The 8 Best Cream Blushes for Every Skin Type and Tone

Most agree that a quick sweep of the pink stuff gives you an irresistible, healthy-looking flush. Even the bronzer devotees agree there’s nothing quite like blusher to perk up the complexion. But with so many to choose from, how do you decide what gives you that inner glow and how to put on cream blush?

While powder has long been a fan favourite, many brands are battling it out for the title of ‘Best Cream Blush’. Applied with a light touch (to avoid the clown look), cream can help keep your skin moisturised and fresh. But what skin type is cream blush best suited to?

We’ve got all the need-to-know information to keep your cheeks looking pretty with a splash of pink.

What is a cream blush?

When applied correctly, cream blushers can give you a dewy, natural finish. They can be easy to blend and suit every skin type. But the question remains, Is a cream blush better than powder blush?

That rosy glow has been desirable for decades. There’s even evidence that the Egyptians used to grind ochre and apply it to their cheeks to get the flushed look! A cream blusher is more pigmented than a powder formula, which makes the former ideal for darker skin. So, what really is the difference between cream blush and powder blush?

A light dusting of powder can rub off quickly and isn’t always noticeable for long. And what is the best blush for dry skin? Cream blushers are great for dry skin types, whereas powder can be good for oily skin. That’s not a hard-and-fast rule though; it’s good to experiment with both. The top tip with both formulas is to make sure you blend, blend, blend! No one wants to look like they’ve just run a marathon.

Is cream or powder blush better for ageing skin?

Mature women often complain that blush can make them look dated and old. Sure, powder blushes can accentuate wrinkles and make dry skin look more dehydrated … but cream blush does the opposite. A cream blush is easy to blend, easy to manage, and yields a dewy rather than drying effect. And does cream blush last longer than powder? It can, especially if you follow it up with a setting spray.

What colour blush should I wear? Which tone suits my skin tone?

There’s a blush for every complexion. If you’re fair with red undertones, a cool pink colour will keep skin looking fresh. If you’re fair with dark hair and features, a peach cream blush shade will liven up your look. If you have fair-to-medium skin with brown hair, then you’ll suit nearly every shade, you lucky thing! Try a red cream blush for a popping finish.

If you have red hair and fair-to-medium skin, you could plump for pinks and peaches, but nothing too coral. A light dab of pink is the best cream blush for fair skin. Those with golden hair and medium skin suit peachy-pinks best. And olive-skinned beauties should wear blushes with red undertones. Lovelies with a beige undertone suit a touch of rosy cream blush; it’s the best cream blush for Asian skin. And the best cream blush for dark skin and those with golden undertones? Peaches will look superpretty.

Those with a darker complexion will really see the benefit of using a cream blush, and as for the shade, choose whatever you fancy!

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lip & Cheeks is a bestseller for several reasons. It’s made without sulphates, and it has a mirrored flip top for on-the-go application. Apply the rouge to the apples of your cheeks for a just-flushed finish. Plus, it’s a great cream blush for sensitive skin.

And if you’re wondering how to use a cream blush stick, simply dab Jane Iredale In Touch Cream Blush onto the tops of your cheeks and blend with a brush or your fingertips.

Dab any colour from the vegan and cruelty-free RCMA Makeup Cream Blush Palette onto your cheeks for a highly pigmented, skin-like finish. It’s a supereasy cream blush application process. Make sure you prime the skin with a hydrating moisturiser, and blend the blush into your skin with a clean brush.

And it’s not just limited to use on the cheeks! elf Beautifully Bare Blush can be applied to the lips or eyes for a soft, subtle glow.

Wear Giorgio Armani Neo Nude A-Blush on no-makeup makeup day to pep the skin up. Blend colour up towards the temples to help shape the face and showcase your pretty eyes.

Packaged in a convenient refill pan, MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Blush will slot into any MAKE UP FOR EVER case, so you can customise your very own palette.

Smith & Cult FLASH FLUSH CREAM Velvet Blush is foolproof to apply, making it the ideal choice for those who aren’t used to wearing blush. Simply dab the bouncy texture onto your skin and blend out to finish. This is the best powder-like blush for dry skin that can't do straight powder.

Artificial fragrance-free and sulphate-free Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm is kind to skin and suitable for most skin types. It’s also a great dewy cream blush.

So, whatever your skin tone and skin type, there’s a cream blush for you to try. Just remember to find a shade that suits you and apply with a light touch using a cream blush brush or your fingers.

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So, let's recap the 8 Best Cream Blush for Every Skin Type and Tone

1. Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lip & Cheeks

2. Jane Iredale In Touch Cream Blush

3. RCMA Makeup Cream Blush Palette

4. elf Beautifully Bare Blush

5. Giorgio Armani Neo Nude A-Blush

6. MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Blush

7. Smith & Cult FLASH FLUSH CREAM Velvet Blush

8. Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.

This article has been updated on 15/02 to replace discontinued products with our recent product recommendations. Brooklyn from our Customer Service team has helped to bring you our most recommended products and up-to-date information.