Because of their multipurpose use and natural-looking finishes, cream blushes have entered the scene and stolen the show. They're very versatile and easy to use; all you need to do is swipe some on your fingers and dab it onto your cheeks, eyes, or even lips! Both beginners and pros at makeup will surely appreciate this product.
If you’re on the hunt for a cream blush that glides smoothly on your cheeks without looking or cakey, we've got you covered. In this article, we will be showing you our top 10 picks for the best cream blush and teaching you all that you need to know before purchasing one with our thoroughly-researched buying guide. We also asked for some tips and insights from beauty Elaine Ganuelas, a beauty professional!
Elaine Ganuelas has been living and breathing the life of all things beauty since childhood. What once started as her passion became her career in 2006. Now she does makeup, hairstyling, image consultation (yes, makeovers), personal shopping, consumer research, and reviews.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Experts say that the whole idea of popping color on your cheeks is to mimic a healthy glow but without the right color, you can look rather pale than healthy.
Searching for the perfect shade can be tough in general, and if you’re morena, you have to keep in mind that the shade you are using should not make your complexion appear muddy and won’t camouflage with your skin.
Thankfully, many cream blushes come in different shades that will flatter you. Since your skin is already warm, you only need a little pop of color to achieve a sun-kissed look. Apricot, deep berry and wine-red blushes are some of the colors that are guaranteed to flatter your morena complexion.
If you’re opting for an effortless “fresh lang” look, you could always go for deep peach and shades of mauve, and if you’re feeling edgy and sexy, a blush with a deep red shade will be your best friend.
For a pop of color on tanned or bronzed skin, avoid browns with a grey base. Instead, opt for browns with reddish, berry, or orange tones to brighten up your look. Vibrant shades like bright pink, corals, and bright red are also stunning on morena skin.
If you have fair skin, the most obvious and ideal choice is pink and light corals. These shades are almost similar to the color of your natural blush, so it would create an illusion of a natural flush even though you’re wearing makeup.
Since you have fair skin, even faint tones can give enough pop of color to your cheekbones. A good shade to try is peach, since it will surely complement your skin tone because it is a combination of two light tones, which are yellow and orange.
When going to events like night-outs, you might also want to try something bolder. In that case, a plum shade can do that for you. When picking one out, a plum shade that is around two shades darker than your natural lip color will do.
Petal pinks, peaches, and lilacs would definitely flatter lighter skin tones. Cream formulas are easier to work with and are super blendable. If you are eyeing that trendy shade that seems too dark for you, the key is to blend, blend, blend!
If you have dark skin, you have the perfect complexion to wear deeper and bolder shades. You can go for high-intensity colors and still achieve a natural finish. To get a dewy and natural flush, you might want to pick up a bright tangerine; when applied to the appropriate skin tone, it can give off a sun-kissed finish.
Some of the shades that promise to flatter your complexion are deep fuchsia, terracotta, warm brown, and raisin. You might want to avoid lighter shades, or you might find that your skin is ‘drinking’ up your cheek color.
Complement your bright or deep blush shades with a highlighter with gold tones to make cheekbones pop instead of applying a really dark contour.
Aside from getting a flattering shade, it's important to pick a cream blush with the right intensity, depending on the look that you're going for. Here are the different options that you can choose from.
Sheer cream blushes are perfect for days when you want a natural-looking sun-kissed look that will make you look like you just came from the beach. If this is how you like to do your makeup daily, picking up a sheer cream blush is the right move since it doesn't come off too strongly on your skin.
This type of cream blushes are typically very easy to blend and diffuse, so if you're just starting to experiment with wearing makeup, this is a good product to start with. You won't get intimidated by the vibrancy of the colors, yet you'll still be able to achieve beautiful rosy cheeks.
My personal fave! Foolproof and easier to build up, even the most intense berries can look like a pretty flush that even a fair-skinned gal can wear. They mimic the skin's natural flush. You can't even tell that makeup is used to achieve it!
Aside from enhancing your features, makeup helps you express yourself and feel good, which is why it's important to get products that are able to excite you and make you happy. If you want a cream blush that can help with that by giving you a pop of color, go for pigmented or buildable ones.
You can layer on this type of cream blushes on your cheeks, depending on how vibrant you want them to be on your skin. This makes them great for glamorous or dramatic makeup since the colors will translate beautifully on your complexion. Some buildable cream blushes also start out pretty sheer, so you can use them for more natural looks too.
Tip: if you accidentally put on too much, swirl a brush with a tinted loose or pressed powder, then buff on cheeks. If you are scared that a bright or dark shade might look weird, mix your blush with a liquid foundation or concealer to soften the color.
Like other makeup products, cream blushes also offer different types of finishes: dewy and matte. Dewy cream blushes will leave your skin with a radiant natural-looking glow that will add to the sun-kissed effect that you're going for. It will also make your skin look more hydrated, perfect for those with dry or dull skin.
On the other hand, matte cream blushes will usually have a cream-to-powder finish, leaving behind a beautiful tint on your skin without adding any glossiness. This is ideal for those who have oily skin and for those who opt to use other matte makeup products in their daily makeup routines.
Tip: don't apply cream products on top of powder formulas so the application won't be patchy. Instead, use powders as the last step to set your entire makeup.
With all the advancements in the cosmetics industry, it is now possible to get perfect makeup and good skin simultaneously. There are several cream blush formulas available on the market that double as a skincare product – offering you high-quality beauty products with skin-friendly ingredients.
Since cream blushes also work particularly well on those with dry and aging skin, there are a number of formulas made with ingredients like castor oil, sunflower oil, and hyaluronic acid to moisturize, soothe, and protect your skin.
There are also ones that are non-acnegenic or formulated to avoid causing acne. Cream blushes that come with a sun protection factor are available on the market, too; these blushes are meant to shield your face from the harsh UV rays of the sun.
Check for irritants in the ingredients list, and don't skip sunscreen even if your cream blush offers sun protection.
What's great about cream blushes is that they can almost always double as eyeshadows and lip tints. If you're into monochromatic makeup looks, this is perfect for you since this product will ensure that you're able to get a consistent tone on your face. It's great for daytime looks to give your complexion some extra color.
Because of their versatility, cream blushes are great products to have if you want to keep your kikay kit small since it's basically a three-in-one makeup product. This makes them ideal for bringing when traveling, so you can pack light but still achieve beautiful makeup looks that you can showcase on Instagram.
This is the part I love most about cream blushes - their versatility! You can maximize the use of one product for multiple functions, so you get your money's worth. Pick something matte or lightly set the cream blush when applying it on your lids so it doesn't crease easily or migrate.
In terms of packaging, cream blushes also differ from one another but most of them are created to be perfect for days when you’re just on the go. There are cream blushes that come in the form of sticks, which provide you precise cheek color and all you have to do is just swipe and blend it then you’re good to go.
Meanwhile, there are also cream blushes that come in pots and paint-style tubes that will allow you to just dab the pigment onto your cheeks using your clean fingers. Some cream blushes are also stored in a bottle that comes with a doe foot or soft tip applicator to help you in blending.
Cream products, however, because of their moist formulas, tend to be a breeding ground for bacteria so keep them clean and sanitized before and after use. Simply wipe the top layer with a tissue (or spray with alcohol then wipe off) to keep them free of elements. This practice could also help lengthen the shelf life of your blush. Usual shelf life of cream products: 12-18 months
From ₱299
This local brand is well-known for its palette that undoubtedly flatters the Filipina skin tone. Aside from its great quality, the best thing about this cream blush is its multipurpose use for maximum convenience. With just this, you can score not just the "drunk blush" look but also glossy lids and a natural-looking lip color.
Several beauty vloggers pointed out that the formula of this cream blush is very blendable and leaves your skin with a dewy finish. It also has decent staying power, considering how lightweight it is. The formula contains skin-nourishing ingredients like shea butter and castor oil. It also has SPF 15 to protect your lips from the harsh rays of the sun!
From ₱1,350
Time and time again, Fenty Beauty has been hailed as an inclusive brand, releasing products that are flattering on any skin tone. This cream blush is no different, having ten shades that are all buildable to a highly pigmented finish that will surely make your cheeks pop. Since it's buildable, it's easy to use and impossible to overdo.
This cream blush has a very lightweight formula and is sweat and water-resistant, making it perfect to use in the hot and humid weather of the Philippines. It's easy to blend, too, so it won't mess with your makeup and instead, will adapt to any look you choose to do. For a light but intense choice, definitely check this one out!
From ₱319
A small dot of this cream blush already goes a long way with its rich pigmentation. But even though it delivers a stunning color, it has a light and silky texture that seeps on your skin seamlessly. It also comes with a wide applicator to help you spread just the right amount on your face for that gorgeous flushed look.
With dreamy shades inspired by K-beauty, this cream blush is perfect for K-drama fans since it will let you achieve that fresh K-drama heroine look. This product will give you a fresh, natural-looking finish, perfect to wear on a long day of school or work. For a monochromatic look, you can also use this on your eyelids and lips.
From ₱1,350
Using makeup that also has benefits for your skin is always a good thing, especially if you have skincare concerns. If you're looking for a highly-pigmented cream blush that won't likely cause any irritation, then you're in luck with this one from Rare Beauty. Its formula is free from fragrances, parabens, and sulfates.
Aside from that, it has a botanical blend of lotus, gardenia, and white water lily that will help calm and nourish your skin. This cream blush is also flattering on any skin tone and skin type since it's available in both dewy and matte shades. No matter what look you're going for, this blush will surely help you achieve it!
From ₱299
The beautiful thing about cream blushes made by local brands is that they are made to flatter different Filipina complexions. But aside from its impressive shade range, this cream blush by Happy Skin has a few more tricks up its sleeve. It contains hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated, radiant, and fresh.
It also has grapefruit extract in its formula with antibacterial properties to prevent breakouts. This is perfect because this product is made to be used in different areas of the face like your eyelids and lips for a natural flushed look. It's non-sticky and long-wearing, blending to a finish that looks and feels like a second skin.
From ₱1,930
MAC is a very well-loved brand known to cater to a diverse range of skin tones. This is the case, too, with their cream blush since this cushiony and bouncy product comes in 11 lightweight shades made to flatter different complexions and to be used with different makeup looks.
It has a gel-cream texture that makes it feel bouncy on the skin, and it boasts of an "ultra-blendable" formula that has a creamy feel when applied. This cream blush dries down to a powdery finish, allowing it to stay on even after a couple of hours. Lastly, it gives off a luminous finish that creates an impression that your skin is glowing.
From ₱1,150
If you like to experiment with different makeup looks, this highly pigmented cream blush is perfect for you! It leaves behind a beautiful matte finish that feels like it's barely there, so you can wear it comfortably all day or night. It also has a blend of wonderful skin-friendly ingredients that leaves behind a brightening effect.
You can use this product on your cheeks, eyelids, and lips for a natural flushed look that will surely capture everyone's attention. Many users can vouch for this cream blush, saying that it's versatile and that it helps them look fresh all day. No matter what your makeup style is, this blush will surely be a perfect fit.
From ₱349
From this product's packaging to formula, no one would dare to think that you can cop this for less than Php 400. This cream blush comes in a sleek and modern case pot that makes it look super classy and is also very convenient to bring around, especially if you like to travel.
It has a potent pigmentation and a formula that is not too oily, so it won't leave any greasy feels. In terms of color, this cream blush is available in a variety of shades that contain tiny gold flecks for an added glow. It has SPF 15 for added protection and gives off a rosy and youthful overall finish.
From ₱495
Whether you are new to this cream blush hype or not, you will definitely appreciate this product. This cream blush will give you a nice finish regardless of how you apply it. It is a super sheer cream-to-powder blush that is buildable and can easily transfer color to your skin.
Since it starts off as sheer, even its seemingly loud shades will look natural when applied to the skin, making it the perfect choice for those who want to flaunt the "no makeup" or "clean" look. It leaves your complexion with just the natural flush without looking overdone.
From ₱220
You do not have to shell out a huge amount of money to get your hands on a cream blush that will make your skin pop. This super affordable cream blush is a testament to that, as it will surely deliver pigment as effectively as its more expensive counterparts.
This is because Careline's Multi Pot has a buildable formula, so you do not have to worry about looking too peachy or too sun-kissed. It also sets in a semi-matte finish so you don’t have to fret over looking too dewy. The only downside is that it comes in limited shades only, so there's not much options to choose from.
We compiled all your most asked questions about choosing a foundation for oily skin. Here are the answers from Elaine Ganuelas.
Cream blushes can be used to create a natural flush without foundation. To help your cream blush last longer, start off with primer and foundation. After applying the cream blush, lightly set with a translucent powder.
Brushes can make blending faster and is a preferred method of pros (to avoid directly touching clients' faces), but the warmth of your hand can make the blush look more natural and not too makeup-y.
Apply a line- or pore-filling primer on bare skin, followed by a liquid foundation then the cream blush. To tone down the dew and to keep the product from moving, lightly set with translucent powder.
The secret to achieving a naturally radiant foundation finish is high-quality beauty blenders and brushes. Here are links to products that can help you nail that natural dewy makeup.
Author: Rica Victoriano
Re-Editor: Bianca Angela Dela Cruz
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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