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Having blushed cheeks makes me feel glowing and polished. A cream blush is a great tool to perfect the look. Check out the best cream blush stick and compacts you can pop in your bag for a vacay, or any day really!
Best Cream Blushes
Written By: Laura Pulling
Table Of Contents
There was a time when makeup artists were using lipstick as blush, since then strides have been made and cream blush is now a makeup favorite of beauticians.
The moist formula helps to give a glowing look, plus the formulation is great for people who have mature or drier skin, as traditional powder blush can feel chalky at times.
A cream blush also has other bonuses, the formulation is, as the name explains, is cream-based so you don’t run the risk of them cracking and breaking in your travel makeup bag (but when packed in carry-on bags, makeup in a liquid and cream form could be decanted into smaller containers and packed with your liquids separately—here is a post on how editor-in-chief Alex downsizes her makeup for travel.
In fact, many cream blushes come in a stick formulation, so they’re even more compact for travel. You can apply with fingers, no brush needed, and as a savvy minimalist like myself, you can double up and use your cheek blush as a lip color too. Genius!
Check out our top picks from the best drugstore cream blush to more premium and beloved options for a fresh-faced glow!
Best Creme Blush
Shop: Ulta | Walmart | NYX Cosmetics
NYX Stick Blush
This NYX cream blush is a mini-sized stick that is versatile and wonderful for travel. The colors are pigmented and blend like a dream.
One user shares her advice for this NYX blush, “Even on my ‘no-makeup days’ I apply a light amount onto my cheeks, eyelids, and lips for a ‘natural’ look and it’s perfect. Blends in nicely, and applies smoothly, just work it in with your fingertips and it lasts almost all day. I’ve used it with and without makeup and love results both ways.”
e.l.f. Cosmetics Monochromatic Multi Stick Blush
For a budget buy, check out this e.l.f. cream blush stick. It’s a blendable formulation, but users say it’s an extreme shimmer blusher that may be a bit too sparkly for a natural day look but might work wonders for a night on the town!
One user explains, “They’re perfect for the kind of makeup I wear these days—fast and easy. They’re a blush and highlight in one, and they look perfect for a monochromatic look on the eyes as well. Just know that they’re very glittery.”
You can also get an e.l.f. cream blush palette, which users compliment more for the shades, but isn’t as compact for traveling.
NARS The Multiple
This multi-purpose NARS cream blush stick can be used to create a shimmering contour and accent on all skin tones. Complete with their signature daring names, which themselves are enough to make you blush, these sticks come in a ton of shades, from a rich bronze to a glistening mauve blush.
Users ADORE this NARS blush stick, with one sharing, “Absolutely my favorite cheek product; makes me look glowy and fresh, but never overdone.” One TFG reader has a top travel tip, “I use Nars Orgasm blush in the stick form. I just cut a bit off the end and smoosh it into a tiny travel container. Good for lipstick too.”
Read this post to find out our tips for packing travel makeup!
NARS Liquid Blush
Ok, so it isn’t a cream, but this NARS liquid blush is rated as one of the best options available.
The colors are fresh and highly blendable, but users do warn to be careful with the pump bottle as it can deliver more than you need, so use a gentle hand.
One wearer says, “Beautiful color, easy to blend, and builds nicely. Works well on top of foundation and on bare skin in the summer for some color to my no-makeup looks.”
Revlon Insta-Blush Stick
This blush and highlighter in one is a unique gem by Revlon. This stick is perfect for on the go, easily swipe over your cheeks for a perfectly, mess-free, sculpted cheek. This blush stick also doubles as a lip tint (Plus you only need to pack one product instead of two!)
Reviews are great for this Revlon cream blush, with users loving how easy it makes coverage and application (especially for makeup novices!), one explains, “It could not be easier to use: press it down some, right underneath your cheekbones and see if it does not instantly make you look lovelier!”
Honest Beauty Cream Blush
Rated as Amazon’s Choice for ‘cream blush’ is this product by Honest Beauty. The formulation is cruelty-free and made without parabens, talc, or synthetic fragrances. The travel-friendly compact contains a lightweight color that applies easily with fingertips.
One user loves it and shares how it is one of the best blush for mature skin, “I am new to cream blush and this product seemed accessibly priced for me to try out. So far I am enjoying it because it does brighten up my face a lot without the chalkiness of powder blush. I have dry skin and this sits well on BB cream or sans makeup.”
Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel Blush
It may look like a lip gloss, but these Maybelline cream blush mini tubes contain cheek color that pops! Simply dot along the apples of your cheeks and the easily blendable formula gives you a fresh, dewy look that lasts all day.
Users like the lightweight and flattering product, with one raving, “This is a great product. It’s sheer but packs a punch color-wise, and blends out well. I use my fingers or a brush. It looks great on the skin and sticks around for 8+ hours. No shimmer, but gives a nice luminosity to the skin.”
Here are the best stick foundation recommendations that our readers swear by!
Shop: Amazon | ULTA | Burt’s Bees
Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lip & Cheek Stick
For a 100% natural cream blush, this option by Burt’s Bees is hydrating and soft on your skin. Users love that the formula blends beautifully and doubles up as a lip color too, so very convenient for travel.
One user explains, “It’s moisturizing without being slick or greasy and provides just the right touch of color and glow. The stick makes application a breeze. You can put it on light or build up color for a more dramatic or evening look, and it lasts all day.”
Clinique Cream Blush Chubby Stick
These creamy Clinique blush colors create a healthy glow in an instant. Simply dab it on your cheeks and blend it with your fingertips. It’s easy to blend and is allergy-tested and 100% fragrance-free.
All reviews are great for this product, with users loving the colors, and agreeing that it “lasts all day”.
Shop: Nordstrom | Stila | ULTA
Stila Cream Blush Convertible Dual Color
For an all-day color that works just as well on the lips as it does on your cheeks, try this Stila blush. The versatile favorite brightens your face with a luminous, radiant color and comes in a mirrored compact for on-the-go touch-ups!
Travelers love this Stila blusher to slim down their makeup bag, one says, “I travel a lot and for many weeks at a time with just a single carry-on. So, I only pack things that have multiple uses. I use this for cheeks, shadow, and lip tint. It blends great. It looks natural and gives such an amazing glow.”
Here are our picks for the best long-lasting concealer for travel!
Glossier Cloud Paint
TFG readers recommend this cute blush tube of color by Glossier as a travel favorite. The small tube contains a highly pigmented color, so a little goes a long way. One TFG gushes, “I took the Glossier cloud paint for blush and loved it so much I use it daily now!”
Shop: Amazon | Bobbi Brown
BOBBI BROWN Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks
This Bobbi Brown rouge is another 2-in-1 that works on lips as well as cheeks. The creamy texture blends easily and gives a fresh-faced appearance and comes in a range of shades. One TFG reader shares, “My fave blush is Bobbi Brown cream blush, which doubles as a lip color too.”
Shop: Nordstrom | CHANEL | Bloomingdale’s
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Blush Stick
For a premium beauty choice, Chanel cream blushes are well-loved, despite the hefty price tag. The creamy soft formula blends seamlessly for a lovely contoured look.
Users ADORE this Chanel cream blush, with lots of explaining how they feel it’s the best cream blush for mature skin, “As I’ve gotten older (60+) my skin has gotten drier. When I saw the blush stick online I thought why not give it a try? It’s wonderful as it doesn’t collect in pores, a little goes a long way, and it does give more of a subtle glow than powder blush. I’m sold!”
Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Colored Stick
While it isn’t a cheek color, a TFG reader on Facebook raves about this Neutrogena lipstick, explaining, “I use this for blush and lips—and sometimes eye shadow too! It goes on beautifully and really lasts as a blush.“
Pack light with the best makeup palettes for travel!
Makeup Blush Cream Product Comparison Chart
| BRAND | MODEL | FEATURES | REVIEWS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
|
NYX Stick Blush
|
“Even on my ‘no-makeup days’ I apply a light amount onto my cheeks, eyelids, and lips for a ‘natural’ look and it’s perfect." | Check Price |
|
elf Cosmetics Monochromatic Multi Stick Blush |
“They're a blush and highlight in one, and they look perfect for a monochromatic look on the eyes as well. Just know that they're very glittery.” | Check Price |
|
NARS The Multiple
|
“I use Nars Orgasm blush in the stick form. I just cut a bit off the end and smoosh it into a tiny travel container. Good for lipstick too.” | Check Price |
|
NARS Liquid Blush
|
“Works well on top of foundation and on bare skin in the summer for some colour to my no makeup makeup looks.” | Check Price |
|
Revlon Insta-Blush Stick |
“It could not be easier to use: press it down some, right underneath your cheekbones and see if it does not instantly make you look lovelier!” | Check Price |
|
Honest Beauty Cream Blush
|
"So far I am enjoying it because it does brighten up my face a lot without the chalkiness of a powder blush.” | Check Price |
|
Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel Blush
|
"It looks great on the skin, and sticks around for 8+ hours. No shimmer, but gives a nice luminosity to the skin.” | Check Price |
|
Burt's Bees 100% Natural Lip & Cheek Stick
|
“It's moisturizing without being slick or greasy and provides just the right touch of color and glow." | Check Price |
|
Clinique Cream Blush Chubby Stick
|
All reviews are great for this product, with users loving the colors, agreeing that it “lasts all day”. | Check Price |
|
Stila Cream Blush Convertible Dual Color
|
"I use this for cheeks, shadow, and lip tint. It blends great. It looks natural and gives such an amazing glow.” | Check Price |
|
Glossier Cloud Paint
|
“I took the Glossier cloud paint for blush and loved it so much I use it daily now!” | Check Price |
|
BOBBI BROWN Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks
|
“My fave blush is Bobbi Brown cream blush, doubles as a lip color too.” | Check Price |
|
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Blush Stick
|
"It's wonderful as it doesn't collect in pores, a little goes a long way, and it does give more of a subtle glow than powder blush. I'm sold!” | Check Price |
|
Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Colored Stick
|
“I use this for blush and lips—and sometimes eye shadow too! It goes on beautifully and really lasts as a blush.“ | Check Price |
How to Apply Cream Blush
You can use different ways to apply cream blush, with a highlighter brush, a blending sponge, or even your fingertips. Just make sure they are clean and be sure to use a little and build up the color in layers.
Where Does Blush Go On the Cheeks?
Find the apples of your cheeks and cheekbones by smiling and apply to the indentations. But you can experiment with different positioning for different looks, with some saying blush can reach in a C-shape up to your temples for a luxe glow. Just be sure to blend, blend, and blend again so you end up sophisticated and not clown-like!
What’s Best: Cream vs Powder Blush
Powder blush is known to be good for all skin types, whereas a cream blush works especially well on dry or mature skin, and stops that “caked on” feeling that wearing too many layers of powders can give you.
Plus cream sticks, like the ones we have featured, are awesome for travel as they’re less likely to crack and break, and can double up as a lip color too!
What are the best cream blushes that give you that fresh-faced glow? Share your picks in the comments!
For more travel makeup, please read:
- The Best Non Smudge Eye Liner for Long Flights
- What’s the Best Long Lasting Lipstick for Travel?
- Best Long-Lasting Foundation? 10 Options for Long Travel Days
- The 10 Best Long-Lasting Concealers for Travel
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