I’m obsessed with blush and if anyone ever saw my collection, I’d be blushing. Blush is often seen as a little old school especially since a flawless complexion without a hint of redness is what many of us strive for these days. But that doesn’t mean blush shouldn’t have a
place in your makeup bag.
Blushes are no longer constrained to just powder, there are hundreds of different formulas and finishes you can dip your cheeks in, but some work a lot better than others.
Powder
Used by your mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers, powders are a classic when it comes to blush. Suitable for all skin types and fantastic for beginners, powder blushes have varying pigmentation and excellent staying power. The only downfall? They HAVE to be applied with a brush. Try: Marc Jacobs Shameless Bold Blush, NARS Powder Blush
- Best option for beginners
- Great for all skin types
- Must be applied with a brush
- Pigmentation can vary
- Can tend to oxidize on oily skin
- Good staying power
- Baked Blushes give a combination of shimmer and glow to the skin
Cream
Creams are probably my favourite formula of blushes, they are easily blendable, have just the right amount of pigmentation and give the most beautiful glow to the cheeks. They are suitable for all skin types, even oily skin and you never have to worry about powdery looking cheeks. Try: Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cream Blush, Illamasqua Cream Blush, Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Glow
- Easy to blend
- Suitable for all skin types (especially dry)
- Must be applied before powder
- Best applied with the fingertips, a sponge or a brush
- Staying power can be poor
- Beautiful, dewy finish
- May be worn underneath a powder blush for longer lasting power
- Cream to powder formulas are available, they apply as a cream but dry to a matte, powder finish
- Multi-Use product: can also be used on the lips as a lipstick
- Try a stick formula for easy application
Liquid
If you’re a beginner it’s best to skip this one and leave it for those who feel a little more confident with makeup. Liquid blushes have super high pigmentation so only a tiny amount of product is needed. Whilst liquid blushes can be tricky to blend and easy to go over the top with the lasting power and natural skin-like look they give outweigh all the cons. Try: Makeup Forever HD Liquid Blush, *Giorgio Armani Mastero Blush 
- Not great for beginners
- Must be applied before powder
- Best applied with the fingertips, a sponge or a brush
- Can sometimes be difficult to blend
- High pigmentation
- Good staying power
- May be worn underneath a powder blush for longer lasting power
Gel
A mixture between a cream and liquid, gel blushes are a newer formulation but that doesn’t mean they aren’t great. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro gel blushes are super easy to apply and basically impossible to go over the top with. They have a beautiful silky texture that is great for all skin types and looks super natural on the skin.
- Great for beginners
- Suitable for all skin types (but can sometimes accentuate flakiness on dry skin)
- Must be applied before powder
- Best applied with the fingertips
- Easy to blend
- Sheer pigmentation
- Average staying power
If lasting power is what you want, then lasting power is what you’ll get. Cheek stains are great for summer, when you want to wear very little makeup or plan to go swimming. Whilst they are incredibly long lasting, cheek stains can be difficult to blend and should be avoided on those with acne, discoloration, flakiness or uneven skin texture as they have a tendency to accentuate flaws. Try: Benefit Cheek Tint
- Not great for beginners
- Better suited to oilier skin types
- Best applied with the fingertips
- Ideal for use on bare skin or before foundation
- Can tend to accentuate flaws on the skin such as acne, scars and flakiness
- Can be difficult to blend and can often look patchy
- Excellent staying power
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*This post contains a product/sample which was sent to me for editorial consideration (products are marked with *) in accordance with my disclosure policy, this does not alter the honesty of this post or this blog, all opinions stated are honest and my own.