Powdering your cheeks is like powdering your nose: dated. Time to switch to cream. Celebrity makeup artist Birgitte Philippides, who has groomed the likes of Beyoncé, Susan Sarandon, Glenn Close, and Mary J. Blige, says, “Cream blush gives luminescence to skin, making it appear more translucent and youthful.” Need she say more?!
Stila Convertible Color
A favorite of Philippides, this compact offers a creamy pop of translucent color that is silky and easy to blend. She recommends the color Peony, a brownish rose that works on most skin tones, for a dewy glow. Available at stilacosmetics.com, $25.
Ilia Multi-Stick
The convenient stick is good for a natural, sheer tint. Just swipe on, pat out, and go. The line is heavily organic and cruelty free for an all-around feel-good glow. We like At Last, a muted, dusty rose. Available at iliabeauty.com, $34.
Bite Beauty Multistick
Though the product is touted as a three-in-one (for eyes, lips, and cheeks), we’ll personally vouch for its wearability on the latter two. It’s buildable, though boldly pigmented, and feels as light as powder. Dusty pink Macaroon gives a fresh glow. Available at bitebeauty.com, $24.
BeautyCounter Color Pinch Cream Blusher
A pop of color and a hint of hydration are what you get with this terrific tube. Swipe once for a light shade and twice for something darker. Choose Hibiscus in spring and summer and Umber in the cooler months. Available at beautycounter.com, $38.
Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Cheek Color Balm
You can’t go wrong with this classic. We sweep a bit of Plumped Up Peony on our cheeks and lips on “no-makeup” days, so people think we have a natural glow. Available at nordstrom.com, $23.
No matter which cream blush you choose, Philippides advises to use your fingertips to apply cream blush from the tops of the apples of the cheeks up the cheekbone. Use a circular motion to blend edges, and keep color along the cheekbone.
