
Still using powdered blush? Well, recently, you might have noticed lots of people raving about cream and liquid blushes because they create a more dewy, natural look, and last longer. If you want to give this new trend a try, these are the cream and liquid blushes we recommend.
It’s not that there’s anything wrong with powdered blush. It gets the job done, and, in some cases, very well. However, a cream or liquid blush tends to look a bit more modern. They’re also easier to apply and blend. So if you’re ready to ditch the powder, these are the cream and liquid blushes we recommend.
Best Overall: Glossier Cloud Paint
Best Budget: e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi-Stick
Best Splurge: Cle de Peau Beauté Cream Blush
Best for On the Go: Bite Beauty Daycation Whipped Cream Blush
Best Cream-to-Powder: Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick
Most Natural-Looking: Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Blush
Best All-in-One: Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Color
Best Clean Formula: Lilah B. Divine Duo Lip & Cheek
Best Pigment: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Best Balm: Merit Beauty Flush
Best Overall: Glossier Cloud Paint

There’s been a lot of hype about Glossier Cloud Paint for a while, but trust us, it’s warranted! Quite simply, it’s our favorite cream blush on the planet, and many would agree. The colors look intimidating at first, but they’re surprisingly sheer and ultra-blendable, so they’re easy to build up or tone down, depending on the look you’re going for.
The super-smooth, gel-cream formula is so light, it doesn’t even feel like there’s anything on your skin. It leaves behind a dewy, natural color, that has special blurring pigments to soften your skin and actually make it look better, rather than just flushed.
It’s also super easy to apply and a little goes a long way (we use ours often and have had it for years). Cloud Paint is an excellent product at a good price point, so it’s definitely one to try, even if you’ve never used cream blush before.
Best Budget: e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi-Stick

If you don’t want to spend a lot, especially on a product you’re unsure you’ll like, there’s the e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi-Stick. For around $4, you can get this shimmery, super-blendable cream-to-powder formula in a stick that makes it incredibly easy to swipe on.
This isn’t just blush, either—you can also use it as eyeshadow or lipstick. The colors are subtle with just a bit of a pretty shimmer. Because it’s a cream-to-powder formula, it also dries quickly and lasts for hours. The small size makes the Multi-Stick ideal for taking on the go for touch-ups.
Best Splurge: Cle de Peau Beauté Cream Blush

While it’s not the most inexpensive option out there, Cle de Peau Beauté’s Cream Blush is a true buildable and blendable cream, with a sheer radiant finish that looks just natural enough.
It’s also super creamy without ever feeling sticky or tacky. Your skin will actually feel soft after you apply it. It also has the added bonus of the subtle signature scent of the brand. Reviewers love the long-lasting color and natural flushed look it provides.
Best for On the Go: Bite Beauty Daycation Whipped Cream Blush

Bite Beauty recently launched its Daycation Whipped Cream Blush, and it’s definitely a great addition to the line. In a uniquely shaped applicator, this blush is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and perfect for throwing in your bag or purse.
The clean, vegan formula is lightweight, and easy to build on and blend. Papaya extract makes it smooth and hydrating, without ever looking or feeling cakey. Some of the colors are so beautiful, you’ll want to use them as eye shadows, as well.
Best Cream-to-Powder: Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick

The beautifully packaged Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick makes a gorgeous addition to your makeup bag. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, though, it also works incredibly well. The cream-to-powder formula goes on smooth and creamy, and then dries to more of a powder finish. So, it’s really the best of both worlds!
The stick also makes it really easy to apply. Plus, it’s made with antioxidants and emollients that keep your skin hydrated and nourished, so it’ll never look dry or cakey.
Most Natural-Looking: Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Blush

Saie Dew Liquid Blush is made of a lovely water-based gel cream that feels hydrating and lightweight. It’s also incredibly blendable—a small swipe with the brush goes a long way. The shades it comes in are so natural-looking, the touch of color they provide is just subtle enough.
Like all Saie products, this is a clean formula, so you can feel good about wearing it. Mul- and elderberry brighten the skin, while evening primrose moisturizes and soothes. All of the colors are beautiful and one tube will last you a long time.
Best All-in-One: Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Color

The Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Color comes in a wide variety of neutrals, and can be used as blush, bronzer, eyes shadow, or even a lipstick. The creamy, easy-to-apply colors are natural-looking, buildable, and super versatile.
It’s also non-drying and weather-resistant, so it lasts forever without feeling icky, no matter where you apply it. Nudestix also make application convenient. The brush on the other end means you can easily apply and blend on the go—it even comes with a little tin that has a mirror in it.
Best Clean Formula: Lilah B. Divine Duo Lip & Cheek

If you’re looking for the best clean formula, Lilah B.’s Divine Duo Lip & Cheek is an excellent choice. Made with nontoxic ingredients, it’s long-wearing and beautiful. We love the small white compact because you just swivel the top to open it, so you never have to worry about losing the lid.
The colors also add a bit of shimmer, so it’s almost a blush and highlighter in one. The natural matte finish still manages to look radiant, but feels smooth. You’ll want to use this one on your lips, as well.
Best Pigment: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

If you want a liquid blush that packs a punch, try Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch. It comes in a variety of shades, and some are matte, while others offer a radiant finish. The pigmentation is impressive.
This is really a true liquid formula, so it’s buildable, lightweight, and really easy to blend for a more flushed look. The colors are intense (you’ll only need a tiny bit) and long-lasting.
Reviewers note that this adds a big burst of color with a great payoff and beautiful finish. Just remember, though, a dab will do, so one tube should last you a long time.
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush Joy 0.25 oz/ 7.5 mL
A weightless, long-lasting liquid blush that blends and builds beautifully for a soft, healthy flush. Available in matte and dewy finishes.Ingredient Callouts: Free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate,...
Best Balm: Merit Beauty Flush

For something less intense and more, “I woke up like this,” try Merit Beauty’s Flush Balm. Unlike some of the other options, this is very clearly a balm instead of a cream. That means it’s a lot subtler and natural-looking.
That also means it’s super-lightweight, easy to apply, and hydrating. We love how just a swipe of this blends easily, adds just a touch of color, and leaves your skin looking dewy and fresh. It has a light, balmy finish, and comes in a small applicator for easy use on the go.
The Best Makeup Products | ||
For the Face | Foundation | Moisturizing Foundation | Lightweight Foundation | Products with SPF | Blush | Bronzer | Concealer | Contouring Palettes | Setting Powder | |
For the Eyes | Lash Extension Mascara | Volumizing Mascara | Waterproof Mascara | False Eyelashes | Eyelash Growth Serum | Eyeliner | Liquid Eye Shadow | Eye Shadow Sticks | Eyebrow Pencils | Brow Styling Wax | |
For the Lips | Oils | Lip Balm | Glosses | Lipstick | Red Lipstick | Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone |