've been using mine since it launched and find less is more. I scrawl a little onto the top of my hand (a professional make-up artist's trick I've seen in action more times than I can count) then use a fluffy brush brush to pick it up and tap it across my cheeks and the bridge of my nose.'
Pros
- Great pigment payoff
- Shade range from rosy to corals
- Luxe packaging
Cons
- Expensive for a blush stick
Violette_Frwww.violettefr.com
What the brand say: 'A kiss of couleur for cheeks – this marbled cream blush and attached blending brush create a natural, multidimensional wash of colour with a skin-like finish.'
What we know: Violette_FR has established itself as the one-stop shop for all things 'French-girl beauty', but this blush takes inspiration from Neoclassical and Italian Renaissance paintings, which paid special attention to radiant, true-to-life skin. The formula blends two shades (one sheer and one rich) into one with a marble effect to create a natural-looking multidimensional flush.
Annie Vischer, health and beauty director, says: 'Visually this thing is a treat - a stick of deep caramel-toned bronze swirled with shimmer. Although, worth noting, this doesn't apply shimmery. I apply the same way as I apply my cream blush (I actually apply the bronzer first) and conveniently there's an in-built brush.'
Pros
- In-built brush.
- Great staying power.
- Beautiful to look at.
Cons
- Expensive for a cream bronzer.
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, covering all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral). She began her career in journalism as an Editorial Apprentice at the Telegraph working across the busy features desk, refining her news breaking prowess before landing a job on the title's beauty desk – where she found her natural niche. At Grazia, Sameeha keeps track of what's making beauty obsessives tick, the talking points at the centre of our buzzy community and occasionally putting weird (sometimes wonderful) hacks to the test. Follow her on @sameeha for more.