No makeup routine is complete without some blush. Regardless of the look you try out, the addition of some rouge to the face is always an excellent touch. The real question is what kind of blush should you use?
It is an internal debate that every blush connoisseur has with themselves: cream blush or powder blush? Both kinds of blush can certainly provide you with a fabulous pop of color, but it is important to weigh your options and really understand the pros and cons of both types of blush so that you can have a reliable product every time.
Cream blushes are a more recent favorite in the beauty community. With light ingredients that lead to a smooth finish on the skin, cream blush is always a great choice. Powder blush is classic and lends itself to providing natural finishes.
Both powder and cream blush have their benefits and downfalls. Keep reading to learn all about the pros and cons of both kinds of blushes.
Both types of blushes have their pros and cons, and cream blush especially has many benefits that make it worth considering!
Depending on certain factors like your skin type, the kind of look you want to achieve, and your application technique preferences, you might quickly find that cream blush is the best product for you!
One of the best aspects of cream blush is how easy it is on dry skin. Anyone with dry skin knows how challenging it can be to find beauty products that are both good for your skin and deliver amazing results for your look. Cream blush is a great solution for this conundrum.
Cream blush, especially the Whipped Dream blush from Kaja, uses ingredients that have hydrating properties and moisturize the skin. This is really ideal for dry skin because the blush will feel light and airy on your face, instead of feeling caked on or heavy like other kinds of beauty products.
Whipped Dream is an especially good cream blush to consider adding to your makeup collection. Because it is a k-beauty product and uses ingredients that aim to create glass skin — a phenomenon out of South Korea where beauty and skincare products use clean, hydrating ingredients to create clean, translucent skin — for consumers, Whipped Dream especially caters to dry skin, but can benefit all other skin types as well!
Dry skin is not a prerequisite for using cream blushes, but if you do identify with having dry skin, you will find that cream blush is especially suitable for your skin type, which is a huge pro.
Of course, having your makeup look good is a priority, but the way it feels on your skin should also be of high concern. No one wants to wear beauty products that feel heavy and cakey on the skin; it feels itchy, uncomfortable, and tends to clog your pores.
Cream blush takes these concerns into consideration, and actively combats cakey, thick makeup products. Cream blushes, especially Whipped Dream and the Cutie Bento blushes from Kaja, use ingredients that are clean and hydrating for the skin, and therefore feel better on the skin.
Instead of feeling thick on your cheeks, cream blushes glide on seamlessly and feel light and airy, almost like a second skin.
Because cream blushes are more liquidy, they simply have a lighter feel than other forms of makeup and can be used sparingly, so you won’t need to cake anything on thick.
Nothing in life can be perfect, and although cream blush comes close, there are factors that might turn some individuals off.
We already stated that cream blush is more hydrating and liquid-based, which also means that you need to apply with caution so as to not overdo your look. Unlike powder blush, cream blush naturally appears bolder on the face because it is thicker and creamy, so where you might be able to apply powder blush more liberally and play around with your application techniques, you will want to be more meticulous with cream blush application.
If you are someone who enjoys having bright cheeks and bold makeup looks, then cream blush might actually be to your advantage; but, if you want to just add a hint of color to your cheeks and prefer to opt for a more natural look, you will need to be delicate when you apply cream blush.
A helpful tip to ensure that you don’t end up with cheeks that look like you spent too much time in the sun, is to apply your concealer and foundation beforehand, and then your cream blush will blend much more evenly and smoothly.
Do not let this scare you from giving cream blush a try, however. All makeup requires a bit of trial and error, and so long as you are gentle and careful with your application, you might decide that cream blush is right for you after all!
Powder blush is an iconic product in the beauty industry, and for good reason. Much like cream blush, powder-based blushes can be extremely effective depending on your skin type and what kind of look you want to achieve and can be easily applied. Keep reading to learn more in-depth about the pros of powder blush.
Unlike cream blush, powder blush is obviously not liquid-based, so it does not glide on the skin in the same manner. Powder blush, however, may be a great option for people with naturally oily skin.
The last thing individuals with oily skin need are more liquid and moisture on the face; which is why powder blush is such a positive force. The skin can absorb the powder easily and is more conducive to a clear, smooth finish.
That isn’t to say cream blush is completely out of the question for you if you have oily skin, but frankly, powder blush will be easier on your skin than a cream-based product.
What matters most is that your skin feels good and that you are happy with your final look, and people with oily skin will find that powder blush (and powder-based beauty products in general) will agree with their skin and look clean and smooth on your face.
There is nothing more frustrating than applying makeup and having it fade and smudge before the day is done. Powder blush is an excellent product to use, in that it is very long-lasting.
Because of the formula of powder blush, it really leaves a vibrant pop on the skin first when you apply, and you will find that your cheeks still glow at the end of the day. Powder blush is a thicker formula, so it has a stronghold throughout the day.
Liquid-based formulas can have a long-lasting effect, but it is a trademark of powder blush. Whether you want a subtle look or a bold flush on your cheeks, your blush will still look fabulous hours after the initial application.
Powder blush is a wonderful tool to give your face a hint of color, or even a bold, dark pop. Nevertheless, the powder-based product does have its shortcomings.
Powder blush is easy to apply and lasts all day, but the powdery consistency makes it difficult to do more experimental makeup applications. Of course, it is simple to apply it with just a brush or a puff, but if you want to play with contour or the trendy blushed nose technique, it will take more effort to achieve those looks with just a powder blush.
While cream blushes are easier to maneuver and shape for more sharp, structured looks, powder blush will require more careful, meticulous application techniques to achieve those desired looks, outside of just a flushed cheek.
Powder blush and cream blush both have their pros and cons, and many of those are dependent on your personal preferences. Not everyone has the same skin type, so not every kind of blush is the best for your needs, and that is okay!
Understanding which kind of blush will work for your skin type and the kind of look you want to achieve will make the blush search process much easier.
Whether you choose to go the powder or cream blush route is your decision, your cheeks are guaranteed to look perfectly flushed.
Sources:
How to Get Glass Skin | Healthline
How to Apply Cream Blush for a Natural-Looking Glow | Oprah Daily
The Beauty Bitch: I Love the Look of Cream Blush—But Can My Oily, Acne-Prone Skin Handle It? | Obsessed Magazine
Yes – you can apply powder blush on top of a cream foundation. Cream, liquid and powder products can all work in harmony to create a gorgeous makeup look. I always suggest applying cream and liquid products first as they are more emollient, then using powder products second to help set and finish your look.
Tilbury Tip: Try pairing your perfect shade of Hollywood Flawless Filter with your favourite Cheek to Chic powder blush with my Dewy, Pretty Blushed Cheeks Kit.
I recommend applying powder underneath powder blush to help set your foundation and concealer into place before adding warmth to the complexion. A light veil of setting powder helps to create a smoother-looking surface for your powder blush to swirl onto, helping you to get a seamless blend from your blush. Once you’ve applied your base makeup, add a small amount of Airbrush Flawless Finish pressed powder with the Powder & Sculpt Brush to set and perfect the look of your makeup before building up your blush.
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The most likely reasons that powder blushes might look patchy on the skin include applying blush onto skin that is dry or dehydrated; applying powder blush onto damp skin; applying too much blush; and not spending enough time blending. To help your powder blush to look seamless on the skin, follow these steps:
Choose hydrating products that help to target dryness and dehydration in the skin. Applying a deeply hydrating moisturiser, primer and foundation will help to create a smooth canvas for your powder blush to apply onto, allowing you to create a more skin-like finish that doesn’t look patchy or splotchy.
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Before applying powder blush onto the skin, make sure that it doesn’t feel damp to the touch. Applying powder products onto moist skin can lead to caking and creasing; to prevent this, lightly set your foundation and concealer with pressed powder before applying your powder blush or use a handheld fan to gently waft skin dry.
When you apply too much powder blush, it can become difficult to blend which can result in a patchy finish. Instead of adding lots of blush at once, take a buildable approach to your blush and tap it on little by little to gradually build up flattering, even-looking pigmentation – don’t forget to blend as you go!
Darlings, the art of blending is the key to a smooth-looking makeup application; when you don’t blend your powder blush sufficiently, it can look patchy on the cheeks, so be sure to spend a little bit of extra time blending to get the flawless blush application you’re looking for. Use a domed, fluffy brush to lightly blend out your powder blush, and if the patchiness persists, take a smaller, fluffy brush and use circular motions to buff away and harsh lines.
If your blush has gotten away from you and you’ve applied more than you want, you can remove excess blush with your pressed powder. I wouldn’t recommend using a makeup remover to fix blush mistakes as this will disturb the makeup underneath; instead, apply pressed powder onto a dense powder brush and lightly press it into any areas that you want your blush to disappear from. This will help to lighten the pigment of your blush while blurring the look of the area.
Powder blush is generally satin or matte in finish, but you can customise your look to create a dewy-looking finish using your cream blush and setting spray. By applying a powder blush over the top of a cream blush, your look will have the dewy properties of a cream and the smoothness of a powder. Then, spritz setting spray or face mist over your cheeks to give them a fresh-looking finish that makes them appear dewy and glowing.
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Yes – powder blush is a gorgeous blush option for mature skin. While mature skin types can make liquid and cream blushes work for them, powder blush is sometimes favoured for its smoothing and blurring properties. Liquids and creams can be prone to creasing which can be problematic for mature skin with fine lines and wrinkles; by reaching for a powder blush, you can give your mature skin a youthful-looking glow that’s easy to build from a subtle flush to a more pigmented pop depending on your mood.
Yes – you can apply powder blush without a brush, however, I suggest reaching for a domed, fluffy brush as this will allow you to effortlessly buff and blend for the most seamless finish.
Yes – you can apply powder blush onto bare skin to give the complexion a healthy-looking glow without foundation. When applying powder blush onto a bare face, make sure your skin is well prepped by applying a hydrating moisturiser and primer combination. Once your skin feels smooth and supple and your skincare products no longer feel damp or tacky, apply a light coating of powder blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend well to create natural-looking rosy cheeks.