As many of you know, I love a blush. Every makeup I have ever done has some sort of flush, whether its to enhance a contour or add a hint of colour to the face, blush is my staple for a fresh base.
I wanted to share with you my top 5 liquid/cream blushes that are actually in my makeup kit. Cream formulas are every makeup artists secret to healthy, clean skin. It remains fresh and creamy all day which is key to longevity on set. I chose these based on colour, pigment, and versatility. They are close to my heart and help me achieve the looks I want with ease.
Pictured: NARS Liquid Blush in Lustre (L) and Orgasm (R)
Pictured: Orgasm swatch
1 | Nars Liquid Blush
Probably my most used blush product in my whole kit (and that's saying something). I was initially drawn to these blushes due to their pigment. Having first launched with the shade ‘Orgasm’, I was amazed at how the blush sat beautifully on the skin, enhancing the natural flush of the complexion whilst adding luminosity. Not only was the product saturated with pigment, they also blend like butter on top of foundation. They are able to seamlessly adhere to the skin without losing the integrity of the base - this is something I pay attention to as it can make or break the foundation.
In addition to the incredible versatility of the product (hello eye and lip colour), NARS' shade range never disappoints. Shades that will ALWAYS SUIT EVERY SKIN TONE. A makeup artists' dream and the reason why every shade is in my kit. My favourite shade is sadly discontinued but it was Hot Tin Roof, followed by Torrid and Orgasm.
2 | Ben Nye Blush Wheel
Pictured: Fire Red
My OG cream blush product. It's been with me since the beginning of my makeup career and is still being used to this day. The pigment in these are incredible and beautiful when buffed into the skin for a sheer flush. These blushes are the creamiest of cream and can be used on all makeup bases/skincare. Ben Nye is a professional makeup brand and has been an industry standard for decades. It was built to last and stay workable for quick changes. Hence, my long use and my rave review. Any budding makeup artist should have one of these in their kit for the ease and colour range.
The red is definitely a favourite, as well as the coral. I would've loved to see some deeper shades but that's just me being picky.
Pictured: Doll (L), Razz (R)
3 | Sunnies Face Airblush
The brand on everyone's lips at the moment. This baby brand is everything I want in a makeup company. Beautiful packaging, inclusive colours, and incredible formulas. The Airblush has a soufflé, matte texture that differs from the rest. Initially, I thought the texture would take off the makeup or that it would take a while to buff in the colour. I was proven wrong due to the beautiful colour payoff and satin finish it left on the skin. The matte formula is such a win for that fluffy, just flushed, satin skin. I love the colours and the sheer tinted pigment it gives. I've used it on the lips and it is still beautiful.
4 | Ilia Colour Haze Matte Pigment
Pictured: Stutter
When these first launched, I immediately knew they were going in my kit. They had such a unique texture that stood out from the rest of the cream blushes out there. Slightly tacky, medium pigment, and a satin matte finish. Absolutely beautiful on the lips too. I use these when I want the skin to still peep through and have an un-done makeup finish. Bonus points for the ultra hygienic and squeezable tube packaging. It's extremely lightweight in my kit and is the perfect on set touch up or even a hand band touch up staple. The shade range is also beautiful, I especially love the warmth of Stutter and the berry tone Sing.
5 | Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks
Heading into luxe territory, these cute, Insta-worthy cream blushes leave the most beautiful finish to the skin. I use these in my personal makeup kit as well as my professional makeup kit. They feel like skincare due to their creamy texture and sheen. I prefer using this on tinted moisturiser with fingers or applied with a brush for extra colour. Due to it's slip, it leaves the skin with a hint of dew or can be buffed in for a natural flush. My favourite colour is poppet (the brightest of them all) because it leaves every skin tone with the healthiest glow. The packaging is luxe, a bit heavy for my kit but still a beautiful addition.
HOT TIP: Some cream blushes can have a higher slip and tackiness to it - better for those who have tinted moisturisers or no base on.
Honourable Mentions:
RMS Lip 2 Cheek - A cult classic and universal favourite amongst makeup artists. The blend, the texture, the shades - you can't go wrong. I will be writing an in-depth review on RMS next month.
LUMA Beauty - Such a steal for what you get. These are rival to most cream blushes out there. They have an equally creamy texture to RMS and their pigment is more of a sheer to medium. Great for lip and cheeks.