How to apply cream and liquid blush

Blush might be the most underrated item in your makeup bag. When you swipe it on — whether as a cream, liquid or powder — your complexion instantly brightens. The cheekbones pop, and that flush of color is everything.

With so many formulas out there, it’s important to choose a blush that works best with your face and the other products you use. Powder blushes used to be the go-to. But liquid and cream blushes are gaining popularity and with good reason. Their higher pigmentation, easier application and long-lasting wear are game changers.

Blush-heavy beauty trends are all the rage on TikTok right now. So, what better time to learn about liquid and cream blushes, a new essential in achieving bright, colorful looks?

In this article:

• What is the difference between cream and liquid blush?
• How to apply blush?
• Where to apply blush?
• What color blush should I wear?
• Best drugstore cream blush
• Best drugstore liquid blush

What is the difference between cream and liquid blush?

A good first step would be to learn how these blush products differ. “It’s largely about the consistency and finish,” says Nydia Figueroa, ¹a New Jersey based celebrity makeup artist. “Liquid blush is usually lighter in coverage, while cream is more opaque and of a thicker consistency.” Both can work with all skin types depending on the formula.

“Some products dry down to a matte finish, which is ideal for oily skin, and some have an illuminating finish that adds a stunning glow to dry skin. Personally, I prefer liquid blush on oily skin and cream on dry skin textures,” Figueroa adds.

And each blush type has a different look on skin depending on its chemical makeup. “Cream blush offers a natural, flushed finish to the skin and is flexible when applying,” explains Andrea Santiago, ²a Los Angeles-based makeup pro. “Liquid blush has high-impact pigment, dries down quickly and is long wear.”

She explains that cream blush has more slip to its formula, making it great for dry or mature skin, while liquid blush sets at a velvety finish. Liquid blush typically has more pigmentation, so choose that one if you’re going for a more intense look.

How to apply cream or liquid blush?

To get the most bang for your blush, it’s a crucial first step to know how to apply it. It’s a good idea to prepare your face with a moisturizer and/or a primer to ensure a smooth, even canvas. That can help your makeup last. Then apply foundation before your blush of choice.

But Figueroa notes you can mix the order up for a different look. “Add liquid or cream blush under the foundation so the color looks like it’s coming from within,” she says.

When it comes to the blush application itself, you can use either your fingers or a blush brush. “Your ring finger, which is the weakest finger in your hand, will apply the blush the lightest.”

To nail the application, use the brush or your fingertips to increase pigmentation. “Begin to apply where you would like the most pigment,” Santiago says. “If starting at the center of the face, brush the color back towards the ear. If starting at the hairline, brush towards the nose, stopping at the arch of the brow or two fingertips from the nose.”

For maximum staying power, Santiago recommends layering your liquid or cream blush with a translucent powder or a powdered blush along with a few spritzes of setting spray. 

Where to apply cream or liquid blush?

Usually, blush is best applied on the apples of the cheeks — the area between your cheekbones and your nose, underneath your eye socket. “I love to apply blush high on the cheeks to lift the face,” Figueroa says. “You can also use the blush draping method, which pulls up the color to the temples, for an added lift.”

Pro tip: Optimal blush placement varies, depending on the shape of the face. Consider the following:

• For round face shapes, Santiago recommends applying blush higher on the cheekbone for that lifted appearance.
• For oval face shapes, apply blush to the apple of the cheek to accentuate the cheekbones.
• For heart face shapes, apply blush starting at the high point of the ear and blend out toward the nose, using the outer corner of the eye as a guide.
• For square face shapes, apply blush directly below the cheekbones to define them.     

What color blush should I wear?

Shade matching is based on your skin tone and undertone. “Not all blush colors may compliment, but you are sure to find a tone of that color that will work for you,” Figueroa says. “For example, if you are fair skinned, consider a light peach; if medium complexion, try apricot; and for darker complexions, you can use a brighter coral to pop and compliment.”

Santiago has a method that takes out the guesswork: Choose a color based on how you like to wear jewelry. “If you wear gold, go for a warmer blush,” she says. “If you wear silver, go for a cool-toned blush. If you wear both, experiment with both!”

Best drugstore cream blush

Cream blush newbies should look for an extra creamy formula because that makes it more blendable, hence it’s easier to apply. “My favorite drugstore cream blush is NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick Blush,” Santiago says. “This blush is buildable, pigmented, and layers beautifully with powder blushes. It offers a natural flushed finish to the skin and is flexible when applying.”

Figueroa’s go-to drugstore cream blush is Pixi On-the-Glow blush. “It is incredible for someone that is looking for an easy application and buildable coverage,” she says. “It has a skin tint formula that is hydrating and can be blended easily with your fingers for a pop of color.”

Another great option is the Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Blush — it’s lightweight, buildable and contains antioxidants (vitamins A, C and E) to hydrate and brighten. Or consider the moisturizing Burt's Bees Color Nurture Cream Blush with Vitamin E that’s super blendable on the skin.

Best drugstore liquid blush

“My favorite drugstore liquid blush is NYX Professional Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint,” Santiago says. “It's highly pigmented, easy to apply and sets down to a velvety finish.” The long-wear formula has a high color impact.

Figueroa opts for Milani Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush. “I love this formula because of the staying power and color range,” she says. “It’s a great multitasking staple because it melts into the skin while adding radiance. You can use your fingers or a brush, but I also love applying liquid and cream blushes with a sponge, which can sometimes give you more control over the absorption of the blush into your skin.”

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.