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Each stick provides over 1,000 swipes of highly pigmented color, so a little goes a long way.

Film strips with images of people smiling with glowing cheeks

Source images:Allureeditors; Collage: Laneen Wells

Its saturated pigments are enough to wax poetic over, but its texture deserves some kudos, too.

Key ingredients:silica spheres |Finish:matte |# of shades:4

Best Splurge:Chanel No.

1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm

Chanel

No.

Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick in twist up gray component on light gray background

Allure

1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm

Allurecommerce editor Sarah Han applying No.

1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm, a dewy formula perfect for your next monochromatic look.

Han before applying Chanel No.

Image may contain Body Part Face Head Neck Person Teen Dimples Black Hair and Hair

Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein before applying the Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick

1 Lip and Cheek Balm

Han after applying Chanel No.

ring finger so I can dab away on my cheeks and lips.

I love the sheer buildable texture and the gel-like utility, she says.

Image may contain Head Person Face Body Part Neck Dimples Black Hair Hair and Adult

Hussein after applying the Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick

Its dome shape makes for easy makeup software!

I apply directly to the skin and blend out with fingertips.

No wonder this compact blush won anAllureBest of Beauty 2022 Award in our Clean category.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand in squeeze tube component on light gray background

Allure

“I love how easy it is to tote aroundno brush necessary,” she says.

“It’s the perfect natural wash of creamy color and goes on smooth every time.”

Allurecommerce producer Sarah Hoffmann before applying the Ilia Multi-Stick.

Image may contain Blonde Hair Person and Adult

Alluredeputy digital director Kara McGrath before applying the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand

Hoffmann after applying the Ilia Multi-Stick.

It also comes with a black mascara and blending brush if you don’t want to use your fingers.

This creamy formula is spiked with moisturizing avocado oil, soothingvitamin E, and shine-controlling kaolinclayfor ultra-comfortable wear.

Image may contain Blonde Hair Person and Teen

McGrath after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand

The color payoff is quite impressive, too, and adds the perfect finishing touch to any look.

The texture is creamy and the pigment is beautiful on multiple skin tones, she says.

How should I apply cream blush?

Chanel No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in branded tub component on a light gray background

Allurecommerce editor Sarah Han applying No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Berry Boost

First, finding a complimentary shade to your skin tone is key for a natural-looking finish.

Once you find your shade of preference, it’s time to dab on your cream-based blush.

Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones?

A selfie of Allure commerce editor Sarah Han before applying Chanel No. 1 Lip and Cheek Balm

Han before applying Chanel No. 1 Lip and Cheek Balm

Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses?

Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge?

Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

A selfie of Allure commerce editor Sarah Han after applying Chanel No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm

Han after applying Chanel No. 1 Lip and Cheek Balm

This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions.

For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase.

Merit Flush Balm in gold and beige component on light gray background

Allure

Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if its never been tested on curls?

Image may contain Body Part Face Head Neck Person Brown Hair Hair Photography Portrait and Teen

Allurecontributing commerce writer Annie Blackman before applying the Merit Flush Balm

A selfie of Allure contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman after applying Merit Flush Balm

Blackman after applying the Merit Flush Balm

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed top view of a bronze and transparent jar of terracotta blush balm on light gray background

Allure

Image may contain Dimples Face Head Person Adult Body Part and Neck

Allurecommerce editor Sarah Han before applying the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed

Image may contain Head Person Face Dimples Body Part Neck and Adult

Han after applying the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed

Ilia Multi-Stick in beige and silver twist up component on light gray background

Allure

Image may contain Brown Hair Hair Person Blonde Face and Head

Allurecommerce producer Sarah Hoffmann before applying the Ilia Multi-Stick.

Image may contain Brown Hair Hair Person Blonde Face and Head

Hoffmann after applying the Ilia Multi-Stick.

Merit Five Minute Morning Set lip oil, mascara, foundation stick, brush, highlighter balm, and blush balm on gray background

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick: An unopened gray tube (left) and an opened gray tube (right) filled with light pink cream blush stick on a light gray background

LYS Beauty Higher Standard Satin Matte Cream Blush in rose gold triangular packaging on light gray background

Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush in muted berry shade in clear branded compact on light gray background

Convertible Color Lip & Cheek Cream in branded soft tan compact on light gray background

Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush in pink and gold compact packaging on light gray background

Ami Colé Desert Date Cream Blush & Lip Multistick lilac twist-up stick of berry blush on light gray background

Nars Multiple in black twist up component on light gray background

Patrick Ta Major Beauty Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush in rose gold compact packaging on light gray background

Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Blush Stick in white and black twist up component on light gray background