It's no surprise that cream blush continues to dominate beauty trends. With its soft, buildable texture and natural finish, cream blush delivers that effortless, just-saw-your-crush flush without too much effort. The versatility of cream blush makes it perfect for creating everything from a subtle tint to bold, rosy statements.
e.l.f. Discovery
How to Apply Cream Blush
The blush boom is real, and 2024 felt like a year where ultra flushed cheeks were everywhere. But with so many different types and textures of blushes out there, it can be hard to find the one that delivers that flushed look. This complete guide covers everything from choosing the perfect blush shade to mastering application techniques for a flawless finish. Whether you're a beauty newbie or a seasoned makeup lover, we'll show you how to achieve that lit-from-within glow using cream blush.
Why Choose Cream Blush
1. Prep & Prime Your Face
Want your cream blush to last all day and keep that natural pop of color? It all starts with a good face primer. It is essential for creating a smooth, hydrated base that helps your cream blush stay put. Whether you’re wearing foundation, a touch of concealer, or even just bare skin, a gripping primer is the secret to making your blush work its magic without fading or slipping away.
We recommend saving face powder as your last step in order to get a flawless, long-lasting flush. Applying cream blush works best on a fresh, dewy base.,You don’t want to apply face powder before cream blush as it can create unwanted texture. With primer, your cheeks stay perfectly prepped for that seamless, glowing application. It locks in your blush and keeps the color looking vibrant, whether you’re going for a subtle tint or a bold, rosy statement. Pro tip: a little goes a long way, so smooth it on and let your blush shine!
2. How to Choose a Blush Shade
Now that you’ve got your makeup base, finding the right cream blush shade is next on the flushed cheek checklist. Choosing the perfect blush shade can feel like a challenge, but the truth is, there’s no “right” answer—it’s all about personal preference! Whether you love a soft, natural flush or a bold pop of color, blush is your playground.
Cream blushes like our Putty Blush and Luminous Putty Blush make it easy to experiment and customize your look. With their buildable formulas, you can apply a little for a more subtle tint or layer it up for more vibrant color payoff. The original Putty Blush gives a gorgeous, natural finish that melts into your skin, while the Luminous Putty Blush adds a touch of radiant glow for a lit-from-within effect. Both are perfect for creating your ideal blush moment, whether you prefer a barely-there tint or full-on rosy cheeks.
3. Where Do I Apply My Blush?
Before you go in and create that just-pinched flush of color, finding out what sort of face shape you have is key! If you’re not sure what shape your face is (there are a handful!) head to our deep dive into applying blush based on your face shape.
Generally, though, to get that natural, flushed look, apply cream or stick blushes onto the apples of your cheeks and the bridge of your nose. If it is a sun-kissed look you’re after, apply your blush generously onto the bridge of your nose. If that viral “cold winter look” is the goal, make sure to add a hint of blush onto the tip of your nose!
To achieve the different looks, our blush collection includes:
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Putty Blush for a natural finish
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Luminous Putty Blush for added radiance
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Monochromatic Multi Stick for precise application
4. How to Apply Cream Blush
Applying cream blush is super simple and versatile—you can use a brush or your fingers, depending on your style. For a flawless application, try using the Putty Blush Brush. This tapered blush brush is perfect for picking up just the right amount of product and blending it seamlessly onto your skin. Simply dip the brush into the blush pot, dab onto your cheeks, and blend using soft, upward strokes for a natural, lifted look.
If you want a variety of ways to apply your blush, try the Putty Tools Trio, which features three different brushes to perfect your just-flushed cheeks. If you prefer a hands-on approach, your fingers work just as well! Warm the blush by rubbing your fingertip into the pot, then gently tap it onto your skin. The warmth of your fingers helps the product melt into your complexion, making blending a breeze.
Below are 6 steps to the best way to apply blush:
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Prime your face
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Apply your base makeup
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Warm the cream blush
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Apply to cheeks using Putty Blush Brush
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Blend in upward motions
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Set with powder or setting spray
5. Powder and Set Your Makeup
And for the grand finale—set your look for the ultimate finishing touch. After applying your cream blush, a little setting powder and a spritz of setting spray helps lock everything in place, giving you a fresh, dewy look that lasts. Not only does it keep your blush from fading, but it also blends your makeup seamlessly for a smooth, polished finish.
If you’re looking to take your color payoff to the next level, try layering a powder blush, like the Primer-Infused Matte Blush, on top of your cream blush before setting. This trick adds intensity and dimension while giving your look extra staying power. Once your blush is perfectly blended, finish with a light mist of setting spray to lock in all your hard work.
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• 5 Expert-Approved Places to Apply Bronzer for a Year-Round Glow
• What Does Makeup Primer Do and Why Do I Need It?
• Where to Apply Highlighter for a Natural Glow
• How to Use Our Holy Grail Halo Glow Collection for Glowing Skin