Cream Blush vs Powder Blush: Which one is right for you?

Before we begin thinking about cream blush vs powder blush, let’s take things back to basics.

Have you ever researched when and why we started using blush? Honestly if you haven’t – you should.

The history is SO interesting.

As with a lot of makeup, its use goes back thousands of years. The purpose of blush being to make people look “healthy” and with that plump, child-like skin which suggested affluence and youth.

Lots of poisonous materials, beet-juice staining and cheek-pinching later, we are now in a position where we have hundreds and thousands of (legit) options available to us now. The two forms I am going to discuss here are powder and cream blush.

Powder Blush

Basically, this does what it says on the tin. It comes in a powder form.

Typically you can either buy these as singles in its own compact (like the ones in the picture), or you can buy them in palettes which contain a number of blushes in different colors and finishes, such as matte or glitter.

Cream Blush

Cream blush has a different texture to powder but often has a “cream to powder” finish. Again, it’s pretty self explanatory but to touch, it has a sticky, balm like texture.

How to apply cream blush

I think that the best way to apply it is with your finger.

I know this goes against everything we know when it comes to applying makeup, but it really is the easiest way to do this.

Apply your foundation base and a bronzer if you wish before applying your blush. Swirl your finger in the cream blush until you have cover the tips of your finger with the product.

*Smile*

Apply it then to the apples of your cheeks, with as much or little as you would like to achieve your desired look. There you have it!

How to apply powder blush

I would definitely apply this with a brush.

I like to use a big fluffy brush for application, but it really is a personal choice. Any “face brush” should work, if you look for something with this name. You probably have one already that would work but, if you need a suggestion, I have listed some of my favorites below.

1. Real Techniques blush brush
2. Spectrum collections MC07 Brush
3. Elf Blush Brush

Okay, here we go again…3…2…1…

*Smile*

Swirl your brush in the product so you have some. You may wish to just gently tap the brush to take off any excess. Swipe the product gently on the apples of your cheeks. I’d definitely say less is more. Just give yourself a bit of color really… think more gentle glow, less Snow White.

This or that: which one is better?

Cream Blush vs Powder Blush: pros and cons of both

Last-ability. If you want something that’s going to stick around, you’re probably better with a powder. Cream blush can have a tendency to kind of “melt away” at times, especially if you have oily skin.

Color payoff. A toughie. I don’t think I can choose on this one BUT what I would say is, if you want something you can build, cream blush is the one for you. It just feels like you have so much more control over your application. If you are trying a new blush, sweep some across your hand (cream and powder) before you apply to your face. you don’t want to risk having to redo your makeup base because the blush came out to make you look like Bridget Jones applying her blush in the dark!

Choice – the winner of this one has to be powder. Hands down. There are just so many options available out there. You can also get glittery colors or matte, pinks, oranges, reds…you name it…you can get it. There is a color that will suit every skin tone and preference.

Cost – I have to give this one to powder again. There are more and more brands producing cream blush out there now but the best ones I have tried have all been in the more pricey range. You can get a powder blush for so cheap now. While the cheap ones might not be the best, the wide availability and choice gives you the best chance of finding a winner!

Finish. I love the finish of a cream blush. It gives more of a radiant, glow-y look than a powder!

Can you use cream blush on oily skin?

Adding a cream blush to your skin when you have an oily/combination skin type may seem like something you don’t want to do.

It might not be right for your skin.

It is likely that it won’t stick around for long.

If you want to try it, I would try and find yourself a natural, water-based product and see how it feels and lasts on your skin! I would also try just getting something that’s reasonably well priced. That way, if it doesn’t suit you, you haven’t splashed out on a product you can’t use!

What is the best cream blush for aging skin?

If you have a more mature skin, it probably feels more dry than it used to and if you are using a powder, it might not sit as well as it used to.

Cream blush is a great option for you.

It will give you that radiance and shine back into your skin that you might feel like you’ve lost.

Some good options you might like to try are:

1. Clinique Chubby Stick
2. Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand

Tip: set with a light dusting of powder, just to keep everything in it’s place!

Best drugstore / high-end options

Powder blush – drugstore

Powder blush – high-end

1. Tarte limited-edition blush bliss palette
2. Nars Cosmetics Orgasm Blush
3. Illamasqua Powder Blush

Cream blush – drugstore

Cream blush – high-end

1. Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks
2. Glossier Cloud Paint
3. Illamasqua Cream Blush

Some other thoughts

Liquid blush. This is something else you can also try. It is similar to cream blush but is more of a liquid form (i know right, not rocket science). Check out the Cheek Stain range by Benefit for an option that gives long-lasting coverage.

Eyeshadow or lipstick! I know this might sound strange… but if you have a color eye-shadow or lipstick that you think would look good as a blush… give it a go! treat it the same way as you would a powder and a cream blush above!

Thinking about what lipstick to pair with your blush? Have a look at this post on comparing liquid lipstick and lipstick.

Let’s sum up: cream blush vs powder blush – which one is for you?

I like both.

That doesn’t help does it?

Honestly, if you are looking for something you can experiment with, buy for reasonably cheap and comes in many colors, I would go with a powder. Powder will suit more skin types and the options are just so much better than any other blush type.

If you have older skin or are looking to try something that will give you more of a “dewy glow” complexion, I would give a cream blush a try. It has a different finish to powder that I think makes skin look rejuvenated and healthy.

The only drawback with cream blush is whether it lasts on your skin type. To give it a bit more “oomph”, you can set with a bit of setting powder (just a light sweep).

Makeup is supposed to be fun. Give these things a try and see what you like best!

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Thanks for reading!