Those with oily skin have often been dissuaded from using cream blush. Not anymore thanks to this clever trick shared by makeup artists
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Without a doubt, cream blush is the route to a natural-looking flush. Done right, it meshes seamlessly with the skin and can make even the most pasty of pallors look like it’s been bathed in warm sunlight.
Those with oily skin, however, are predictably steered away from cream blush to powdery iterations on the premise that they last longer. True, cream blush often disappears on oilier skin after an hour or two as the excess sebum makes it harder for the pigments to cling to the skin’s surface. But what if this texture really is your dream blush scenario?
Enter makeup artist Lisa Eldridge's genius hack that means anyone can wear cream blush, no matter their skin type. “Mix cream blush with concealer on oily skin,” advises Eldridge. “Alternatively, make sure you have a bit of foundation on your brush when applying cream blush” as it gives it something to cling to. Eldridge also notes the importance of blending well “to ensure all edges are covered” for a smooth finish.
Photo: Agnes Llyoyd-Platt
As ever with oily or acne-prone skin, avoid applying blusher with your hands. “Our fingertips can transfer oils, dirt and debris onto the skin, which can encourage breakouts in blemish-prone skin,” says Warren Dowdall, Bobbi Brown senior pro artist. The heat of your hands can also thin out the cream blusher, making it more difficult to build coverage.
In terms of which cream blusher to choose, try Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick as its buttery formula is infused with vitis vita grape extract, which balances moisture levels and stimulates the skin’s natural supply of hyaluronic acid. The pigments in Manasi 7 All Over Colour in Damaskino, a deep shade of reddish pink with hints of blue that pops against darker complexions, are extremely concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
Rose Inc Cream Blush Refillable Cheek & Lip Colour is pigment-rich, too, but crucially also contains plant-derived squalane for weightless hydration. Given it’s similar to sebum, your skin is less likely to produce more of its own oil. Finally, the Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick and Nars Air Matte Blush dry down to a slightly more powdery finish, making them better suited for those worried about excess oil throughout the day.
