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8 of the best blush sticks to stock up on for summer

Natural flush, on demand

By Georgia Nelson

BEAUTYcrew Beauty & Social Editor / September 25 2023

ICYMI blush is back, and in a big way. We’ve all moved past the sharp, perfectly contoured aesthetic of the 2010s (we never really nailed Kim K’s technique). And now blush, and cream blush in particular, reigns supreme for a glowy pop of colour and subtle sculpting. The ultimate complexion staple? A blush stick.

These creamy formulas are generally infused with skin care ingredients such as vitamin E, glycerin and hyaluronic acid to deliver a natural-looking summer flush, sans the UV damage. And because of the skin-loving ingredients and creamy formulations, you can apply to your cheeks, lips, eyes – wherever you desire, really. The best part? You don’t even need a brush to apply. Just swipe the blush stick on, blend it out lightly with your fingers and voila! The perfect sun-kissed complexion.

Whether you prefer a no makeup-makeup look or a bold blush moment, a blush stick will certainly earn its place in your daily makeup regimen – and your handbag. And we’ve scoured the shelves of drugstores and MECCAs alike to find the best blush sticks to add to your blush collection…

Violette Bisou Blush

This cult-favourite blush didn’t achieve viral status for no reason. With three marbled colourways to choose from, Violette’s Bisou Blush is the epitome of French beauty. It’s chic, yet functional, and ever so easy to apply thanks to the buildable cream formula. Each shade is specifically designed to deliver a natural flush for the most flawless blush finish you’ll ever experience. Can you tell we’re obsessed?

$56 at MECCA

Chanel Multi-Use Glow Stick

File this one under ‘expensive, but worth it’ (Bethenny Frankel would approve). The Chanel Multi-Use Glow Sticks have recently achieved TikTok beauty fame, but they achieved cult status long ago. Blurring the line skin care and makeup, this tinted blush stick will leave you with a subtle wash of colour and glow that will last for hours. The ultimate summer makeup essential TBH.

$71 at Chanel

Summer Fridays Blush Balm Stick

We love a multi-use makeup product as much as the next beauty obsessee. And the latest Summer Fridays launch has got your cheeks, lips and eyes covered (literally). Formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, these blush sticks deliver a gorgeous pop of colour without leaving your skin feeling dry or cakey. But be quick – they’re perpetually sold out.

$45 at MECCA

Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick

Want the iconic CT Pinkgasm glow without the messy dispenser (sorry Charlotte)? The Beach Sticks are where it’s at. The ultra-creamy formula glides on like a dream to leave you with a summery, dewy flush. And yes, they are spiked with the brand’s coveted glow concoction for a soft-focus, IRL filter finish.

$52 at Charlotte Tilbury

Australis Dewy + Daring Cream Blush

Hot take: Australis is the hidden gem of drugstore makeup (see: their Dior Lip Oil dupe). And this hydrating, ultra-dewy blush delivers maximum payoff with a minimal investment. Available in four vibrant hues, there’s a buildable shade for every skin tone, season and occasion.

$15.95 at Australis Cosmetics

Nudestix Nudies Matte + Glow Core All Over Face Blush

Meet your new ride-or-die blush. Nudestix has TikTok in a chokehold (we blame Sofia Richie Grainge), and this blush-highlighter hybrid is well worth a place in your makeup bag. The creamy matte blush features a glowy core to illuminate your complexion with one swipe. And did we mention the formula is packed with the skin-loving goodness of peptides and ceramides? Adding to cart immediately…

$43 at Sephora

Ulta3 Blush Sculpt Stick

If highlighter and blush had a lovechild, this would be it. The fine, blendable cream blush stick features a hint of gold shimmer to add a sun-kissed glow to your cheeks, eyes or lips (yep, she’s a multi-tasker). We were sold as soon as we found out about the strawberry-scented formula.

$9.95 at Ulta3

Pixi On-The-Glow Blush

Another TikTok-approved pick, Pixi’s blush stick delivers the perfect balance of pink (or coral) flush and lit-from-within glow. The standout feature? (Aside from its ultra-dewy, pigmented formula, of course.) The wide applicator that delivers the most flawless application of them all.

$28 at Sephora

Main image credit: @stxph.h

Want more summer makeup inspo? These are the best liquid highlighters for a lit-from-within glow...

Georgia Nelson

Georgia Nelson is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty & Social Editor and resident Euphoria obsessee. You'll find her hard at work putting the latest TikTok beauty trends to the test or perfecting her skin care routine. Her latest obsession? Nailing the glazed donut aesthetic (move over, Hailey Bieber).