By now it should already be common knowledge for folks who wear a full face of makeup on the daily, on how to make them stay and last as long as possible. Admittedly, it’s inevitable that makeup will slide around, and/or disappear throughout the day, no matter how mattifying your primer is, or how long you drenched yourself in setting spray. Most of the time, the magic lies in the touch-ups.
But for days when you just want to travel light, and there’s no space for a compact cushion, a kabuki brush, an eyeliner, mascara and your mini eyeshadow palette (had to refer to a colleague’s pouch to confirm that people actually carry that last one around). And that’s when you’d want to switch up your full-matte makeup regime to one that actually looks better as you go out and about your day — without needing to touch up.
Introducing the humble… cream blush.
We’ve always overlooked them, simply because there’s this common misconception that piling on cream products is likely to cause your face to look oilier and shinier during midday. That’s really far from the truth. The trick is to pick a lightweight formula and have it stippled around the apples of your cheeks. Or better yet, achieve a natural, rosy flush by dipping in with your good ol’ fingers. You’d also be pleased to know that not much product is required, and the blush will actually look better as you perspire lightly. We know, the only time facial sebum is welcomed.
Check out our top picks:
NARS Matte Multiple
$60, available at the NARS store and counters
Folks with enlarged pores might want to try these matte options by NARS, which have absolutely no shimmer to them at all. But fret not, for they don’t fall flat on your skin, but rather, have a blend-able formula that still catches a teeny tiny bit of light so as to add depth and dimension. It possesses a silicone-like, velvety smooth consistency that when patted down wet, can sheer out to a very subtle looking flush. But when used dry, the product itself has an impressive colour payoff that can be used on the eyes and lips as well.
Make Up For Ever HD Cream Blush
$52, available at Sephora and sephora.sg
If you’re ever looking for a commendable cream to powder blush, this one by MUFE is a definite must try. The formula combines the blending prowess of a waxy cream that melts right into your skin, and also the smooth finish of a powder blush. And on top of that, the blush, no matter on top of or beneath powders, will not emphasise pores or uneven skin textures.
Revlon Insta-Blush
$25.90, available at selected Watsons and Guardian stores
Here’s a recent drugstore offering that we’re in love with these days: Revlon’s latest addition to their PhotoReady Insta-Fix Makeup line, the Insta-Blushes. The selection of shimmery satin hues feature some of the most popular hues like rose gold, coral candy and a unique berry red. These glide on smoothly, and easy blend out into your complexion with just fingers.
Tarte Cheek Stain
$49, available at Sephora and sephora.sg
What we particularly appreciate about this cheek stain (and really, any other Tarte offering), is the fact that the product comes with the brand’s proprietary t5 super fruit complex that delivers hydration and skin-restorative properties. So you can expect the blush to provide a radiant, healthy flush, just like when you just step out from a hot shower. Yay to makeup with skincare benefits!
3CE Creamy Cheek Stick
$34, available at Sephora and sephora.sg
Koreans aren’t one to shy away from bright blush hues — they love layering up shades of orange and baby pink right under the eyes, for an innocent bunny look. You don’t have to blush up at the same spots, but if you’re ever in the mood for candy-coloured rouge shades, 3CE is your one-stop. The Creamy Cheek Stick sets to a matte finish and layers up easy.
Jane Iredale In Touch Cream Blush
$37.50, available at sg.strawberrynet.com
The natural beauty selection by Jane Iredale has always earned rave reviews, simply because they work. Their cream to powder formula is specially formulated so that the product enhances the natural rosiness of your cheeks with a dewy flush of colour. It’s that one everyday product that you’ll reach out for day in and out.
Laura Mercier Cream Cheek Colour
$42.43, available on lazada.sg
With a whopping 4.6/5 score on makeupalley.com, you can be sure that you’re paying for a quality cream blush from the very luxurious brand Laura Mercier. The product is very malleable, so it glides on your skin without dragging it, making it incredibly easy to work with. It applies on “translucent”, which we’re guessing equates to a very natural flush of colour on your cheeks. And you don’t have to worry about it emphasising pores, for it sets down to a velvety smooth finish.
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