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Beauty Hacks

The Formulas We’re Blushing Over

Anya Elliman
Writer and expert3 months ago
View Anya Elliman's profile
An extreme close up shot of different nars’ blushes featuring pink, red, brown shades each sat in a square pan

It’s no secret: we all have a crush on blush. But have you ever noticed your favourite blush starting to look like 'please hush' as the day goes on? We've all been there — it’s why finding the right formula (be it liquid, cream or powder) for your skin type is essential.

But first, have you ever wondered why blush is such a firm frontrunner in make up bags everywhere? For years, cosmetic fans have been using it in their daily routine for that final pop of colour. However, we’ve also noticed that a surge in dreamy, ‘soft focus’ romanticism is on the horizon this year with the masses leaning towards nearly bare skin with a natural, warm flush – otherwise known as Defiant Romance. Want to know more? Explore our Trend Forecast For 2024.

Ready to work out how to hop on this trend while still complementing your complexion? Notebook at the ready...

Different formula’s work well with different skin types. If your skin’s on the oiler side, opt for a light powder to flush your cheeks as they are excellent at absorbing and controlling excess moisture. But if you're on the drier side, creamy and liquid formulas are the ones for you, as they will flood the skin with moisture leaving your complexion dewy, smooth and naturally radiant. Read on to find out what blushes the Cult Beauty Copy Team are obsessing over for their skin types…

OUR BEAUTY PICK-ME-UPS

 

“As someone who enjoys a golden glow all year around, when it comes to my make up routine, I tend to favour a bronzer or highlighter over a blush. That was until I found Laura Mercier’s Highlighting Blush. Boasting the best of both worlds, it offers the flush of a blush with the natural dewiness of an iridescent illuminator. Plus, the powder formula is enriched with light reflecting pearls, making it  neither too dry or oily for my combination skin.” Trifonia, Senior SEO Copywriter: Combination Skin

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“My T-zone tends to get oily, but luckily my cheeks are more on the normal side of proceedings. Like Triffy, I’m more of a bronzer gal than blush (my cheeks flush enough on their own, ta) but when I am in the mood for some blush, I reach for the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in ‘Petal’. Just one small swipe delivers a pop of pretty pink colour and feels super creamy on the skin, thanks to a blend of hyaluronic acid and ayurvedic oils.” Emma, Junior Copywriter: Oily Skin

“As someone with dry skin, powdered blushes are my worst enemy – even if I’ve coated copious amounts of moisturiser onto my face beforehand. Instead, I always opt for a creamy formulation (specifically Westman Atelier’s Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in ‘Dou Dou ’). I love the easy-to-swipe stick shape, buttery texture and the fact it’s enriched with skin-loving ingredients including the hydration hero hyaluronic acid which, let’s be honest, my dry skin can’t get enough of…” Alice, Senior Copywriter: Dry Skin

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“As an oily skin girlie, powder blush is my go-to formula. Although I’ve always wanted to get on the liquid blush trend, I find these just slide off my skin, so I always opt for the VIEVE’s Sunset Blush in ‘Pesca’ which stay put all day thanks to its matte finish. Luckily, I can still achieve the sought-after ‘dewy skin’ look with a powder, as my skin’s natural oils (and a dapple of highlighter) melt the blush as it sits on my face, creating somewhat of a glow effect.” Jade, Senior Copywriter: Oily Skin

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“My skin decides who it wants to be depending on the day and that’s why a non-drying yet oil-controlling powder blush is my go-to. If there’s one step of my make up routine that’s absolutely non-negotiable, it’s the level of flush on my cheeks. Finding a pigmented, silky matte formula for my deeper skin tone is important to me and naturally, I sought out the NARS Cosmetics Blush in ‘Liberte’. You need not swish your brush around for hours in the pan before finally picking up some pigment – just one tap and you’re good to go!” Precious, Mid-Weight Copywriter: Combination Skin

The NARS Liquid Blush Afterglow in ‘Brazen’  has taken up permanent residency in my make up routine all year round. It's packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hydrating sodium hyaluronate, antioxidant-rich vitamin E and plumping plant-based collagen which is an absolute saviour for my dry and sensitive skin – as who doesn't love a product that does good whilst looking good? It's incredibly silky, blends like a dream and gives the most glossy, radiant glow.” Amy, Product Copywriter: Dry/Sensitive Skin

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There you are! Now you know which blushes complement our skin texture, which one are you adding to your basket?

SHOP ALL BLUSHERS >>>
Anya Elliman
Writer and expert
View Anya Elliman's profile
Anya is one of Cult Beauty’s Junior Copywriters. A huge lover of all things skin and body care, time spent intently researching product ingredients has resulted in a mass of skin care know-how (which don’t worry, she’s more than happy to share). When Anya's not treating herself to a new Maison Margiela fragrance or Aesop hand cream, you'll find her at the latest natural wine bar with friends, buying a new book (even though there is already a stack waiting), or walking through Hampstead Heath with her regular order of an almond latte.
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