Blush is no doubt the quickest way to bring life to the face. It’s also the easiest product to get wrong outside of maybe false lashes or cakey foundation. Where exactly does it go? How much should you apply? How on earth do you pick a flattering shade? There’s a lot to consider. One thing that’s not up for debate? Cream formulas, like liquid highlighters, yield a sort of natural finish that just can’t be achieved with powder.
“Cream blush gives you that healthy look we all want. It lights up the face,” says Nashville-based hair and makeup artist Kelly Henderson. “Both powder and liquid blushes are great, but they deposit more color to your face, which makes it apparent you’re wearing makeup.”
Cream blush is also surprisingly easy to apply, works for pretty much every skin type (yup, even oily skin), and can be used by those who wear little to no complexion products as well as those who enjoy a full face of foundation. If you’ve avoided it in the past for fear of user error, now may be the time to reconsider. Read on for everything you need to know to achieve a flawless cream blush application.
First, prep the skin for makeup.
You probably already know you should be moisturizing after cleansing and before makeup, but this step is especially important when working with cream blush.“Fully hydrated skin is the best canvas for any makeup. Using a creamy moisturizer and massaging it into the face with the warmth of your hands is essential to get the blood moving and get the skin glowing,” says Los Angeles-based hair and makeup artist Christina Roberson. “Moisturized skin makes cream blush blend easier and the sheen of a healthy glow underneath makes the finished look more skin-like and natural.”
Henderson likes to use a primer after moisturizing to give makeup something to cling to. (Her favorite is Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.) Having that extra layer between the skin and makeup can result in a longer-lasting finish and a more even application.
Pick the right shade.
"A universally flattering color for every skin tone is a true blood red," says Roberson. "Even with no other makeup on, when this color is lightly blended into the cheeks and eyelids, you look ALIVE."
For those with mature skin, she suggests avoiding mauve or violet-toned blushes and instead opting for more subdued peach tones, mid-tone pinks, and fresh berry shades. "These colors are less intense and will give a lift and brightness to the center of the face."
Then, apply with your fingers instead of a beauty blender.
When it comes to how to apply cream blush and with what, you have options, but both Henderson and Roberson agree that your fingers are your best tool. (Though it can be helpful to reach for a damp beauty sponge as a final step to blend out any streaks or harsh edges.)
“The warmth of your fingers will help the blush melt into your skin for a natural finish,” says Henderson “Fingers work great because you can really control where the blush is being placed and blended,” adds Roberson.
If you want to use a brush you can, but be cautious. “Brushes can get tricky because some bristles pick up pigment unevenly," advises Roberson. "You can prevent this by buffing the brush onto a surface like the back of your hand or a palette to help distribute the product for a streak-free application."
And, stick to the right spots.
“Cream blush should be applied to the apples of your cheeks—the part that raises when you smile—and lightly up into your temples. But most of the color should remain on the apples,” says Henderson. “I always blend the color right into the part of the face where the cheek meets the undereye area to give the blush a natural look."
The beauty of cream blush, though, is that if you want to forgo a natural look in favor of something a little a bolder, you can work in layers to build up the color to your desired intensity. (Meaning you're a lot less likely to make the kind of mistake that forces you to wash your face and start all over.) “To take the cream blush effect even further, apply it to the apples of your cheeks and then gently add a pop of powder blush on top to give your face that beautiful flushed, sun-kissed glow,” suggests Henderson.
Set your makeup in place, if needed.
It's all about dewy skin these days, but if you feel like you need to use a little powder to control shine, lightly dust it on after applying and blending your cream blush.
“The biggest mistake people make is applying cream products after powder, which only makes it more difficult to blend the cream seamlessly," says Henderson.
Their favorite cream blushes:
Cream Blushes
NARS The Multiple
"I use the stick directly on skin and blend by patting with fingers," says Kelly.
"After applying with fingers, let it settle, and then layer on more as needed," Kelly says.
Senna Cosmetics Cheeky Blush
"This cream-to-powder formula looks amazing on oily and dry skin. It works best dusted on with a medium-sized fluffy brush," says Christina.
MILK MAKEUP Lip + Cheek
"This multi-tasking stick has more slip to it so you can blend the shades easily after dotting it directly onto your cheeks," says Christina.
Laurren Welch is a freelance editor, writer, and creative who covers lifestyle, interiors, entertaining, fashion, and more. When she’s not under deadline, you can find her styling blooms over at Garden Party L.A., scouring thrift and antique stores for hidden gems, and reminding her boxer pup, Monster, that he’s a very good boy.
