If you want to add a healthy flush to your complexion, blushes should be the makeup product you’re reaching for. The dilemma between cream blush vs powder blush vs stick blush is a conundrum as old as time. Each of these blush formulations has its own pros and cons even if they’re all designed to brighten your complexion.
Finding out how to choose a blush shade is only the first step to purchasing the right product, the next is to figure out what type of product you want. If you’re still trying to decide which type of blush is best for you, we’ve made this article to help you decide how to choose the right blush type.
Stick vs Cream vs Powder Blush
In this section, we’ll break down the three different blush types we mentioned.
Powder Blush
First up we have the classic powder blush. Powder blush is the most widely used type of blush. It comes in a pressed or loose powder form and is typically applied with a brush. These powder blushes come in a wide range of shades and most, if not all, brands carry this type of product in their lineup.
Powder blushes can have various finishes, whether matte or slightly shimmery, depending on the product formula. These are best for individuals with oily or combination skin because of their absorbent quality. This blush reduces shine while keeping you looking fresh-faced throughout the day.
Pros of Powder Blush
- Long-lasting – Powder blush is known for its staying power, especially on oily skin. Compared to cream blushes, powder blushes tend to last longer on the skin making them ideal for all-day wear.
- Wide variety of shades and finishes – Powder blushes have been around for the longest time, so it only makes sense that this blush comes in a wide array of colors and finishes, making it easy to find one that suits your skin tone, occasion, and style.
- Buildable coverage – Powder blushes have buildable coverage, so you can start with a light layer of blush and add more if needed.
Cons of Powder Blush
- Can look cakey – If too much powder blush is used or if it isn’t applied correctly, it can look cakey on the skin.
- Emphasize dry patches – Due to the formulation of powder blushes, they can cling to dry patches and fine lines, which can emphasize these imperfections.
- Needs special tools to apply – To apply powder blush effectively and hygienically, you’ll need to use a brush, which makes it bulkier to carry around compared to other options.
Cream Blush
Cream blushes have a creamy consistency that usually comes with hydrating properties. These blushes are best for individuals with dry, normal, or mature skin because this formulation can give them a healthy, radiant flush.
Easily applied with fingers, a sponge, or a brush, cream blushes are the go-to product for many people because of the dewy, luminous finish that they give off.
Pros of Cream Blush
- Natural, dewy finish – For Filipinas who want their skin to have a natural glow, cream blushes achieve this with their dewy finish.
- Hydrating – The texture of cream blushes helps hydrate skin, which makes this type of blush the best choice for people with dry or mature skin.
- Easy to blend – Cream blushes are highly blendable, which makes achieving a seamless, natural look so much easier.
Cons of Cream Blush
- Less long-lasting – Unlike their powder counterparts, cream blushes aren’t as long-staying, especially if you have oily skin. Cream blushes need to be reapplied throughout the day to keep that natural-looking flush.
- Tricky to apply – Cream blushes tend to be a bit trickier to apply and blend compared to powder blushes. If not applied carefully, your blush can look patchy.
- Shorter shelf-life – Due to the moisture content of cream blushes, they tend to have much shorter shelf life compared to powder blushes.
Stick Blush
Stick blushes are one of the most recent innovations in the world of makeup. These blushes combine the best of both powder and cream blushes – in just one stick. With a creamy texture packaged in a portable size, stick blushes are becoming a staple in many makeup kits.
These blushes work well for all skin types, making them a new favorite among beauty enthusiasts.
Pros of Stick Blush
- Versatile for all skin types – Stick blushes are excellent for all skin types, so they’re a no-brainer when it comes to adding them to your makeup kit. Whether you have dry, oily, normal, or combination skin, this blush’s creamy formula will work well with your skin’s natural texture.
- Portable and convenient – Stick blushes are compact and easy-to-carry making them the ideal product for people who are always flitting from one place to another. This blush doesn’t need a brush or sponge to be applied correctly either.
- Precise application – Stick blushes give its users the advantage of precise application. Wherever you want to add color to your face, you can simply swipe it across and still have a defined blush.
Cons of Stick Blush
- May need blending – Stick blushes may need to be carefully blended with your fingers or blender to avoid harsh lines. If it’s not blended properly, your blush may look streaky or uneven.
- May need setting – Over the day, stick blushes may melt off due to the hot or humid weather. So, this may need additional application throughout the day or a good setting spray.
- Limited shade range – Stick blushes are fairly new in the market; they may not come in as many shades and finishes compared to powder or cream blushes.
The Choice Between Cream, Powder, and Stick Blushes
In the end, choosing the right blush for your skin depends on your skin type, lifestyle, and the look you want to achieve. Powder blushes can be great if you need a long-lasting brush that can help you control the shininess of your skin. Cream blushes, on the other hand, are best for people looking for a hydrating product with a dewy, natural finish. Stick blushes offer a convenient on-the-go application and are a great addition for everyone in their makeup kit.
Experiment with different blushes to find out which one suits you. Remember, makeup is all about helping you achieve the look you want with the tools you have. There’s a perfect blush out there for everyone.
Once you’ve got your blushes down and you’re looking to add some shimmer, why not check out Pixi’s On-the-Glow SuperGlow? These solid balm highlighters come in four colors: Ice Pearl, Gilded Gold, Natural Lustre, and Petal Dew, giving you the shimmer you need to look gorgeous all day.
