Is there a more classic summer makeup look than fresh skin and rosy cheeks? To fake a natural flush, try swapping your go-to powder blush for a dewy, dab-and-go option in a soft watercolour hue. Offered in an array of shades and textures, gel and cream formulas are completely foolproof to use: dot the product on your cheeks, blend with your fingers and you're done—no brushes required. From a cult favourite to a brand new, ultra-pigmented pick, we've rounded up the best gel and cream blushes for a radiant glow.
If a natural flush is what you’re after, look no further than this sheer gel-cream blush that comes in six wearable hues that can easily be built-up for a more dramatic look.
$12, shoppersdrugmart.ca
This blush boasts a high-shine finish that’s not heavy or sticky. Dot on your cheeks straight from the bullet and blend with your fingers to give your complexion an instant lift.
$28, sephora.com
One swipe of this travel-friendly cheek tint is all you need to create a lit-from-within glow.
$24, shoppersdrugmart.ca
Sleek and portable, these cream blushes from Canadian brand Nudestix come with a handy brush. And it's safe to use on cheeks, eyes and lips.
$37, nudestix.ca
This long-lasting liquid blush comes in four punchy shades and contains hyaluronic acid and mushroom extract to hydrate and plump.
$22, sephora.com
With shades like “Crush on Cupid” (a bright cool pink, pictured) and “Drama Cla$” (a vivid violet), the Rihanna-led brand shows that there’s more to blushes than muted pinks and corals. Each shade of this cream formula is incredibly pigmented and blendable, too.
$28, sephora.com
A dab of this gel-cream blush is all you need to fake a natural flush.
$37, sephora.com
This foolproof cream blush melts into the skin for a sheer, natural-looking flush.
$27, sephora.com
If you're looking for a pigmented blush with a barely-there feel, give this air-whipped option a try. Once blended, the mousse-like texture gives way to a soft matte powder finish that stays put for up to 8 hours.
$40, sephora.com
Available in a range of stunning hues, this blush is formulated with nourishing ingredients like jojoba seed oil and beeswax. The chic compact is refillable, too.
$44 for the refill, thedetoxmarket.ca
Available in six stunning shades, this gel packs a punch of pigmentation. Loaded with brightening mulberry and soothing evening primrose, it gives skin a dewy, juicy look.
$24, sephora.com
Housed in a refillable compact made from post-consumer recycled plastic, this matte blush can be used all over the face for a flush of colour.
$30 or $25 for the refill, mobbeauty.com
A juicy take on the brand's bestselling putty gel-to-powder line—which includes primers and bronzers—this gel gives cheeks a radiant glow in second.
Dry skin will love this ultra-moisturizing cream blush formulated with hydrating ingredients like coconut and jojoba, as well as vitamin E.
$17, shoppersdrugmart.ca
Since its launch, Glossier’s Cloud Paint has gained a massive following thanks to its foolproof formula that comes in six shades, ranging from neutral to bold.
$26, glossier.com
This multitasking skin tint by Canadian brand 1day Beauty is packed with soothing cannabis sativa seed oil and safe to use on eyes, lips and cheeks.
$38, 1daybeauty.com
This blendable, buildable formula has earned raved reviews from users.
$59, sephora.com
Originally published 2020; updated 2022.
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