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The Best Cream Blushes for a Natural-Looking Flush

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As a big-time beauty junkie, I try a ton of products. Some are sent to me as PR gifting from brands, and some I purchase with my own money. But one thing you can count on is that I only recommend products when I love them. We are all too busy to waste time and money on mediocre beauty products. Cream makeup has taken the beauty world by storm over the last few years, and as I’ve gotten older and my skin has become drier, I’ve appreciated cream and liquid products even more.

In today’s post, I’m rounding up the best cream blushes to give your cheeks that youthful, radiant glow. I know we all prefer something a little different in terms of formulas: dewy finish, matte, non-toxic, etc, so this guide has you covered with the best pick for each major category.

Let’s jump in!

The Best Cream Blushes for a Natural-Looking Flush

Best Overall: Jones Road

My #1 pick for a cream blush is the Jones Road Miracle Balm. It has a sheer, buildable formula and skin-enhancing finish. While there are a handful of shades, the miracle balm is designed to flatter all skin tones and textures, making it a go-to for makeup artists and everyday users. While I use it almost exclusively as a blush, you can also apply it to your lips and eyelids or use it as bronzer if you opt for a darker skin tone shade. The formula feels light and nourishing, and it blends effortlessly with a large, fluffy brush. It doesn’t settle into lines and leaves my skin feeling (and looking) hydrated. I love shade Dusty Rose.

One note: I have pretty dry skin on the more mature side and find this blush amazing. My content manager is 27 and found it a bit too hydrating for her skin, so keep that in mind if you consider your skin more oily or combination.

Best Dewy Finish: Tarte Maracuja Juicy Blush

If you’re going for a dewy, radiant finish above all else, you’ll like the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Blush. The formula is a cushiony, liquid cream that melts into your skin. I find the pigment pretty buildable, and it layers well over the rest of my makeup routine. I also notice that it lasts a long time- almost all day, which I struggle to find in most cream blushes.

One thing to note is that, given the dewy finish, it almost feels a little sticky on the skin. So, I prefer this one only if my hair is pulled back, since my hair gets stuck in the blush for the first little bit until it settles into the skin. 

Best Matte Finish: Fenty Beauty Checks Out Freestyle Cream Blush

My nanny, Bree, has oily skin and absolutely loves the Fenty Beauty Checks Out Freestyle Cream Blush for its matte finish. It blends easily and gives a natural flush, but there’s no extra shine. Bree says that the formula is buildable (but lightweight) and there are a ton of shades.

One tip for getting the most wear out of your cream blush is to pair it with a powder blush on top.

Best Non-Toxic: ILIA Multi Stick

ILIA’s Multi Stick is a cult favorite among the clean beauty community for its easy-to-use stick format and blendable texture. It’s similar to the Westman Atelier cream blush, but the Ilia multi stick stays on much longer. It gives you just enough color to help you look and feel awake without looking heavy. It’s made with shea butter, avocado oil, and orange peel wax, which all help keep your skin healthy. One nice perk of this option is that you can use it while running out the door since it’s a stick. See the rest of my ILIA favorites here.

As a clean beauty fan myself, I have a ton of clean beauty recommendations.

Best Stick: Rhode Pocket Blush

Rhode’s Pocket Blush stick earns the award for best stick cream blush for its smooth texture, ease of application, and natural finish. It actually glides on your skin, and the formula looks incredibly natural. I appreciate that you can use your fingers or a brush to apply this and that it layers well over the rest of my makeup. And with the stick design, it’s great for on-the-go, hence the name “pocket” blush.

Honorable Mention: Beauty Pie Luxe Shine Blush Stick

If you like a radiant glow but don’t want a full-on dewy look, the Beauty Pie Luxe Shine Blush Stick is a great in-between. It’s creamy and super easy to blend—perfect for quick touch-ups or when you don’t have time to fuss with brushes. I also find this one stays on longer than Rhode.

Best Bold: Beauty Pie Supercheek Cream Blush

If you love a strong pop of color, the Beauty Pie Supercheek Cream Blush is a standout. The pigment payoff is impressive—you don’t need much to make a statement. Despite the bold hues, it’s surprisingly easy to blend, thanks to its creamy, lightweight texture that melts into the skin. It wears beautifully on its own or layered over foundation and adds a vibrant, healthy-looking flush to the cheeks. Shades like “French Raspberry” and “Fresh Faced” deliver vivid color that flatters a wide range of skin tones without looking harsh or overdone. It’s a great option if you want your blush to be the star of your makeup look.

Best for Beginners: MERIT Beauty Flush Balm

MERIT Flush Balm is ideal for beginners because of its sheer, buildable formula that’s nearly foolproof. It has a balmy texture that melts into the skin, providing a natural tint without looking overdone. I don’t find it super pigmented, which may be another reason beginners will like it. The shades are soft and flattering, including pinks, peaches, and berry tones that work for a variety of skin tones. See all of my thoughts on MERIT Beauty here.

Best for Mature Skin: Jones Road

Created by makeup legend Bobbi Brown, Jones Road’s Miracle Balm is designed with mature skin in mind. This product offers sheer coverage and a dewy finish that enhances the skin without emphasizing texture or fine lines.

It can be applied to the cheeks, lips, and even eyelids for a soft, glowing look. The formula contains nourishing ingredients that hydrate and improve the skin’s appearance over time. Available in universally flattering shades, it’s perfect for women over 40 who want to add a natural flush without looking overly made-up.

Final Tips for Choosing the Best Cream Blush

Choosing a cream blush comes down to personal preference and your skin’s needs. Dewy finishes tend to suit dry skin and give a youthful glow, while matte options are great if you have oily skin or want something longer-lasting. If your skin is sensitive or prone to breakouts, consider sticking with clean, non-toxic formulas like the ILIA Multi Stick or Merit Flush Balm that won’t clog pores.

You can use a buffer brush, sponge, or even your fingers to apply cream blush — whichever feels easiest and gives you the finish you like. It’s also helpful to look for lightweight, buildable formulas with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid for extra hydration.

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Play around with shades and textures to see what works for you. Whether you’re drawn to TikTok-favorite brands or classic staples, the goal is to find something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

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