For the last few years, most of us have been obsessed with looking dewy, glossy and glazed. But if you have your ear to the ground, you might notice pendulum is swinging – powder blush is back, and so is soft-focused, velvety skin. Glossier just reimagined its very famous Cloud Paint fluid as a pressed powder, while Gucci Westman launched a powder version of her cult Baby Cheeks blush. Ilia, known for its dewy creams, and just released a skin-blurring compact.
Whether you have oily skin, want something that stands up against hot humid weather, are looking for longevity or just prefer a sophisticated finish, a powder blush might be the best addition to your makeup wardrobe. The best powder blush formulas according to RUSSH, below.
Glossier Cloud Paint Plush Blush
This formula is bouncy and soft, almost like the consistency of memory foam. But unlike classic Cloud Paint, it has a velvety finish that can be layered for a bold finish. Unlike other powders, you can even use your fingers to apply.
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duo
For fresh but sculpted skin, this duo is perfect. The cheek colour instils youthful brightness, while the bronze shade can be swept across the high points of your face, creating a natural looking tan.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush
A classic and one of the best, Hourglass Blush powders are designed to mimic great lighting, delivering on colour and soft-focused highlight for flawless skin.
Dior Backstage Rosy Glow
This blush is viral and rightly so. While it looks super pink in the compact, the shade adapts to your pH, ensuring a healthy-looking flush (as if you just ran a few blocks for the bus).
YSL Beauty Make Me Blush
These are densely pigmented, so great if you want intense colour with a matte finish.
NARS Blush
The original and makeup the best, NARS powder blush combines intense pigment with a silky finish. The hero shade Orgasm is a warm pinky peach with shimmer that flatters every skin tone.
ILIA Beauty Soft Focus Blurring Blush
Designed to blur your skin, Ilia’s new powder formula is sheer but buildable, with a super subtle shimmer that minimises the look of pores and texture.
Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Blush
This is a classic powder blush with two shades in one compact for a multi-dimensional flush that looks natural. The range comes in shimmery or matte colour ways, so you can choose one to suit your preference.
Saie Supersuede Baked Powder Blush
This is buttery and soft (think suede, in blush form). It has a natural but grown up finish. It’s baked, so will last you a long time, too.
Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Powder Blush
This is super pigmented and weightless, so it goes on with little to no effort. It’s formulated with polymers that grip the skin, so it stays put (perfect if you’re oily).
Images: @saiebeauty
