One should never underestimate the power of a good blush. And if you ask us, cream blushes don’t get as nearly as much praise as they deserve.
Cream blushes blend seamlessly to provide a sheer wash of colour with a hydrated, luminous finish that’s hard to beat. Even better, most achieve said radiance without an ounce of glitter or shimmer, so they won’t accentuate lines or pores.
How to apply cream blush
Whether they come in stick form or a pot, cream blushes can be applied with fingers or a brush; the choice is yours. However, if you are more of a brush person, we recommend a stippling brush for the best control and blend (we like the Models Prefer Stippling Brush, $19.99 at Priceline).
Start off slow and with very little product, until you become familiar with the depth of pigment. The good thing about cream blushes is they also layer really well, so you can always add more.
How to choose a cream blush
Just like powder blushes, cream blushes come in a wide range of shades. Use our guide to find the right blush colour for your skin tone or utilise makeup artist Nikki DeRoest’s tip to find a neutral blush that works for everyone.
Also consider the finish of your cream blush; some will remain dewy on the skin (the same as when you apply it), while others dry down to a satin finish.
The best cream blushes in Australia
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge
Another great thing about cream blush? It can double as a lip colour. Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge is highly pigmented so a little goes a long way, and the shade ‘Powder Pink’ is universally flattering.
$55 at bobbibrown.com.au
Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm
The Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm is so easy to use, you could apply it with your eyes closed. The crayon slides across skin smoothly and blends like a breeze for a dewy, low-maintenance look. Our members love it too, giving it a 4.5 star rating from 16 reviews.
$46 at Myer
ulta3 Blush Sculpt Stick
For a more affordable cream blush stick, the ulta3 one can’t be beat. For under $10, you can achieve a natural-looking flush with a touch of shimmer to up the dewiness factor. Delightful.
$9.95 at ulta3.com.au
jane iredale Glow Time™ Blush Stick
If you really love a wet-look cheek with plenty of sheen, the jane iredale Glow Time™ Blush Stick is a winner. It’s formulated with jojoba oil for a hydrated finish, with golden hints of shimmer that’ll really make your skin glow.
$72 at janeiredale.com.au
Stila Convertible Colour
The Stila Covertible Colour is one of our editor’s all-time favourites. It’s incredibly creamy for an easy blend and has no hint of shimmer or glitter in it (so the hydrated finish looks oh so natural). Plus, a little goes a long way so the pan lasts for yonks.
$37 at MECCA
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Blush Stick
If your skin is easily congested or irritated (making the idea of cream products daunting), this luxe buy is non-comedogenic and has been dermatologically tested. Yep, even sensitive skin types will get along with this highly pigmented stick.
$56 at Myer
*This article has been updated since its original publication.
Do you like using cream blush? Have you tried any of the ones we recommend?
Loooooove cream blush!
Love Nars liquid blush in colour orgasm and runway room cream blush also
Ooo the name is cheeky!
I want to try wearing more cream blush
I prefer a powder blush, but I would give some of these newer blushes a try
I do like cream blush and love the colour of the Stila cream blush above.
I’ve always felt too unsure about using a cream blush. I love the colours so might have to give it a go.
I do like a good blush
I love cream blushes and I have had some which were great then bang they go off the market. I am using a Revlon one at the moment and it has a highlighter attached to it also and loving it so much so please Revlon DO NOT TAKE IT OFF THE MARKET!!
I hope they don’t Jatz! I’d like to check that out for myself next time I’m in the shops!
Love the looks of the colour of the Chubby Sticks one in the top photo! Beautiful!!
I’ve not tried a cream blush before. I’m not very good at blush. I struggle to get an even application on both cheeks.
Yes I am the same however perhaps the cream blush would be easier especially if a really light shade to start with
I’ve only ever used powder, now I’m tempted to try a cream.
Have never tried a cream one, only powder ones.
I love these colours. I haven’t been brave enough to purchase one (yet).
No mention of the NARS cream blush? Nothing beats it!
I haven’t got that one but I do have a dupe for it – from the iherb website some time ago
I don’t use any kind of blush .
I have quite a few of the Chubby Stick’s and the Stila one which is quite creamy and gives your skin a nice colour. I do love a good cream blush and it can also be used on eyes and lips, which gives you more bang for your buck.
Good tips!
I prefer powder blush but these do look very nice.
I’ve never really tried a cream blush, but have always wanted too. Shopping I must go! Some of these look really good.
They are lovely to use. Smooth and a bit similar to lipstick
I own a couple of stila cream blushes and they are so good, super pigmented too so I only need to use a little bit
Want to try them all!
Love me a good cream blush! Still going through some cream blush samples since I rarely wear makeup, but I’m excited to try some more.
I prefer a powder blush but I do own a few cream blushes.
I’m using Maybelline Master Glaze, but I think it’s been discontinued.
Will have to buy a Cream Blush love the colours of the Cream Blushes above. They look absolutely divine.
I prefer a cream blush but I also use a powder blush occasionally.
These all look so lovely, I would like to buy and try them all.
I have not tried any of these.
I always use a stick blush, they’re so good.
they look divine
I use concealer instead of blush
I do love a cream blush!
Would love to try the Bobbi Brown or the Lancome. They both look gorgeous. When I want to use a little bit to create a dewy rosy look I use the Vaseline rosy tint lip balm for my cheeks. This is my go to.
I didn’t know you could buy blush in a stick.. I’m so behind the times..
I haven’t tried a cream blush before, but i wouldn’t mind trying it, they look lovely
I also adore cream blushes! They’re just so easy and lovely to use, and also don’t dry or highlight any dry patches.
I love a good cream blush, so cute on.
Blush is perfect for making you look healthy & glowing – with minimal effort.
they look so scrumptious! I’d love to try the Clinique chubby stick one the most I think! But bobbi brown looks soooo good too
I’ve always used powder blush but I like the look of Bobbi Browns pot rouge.
I feel like the stick applicator is much easier to use than a pot… not as messy.
Good to know. Might be worth a try.
I’m using a powder blush at the moment but I really prefer cream blushes, when it’s used up I’ll go back to a cream.
I am definitely a powder blush person, not a cream.
I’ve been dying to buy a cream blush because I’m so sick of the powders sitting strangely on my foundation – the Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm has caught my eye!
I really want to try Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s cream blushes.
I also love the Nudestix blushes
I love all of the blushes in this article.
They all look so nice in that top photo – the chubby stick really grabs my attention!
Cream blushes work best for my skin and help keep the youthful look
Love the colours in the top photo!
I love the Clinique Chubby Stick blusher. So easy to use – just dab on and then blend with fingers.