Are you team cream blush, team powder blush, or do you love to mix and match? Blush can be a crucial step in any makeup routine, designed to give you a gorgeous, lit-from-within glow with a healthy flush of color. However, too much blush, insufficient blending, or a formula that doesn’t suit your skin can lead to makeup mishaps. Whether you prefer bright, neutral, or just a hint of color, this guide will help you discover the best blush for your needs, along with new application tricks and techniques.

Texture: Cream vs. Powder

How do you decide between cream and powder blush? The simplest answer is that it comes down to personal preference. Cream blushes offer a richer, more conditioning texture, making them ideal for those with drier complexions. Cream blushes add dewiness and radiance to dull skin, offering great staying power and minimizing the appearance of dry patches or imperfections. Infused with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and candelilla wax, cream blushes nourish your skin while providing a perfect flush.

Powder blushes, especially matte powders, are excellent for those with oily skin, large pores, or acne-prone skin, or if you prefer a more subtle glow. You can also mix and match by using a cream base with a powder top, depending on the look you want to achieve.

Anna De La Cruz, Glo’s Master Aesthetician, shares, “I’m such a fan of blush, I use both cream and powder. I love the velvety, lightweight texture of a cream because it provides such a natural-looking flush of color when done right. Glo’s cream blushes contain kaolin clay, which is super balancing, helping the color anchor to cheeks and last longer than powder alone.”

Steph Scalet, Glo’s Global Aesthetics Educator, adds, “Powder blush on the other hand is just so easy to use. It’s much more buildable, so you can create different effects with just one blush. Glo’s powder blushes are so finely milled they have a silk-like powder effect, and many of them feature a soft shimmer, so you can create that radiant flush with just your powder.”

All Glo blushes, both cream and powder, are mineral based, making them suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin. They are infused with caring ingredients including antioxidants vitamins C and E, and green tea, along with kaolin clay. They are also talc-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free.

Application Techniques

“Cream blushes can look more color-intense in the packaging than powders, which can be intimidating for some,” Anna notes. “But don’t be put off; the trick to adjusting the intensity levels is all in the application. Use a light touch with both cream and powder, then build from there. Always apply your blush in daylight to ensure you can see properly and don’t overdo it and blend it out effectively.”

Cream Blush Sticks are versatile and can be applied with your fingers or face brushes. Depending on where you want to wear your blush—on apples, along the cheekbone, or under the cheekbone—pat the blush into position with a light touch, then use a damp sponge to buff and blend outwards. Anna suggests adding a hint of C-Shield Anti-Pollution Moisture Tint SPF 30+ to the sponge for a more flawless blended effect.

Steph adds, “My favorite way to use Glo’s Cream Blush Sticks is to mix-and-match the shades for the Super Blush or Sunset Blush trends. I also love that it’s designed for cheeks, lips, and lids so I will apply my favorite shade to the apples of my cheeks, eyelids, and lips for a monochrome effect.”

“When it comes to applying powder blush, it’s good to add a primer first to help boost the powder blush’s staying power,” Anna says. “Pick your favorite Solution Primer, whether that’s Hydrating Primer, Illuminating Primer, Mattifying Primer, or Blurring Primer. It’s important to get the right brush too, so you stay precise. You could even have two brushes, one to apply, and then one to blend. For this, our Powder Blush Brush or a super-soft, dual-fiber brush are perfect to just add a soft kiss of color to the skin.”

Steph shares, “A look I’m loving at the moment is to apply a powder blush on my temples, for a subtle pop of color. I’m seeing this look all over social media, and it’s such a cute way to add some definition to cheekbones too.”

Blush Pairings

Crafted to be used solo or layered, Anna’s favorite Cream Blush Stick to wear on its own is Hush, a mid-tone mauve that looks amazing from every angle and appears like a natural flush. The Powder Blush in Melody is a best seller because this mid-toned rose is a soft matte formula that’s so chic.

Personalize your look further by mixing up your blush effects with these perfect pairings:

• Pink Coral: Pair Cream Blush Stick in Fling—a cool vibrant pink—with Powder Blush in Papaya for an incredible pink coral effect.
• Sunset Serenade: Combine Cream Blush Stick in Spark—a baked terracotta—with Powder Blush in Spice Berry for a little extra heat.
• Rosé Rendezvous: Start with Cream Blush Stick in Bliss—a beautiful berry rose—then lightly tap on Powder Blush in Sheer Petal for a delicate blush effect.
• Getaway Glow: Pair Cream Blush Stick in Desire—a rich chocolate brown—with Powder Blush in Soleil, starting with Desire for light sculpting and depth, then topping off with Soleil, a bronze-coral shimmer for added dimension.

Finish your look with a pop of highlighting balm for a sheer, dewy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Powder or Cream Blush Last Longer?

Powder blushes typically last longer than cream blushes. Their texture and formulation allow them to maintain a good flush from morning into the night. Cream blushes, being heavier and more richly pigmented, may fade faster and require touch-ups. To enhance staying power, apply cream blush, let it sit, then dust with setting powder. You can also add a layer of powder blush for a customized look that lasts all day and night.

Can Oily Skin Types Wear Cream Blush?

Powder blushes are more compatible with oily skin due to their mattifying and oil-absorbing properties. However, if you prefer cream blush, go for it and layer a setting powder or mattifying powder on top to reduce shine. If you prefer powder blush but want a similar effect to cream blush, try layering it with a little Barrier Balm on top for a glossed effect.

Does Cream Blush Clog Pores?

Cream blushes are heavier than powder blushes, and like any product containing oil, they may lead to breakouts or clogged pores. To avoid this, choose non-comedogenic cream blushes and check for comedogenic oils like coconut, flaxseed, or palm. Regularly clean your makeup brushes to prevent the spread of acne-causing bacteria and ensure careful cleansing at the end of the day. Double cleansing is recommended: first to remove makeup, debris, and excess oils, then a second cleanse for a deeper clean.

Conclusion

Choosing between cream and powder blush depends on your skin type, desired look, and personal preferences. Both formulas offer unique benefits, from the dewy radiance of cream blush to the subtle glow of powder blush. Experiment with different textures, application techniques, and pairings to discover your perfect blush routine and achieve a flawless, radiant complexion.