Refresh Your Skin with a Cream Blush

A fresh-faced makeup look is always in style, no matter the season. We’re in the midst of autumn and as winter creeps closer, we want to make sure our makeup is staying soft and elegant – harsh lines and heavy hands are not invited.

If you’re going for a more understated effect that still packs a punch of pigment, cream blush is the perfect candidate. This silky sister of powder blush lends a youthful, supple texture to your skin. Easily blendable pigments make your cheeks look naturally rosy, and give skin a healthy glow.

Even if you’re a powder blush fanatic, you might just change your mind!

While a good powder blush is in our makeup bag at all times, cream blush brings a different texture, blendability, and finish to the table. Let’s unpack the key differences between powder and cream blush!

Skin Type
Powder blush is great for oily skin because it offers a naturally mattifying effect. On the other hand, dry skin types tend to shy away from powder because it settles into fine lines and pores. Many powder formulas sit on top of dry skin, instead of blending in the way cream blush does.

Finish
Cream blush generally leaves your skin looking dewy, because the formulas are rich with moisturizing butters and oils. Dry and mature skin types love a good buttery blush because it doesn’t dry the skin or exacerbate the look of wrinkles.

PRO TIP: This doesn’t mean that oily skin is left out! If you enjoy the blendability of velvet blushes but don’t want the dewy look, there’s a workaround. Create a satin-matte finish by setting your blush with a translucent powder.

Color Control
In terms of color, cream blush tends to be easier to control. You can build it up easily without worrying about if it will be too dramatic. Powder blush takes a little more precision – you can accidentally apply too much and end up with heavy, streaky color. This might be an issue if you have fairer skin.

Color Payoff
The potency of powder blush is a big reason why we love it for dramatic makeup looks. It can make your cheekbones really pop for a night out! Creamy formulas tend to be better for natural daytime looks, since their color payoff is more subtle.

Application Method
The application method is a little more diverse for cream blush. No need to carry a brush around – you can easily apply and blend it with fingers. Try that trick with a powder and you’ll be left with stark, unnatural color.

Multi-tasking
Cream blush can also double as a lip color – as demonstrated by our nourishing Lip & Cheek Tint. That means less makeup containers in your bathroom and in your purse. Powder doesn’t have the same versatility.

There are two ways to find a cream blush that caters to your skin tone. Use these tips on either your cheeks or your lips to find your perfect shade!

First method: Pinch your cheeks to see what your natural flush looks like. Match your blush to this color, or to a similar undertone.

Second method: Bite your lip and observe your natural lip shade. Match your blush to this color. For accuracy purposes, make sure your lips are hydrated!

We know how difficult it can be to find a cream blush that’s vegan or cruelty-free. We’ve compiled a list of our favorites, complete with key points on what makes them so great!

Fruit Pigmented® Lip & Cheek Tint
Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Our classic tint functions as a buildable lip and cheek color, courtesy of our all natural fruit pigments. Ever noticed the way berries stain your skin and clothes so easily? That’s the kind of vibrancy we’ve employed for our fruit pigmented® cheek tint.

Build it up or keep it minimal – it’s up to you! The best part about this formula is that it helps nourish your skin with antioxidants from blackberry, pomegranate, and raspberry.

Ilia Multi Stick
Cruelty-Free
Made with mineral pigments, this two-in-one stick is perfectly buttery and blendable on your lips and cheeks. This stick comes in a wide spectrum of colors, so it’s easy to find your signature shade!

The creamy pigments warm right up in your hand, so you can use your fingers to apply. For a more concentrated color, use a kabuki brush. Sustainable packaging and a Leaping Bunny certification make this the perfect eco-conscious gift.

RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek
Cruelty-Free
Another multi-tasker, this Lip2Cheek product moisturizes and stains your lips and cheeks as subtly or dramatically as you desire. Choose a cream blush with dewy effects, matte finishes, or shimmery undertones. Your cheeks will soak in the moisture that wildcrafted buriti oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter bring. The RMS Beauty promise guarantees that their ingredients are free of GMOs or harmful chemicals.

Kosas Color & Light Palette
Cruelty-Free
The Kosas Color & Light cheek palette contains a cream brush and matching highlighter. No more worrying about which highlighter will suit your blush, and no more rummaging through your bag for multiple products. This makeup palette comes in 8 different versions so that you can choose the best shade for you. They’re also Leaping Bunny certified – cruelty-free for the win!

1. Use creamy products underneath cream blush. That means liquid foundation, concealer, and bronzer. Never use powders under your cream blush, because this will lead to a cakey look.

2. If you want to use powder with a cream blush, apply it on top – for example, a translucent powder or luminizer.

3. For extra long lasting blush, try layering a powder blush over a buttery one. This will also amplify the intensity of your pigment, and can even lead to a custom shade!

4. Want to mix and match powder foundation and cream blush? Apply the blush first, then go in with your foundation. Use a gentle hand when applying foundation to the cheek area, in order to preserve the color of your blush.

5. Apply blush according to your face shape. Otherwise, your cheekbones may look flat or ashy.

6. Blend, blend, blend! This is to ensure there are no harsh lines on your face, so that your makeup looks as natural as possible.

7. Use a stippling brush for cream formulas. This type of brush works wonderfully for a more even, precise application.

We suggest you experiment with cream blush at least once, even if you have oily skin! It may take a little bit of time to get used to the creamy feel, but the perks will help you adapt quickly. You won’t regret the results!

Want more tutorials on choosing and applying blush? Head on over and Find Your Perfect Shade of Blush Makeup.