From compacts to tubes & sticks, we’re helping you find the best cream blusher to tint those cheeks
If you’re anything like us, blushers have been an integral part of your beauty routine for years. Famed for adding a rosy flush to your cheeks, it’s a foolproof way to add warmth to your complexion to make way for a healthy-looking glow.
Although powder blushes are a tried-and-true formula for many, cream blushers are quickly making their mark on the beauty industry. The hashtag #creamblush currently has over 51 million views on Tik Tok alone! It’s safe to say we’ve got the cream blush buzz.
But what is it? And why do we need it? We’ll be telling you everything you need to know about this beauty staple. Plus, sharing our best cream blusher top picks.
What are cream blushers?
Your cheek-brightening bestie, cream blushers are an emollient cream form of blush, providing a natural flush to your complexion. They differ from powder in texture as they're more sheer, hydrating and natural-looking on the skin.
Cream blushers are available in a variety of forms from sticks, compacts, bottles and tubes – we love options! The consistency can vary from lightweight to rich, but the benefit is they’re super blendable, easy to layer and buildable. Now many brands have jumped on the cream blush bandwagon, bringing out their own versatile formulas and eye-popping shade ranges.
When it comes to acing the cream blush look, finding the perfect shade is essential. Follow this top tip: Pinch your cheek and choose a shade that’s similar to the colour your cheeks turn.
Why should I add cream blusher to my beauty routine?
Step aside powder blushes! Once you incorporate a cream blusher into your routine, there’s no going back. So, what makes them so great? Versatility, ease of use and a buildable finish are among some of the qualities that make this beauty buy stand out.
Whether you’re a fan of a ‘no make-up’ make-up look, or you want a colour to make those cheeks pop, cream blush can offer both of those qualities in abundance. It sits beautifully on top of the skin without blending too far in. Or, you can build up the colour to a vibrancy that suits you.
If it’s speedy application you’re looking for, cream blush gets ticks all round. Unlike powder and liquid formulas, cream blush blends beautifully without the need for a brush (although you can use one if you prefer). Simply apply your chosen blush onto your fingers and gently tap it into the skin – we love using this technique on those ‘no make-up days’ to add a barely-there tint for when we’re on-the-go.
We can’t vouch for cream blusher without mentioning its dewy, illuminating finish which can awaken the beauty of any complexion. This makes cream blushers particularly useful for those with dry skin as the product has a soft sheen which hydrates the skin rather than clinging to dry patches. Unsure what skin type you have? Read our ultimate guide to every skin type.
Top tips on how to apply a cream blusher
Want to know how to apply cream blusher? Cheek you out! (We couldn’t resist the pun). The good news is application is as easy as 1, 2, 3…
Step 1 – Prep your skin to perfection
For flawless application, skin prep is key. You want to ensure your base is hydrated and ready for the cream blush to work its magic. Start with your usual skincare routine – we recommend adding a hydrating moisturiser or face oil to your routine for some extra dew.
Once your skin is prepped, you can apply your base make-up (think foundation, concealer or tinted moisturiser). If you’re not applying foundation, go ahead with your normal skincare routine and move onto the next step.
Step 2 – Apply cream blush
Here comes the blush – the first thing you want to do is find out where to apply your blush. We recommend applying it to the apples of your cheeks using a sweeping upward motion. You can use either a brush for this or your fingers will work just as well. Using a sweeping upward motion will help to elevate your facial features, adding depth to your cheekbones.
If you want a natural, flushed effect apply the product gently as a little can go a long way. If you want more colour on your cheeks, you can always build the product up.
Step 3 – Highlight & bronze
Next, you want to go in with your highlighter and bronzer (or none if you’d prefer). Why do we love highlighter and bronzer so much? It gives the skin extra radiance so you can achieve a dreamy, glowing complexion.
Step 4 – Admire your masterpiece
It might take some playing around until you successfully even out your colour but that’s all part of the fun if you ask us. Once you’ve finished your application you can sit back and admire your handywork. It really is that simple.
8 of the best cream blushers available at Boots
Whether you’re looking for a natural flush of colour or something with a little more oomph, here are the eight of the best cream blushers we’re loving right now:
The best for a fresh-faced flush
Try: Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush
• Size: 3g
• Available in 10 shades
Move over sunshine, this cream blush by Fenty is here to deliver a sun-kissed glow in one application. Don’t be fooled by the ultra-vivid colour in the pan, this light-as-air formula packs a punch with a sheer, buildable finish that melts into the skin like butter. It’s easy to use, non-greasy and blends like a total dream – we’ll take every shade!
The best value for money
Try: 17. Colour Glow Cream Blush
• Size: 15ml
• Available in five shades
• Dermatologically tested
• Vegan-friendly
Infused with moisturising glycerin, this cream blush from 17. leaves skin feeling soft to the touch, with a super-smooth texture that treats the cheeks to a natural-looking glow. If you like a subtle hint of tint, this is the one for you. Did we mention it also has a purse-friendly price tag too? It’s time to run to the checkout.
The best for a buildable pop
Try: Morphe Cream Blush
• Size: 12ml
• Available in five shades
Take coverage into your own hands with this buildable formula from Morphe. The lightweight cream makes blending easy thanks to its cocktail of moisturising ingredients, featuring rosehip oil and vitamin E. Lay it on thick for a vibrant pop of colour or go gentle for more of a ‘just-pinched’ glow.
The best multi-tasking cream
Try: Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks
• Size: 3.7g
• Available in nine shades
• Medium-colour coverage
We couldn’t create a ‘best cream blush’ list without featuring this blush and lip balm hybrid from Bobbi Brown. This one really gives you more bang for your buck with two products in one. Blend the multi-functional formula onto the apples of your cheeks before blotting onto the lips to perfect your pout. There’s even a mirror, making this perfect for an on-the-go top up.
The best for a ‘no make-up’ make-up look
Try: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Blush
• Size: 15ml
• Available in 14 shades
No one does it quite like Laura Mercier. These tinted moisturiser blushes boast a unique skincare-focused formula, infused with lavender water and French rose extract to clarify, cool, calm and condition the skin. With an adaptable shade range to awaken and flatter every skin tone, it’s the skincare-meets-make-up magic your beauty routine deserves.
The best all-rounder
Try: Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm
• Size: 6g
• Available in four shades
• Oil-free
Ever since they entered the beauty sphere back in 2011, the Clinique Chubby Stick has always held a special place in our hearts. Now available in the form of a cheek balm, the iconic jumbo crayon has earned its place in our daily make-up bag essentials. Creamy, mistake-proof and easy to layer, it’s a trusty formula that fulfils the brief when it comes to a radiant glow.
The best for cream product newbies
Try: XX Revolution Glow Sculptor Cream Blush and Bronzer
• Size: 4g
• Available in four shades
• Vegan*
Blusher and bronzer are an iconic duo in the make-up world. Together, they just work. That’s why we’re loving this travel-friendly compact from XX Revolution, housing a dreamy cream blusher and bronzer duo. The blendable, soft velvet finish makes application easy, providing everything you need for a natural glow up all in one compact.
The best for high-impact pigment
Try: e.l.f. Putty Blush
• Size: 10g
• Lightweight, buildable formula
e.l.f. have earned legendary status over the years for their velvety, putty formulas. When we put this putty blush to the test it’s clear to see why. The highly-pigmented, creamy formula transforms from a cream to a semi-matte powder finish that blends seamlessly into the skin, whilst nourishing argan oil and vitamin E provide a splash of hydration for that flushed-from-within glow.
Have these must-haves made you blush? There’s plenty more where that came from. Shop more cream blushers in our full range.
