Blush is, without question, my desert-island beauty product. I love how it instantly warms up my face and sculpts my features with just a press of my fingertips—a minimalist makeup lover's dream. I truly could go weeks without applying a stitch of mascara, but I will never leave the house without a flush of color on my cheekbones. Oftentimes, said flush comes from a blush stick because they're versatile (lips and lids can join the party too!), user-friendly, and just plain pretty.
You could say I have a special thing for these multitasking heroes, as I've easily tried over 100 throughout my career. With a mere swipe, I can instantly tell if a blush stick is good, a bit meh, or out-of-this-world spectacular. Still, I enlisted the help of my fellow beauty editors and two trusted makeup artists to whittle down the all-time best formulas for every skin type, tone, and budget. Here they are—the 10 blush sticks not to be missed.
The Best Blush Sticks, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick
- Best for All-Day Wear: Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint
- Best User-Friendly: Rhode Pocket Blush
- Best Natural Finish: Violette_FR Bisou Blush
- Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Multi-Use Stick
The Best Blush Sticks of 2025
Best Overall: Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick
Pros: Buttery formula that melts into the skin, very forgiving pigment, easily buildable
Cons: Has a very dewy finish if you're looking for something more matte
Shades: 8
Finish: Dewy
Yes, this buttery blush stick is worth the hype. In fact, nine WWW editors tested this beauty in a variety of shades, and each only had glowing things to say. "It does an amazing job of giving my deep complexion more color and dimension while also melting into the skin for a gorgeous blend," associate beauty editor Maya Thomas says of the stunning number. "[The shade Bichette] has such a nice finish and happens to be the perfect shade of red for my skin tone. I literally can't think of any other blush that pulls off the same look!"
I'm personally a huge fan of Chouchette, a soft, peachy pink that instantly fuses to my skin. If you fancy a rom-com flush, I can't think of a better, prettier product. It blends like an absolute dream.
Customer review: "Stunning shade. Subtle and elegant. I apply directly to my cheeks. Easily blends by pressing gently into the skin. I use the WA highlighter to further blend and add gentle highlight at the high point of my cheekbones. I own several shades and feel despite the higher price point, I am getting a luxurious product that travels well and is a pleasure to use."
Best for All-Day Wear: Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint
Pros: Lasts all day long, great for humid weather, has a slight cooling effect on the skin
Cons: Dries down quickly, so blend fast!
Shades: 7
Finish: Dewy
Remember when this innovative jelly stick broke the internet? This Jell-O-like formula is so fun to apply, and it stays put all day long. Seriously, this blush doesn't budge, making it great for sweaty summer days when your makeup can slide off as soon as you brace the humidity. "My feelings about this lip tint can best be described in the words of Lady Gaga: 'talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, showstopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before,'" senior branded content editor Anneliese Henderson once shared about the buzzy product.
Just one caveat: It dries down rather quickly and then doesn't budge, so just make sure you blend it out ASAP.
Customer review: "I've been on the hunt for a super natural blush for months and this is the best one I've found!! I love how it's almost sheer so that it looks like a natural flush and you can blend it out easily with your fingers. The tube makes it so easy to use too!!"
Best User-Friendly: Rhode Pocket Blush
Pros: Blends easily, creamy formula that's not too dewy or matte
Cons: Not as much pigment in the stick (0.18 ounces)
Shades: 11
Finish: Dewy
Let us all say a collective thank you to Hailey Bieber for creating one of the dreamiest blush sticks on the market. The whole WWW beauty team is genuinely obsessed with every single shade, but we have to give a special shout-out to Toasted Teddy, which lends an instant sun-kissed effect. (Both beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock and I are wearing the bronzy terra-cotta hue in the photos above.)
In terms of the application, it doesn't get easier than this pick. The packaging is nice and chunky, and the pigment blends with a simple press of your fingertip. "This product is one of the most user-friendly formulas," celebrity makeup artist (and WWW 100 Beauty awards judge) Kelli Anne Sewell once raved to us. "I find myself using them every day as well as wanting to pack them when I travel because of the adorable, compact packaging."
Customer review: "I have 6 Rhode blushes at this point and they are my all time favorites! I have no desire to ever use any other blush!"
Best Natural Finish: Violette_FR Bisou Blush
Pros: Comes with an attached brush for easy blending, features marbled pigments for realistic-looking color
Cons: Payoff isn't as intense than other options
Shades: 6
Finish: Matte
French-girl makeup is synonymous with an effortless, natural-looking flush, so you better believe this Bisou Blush created by French makeup artist Violette Serrat gives you the most realistic, romantic pop of color. The formula features marbled pigments inspired by Renaissance paintings for the most multidimensional shades, and the satin-like finish offers a soft-blur effect. It's no wonder McLintock considers it one of her all-time favorites. "It mimics the natural flush I get from taking a brisk walk or going outside in cold, crisp air," she once said in a review.
Customer review: "Why did I wait to try this? It's amazing!! The most beautiful natural blush I have ever tried. It sheers and blends like a dream, unlike other too [pigmented] blushes. This is my go-to—fast and easy, perfect blush."
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Multi-Use Stick
Pros: Super-hydrating formula, great to use as a moisturizing tinted lip balm
Cons: Limited shade range
Shades: 2
Finish: Matte
If you've ever tried Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel, then you know how the featherlight moisturizer, brimming with hyaluronic acid, makes skin feel instantly refreshed and soothed. This color stick essentially takes those properties and infuses them into a buildable, rosy skincare-makeup hybrid. Celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli considers it one of his favorite blush-stick options "because you can use them on the eyes, cheeks, and lips, and the formula is gorgeous." He adds, "They contain hyaluronic acid, which is going to hydrate and give the skin a more plumped, dewy finish while offering universally flattering shades like papaya and soft pink."
Customer review: "This is my second purchase for this item. Easy to use and light, natural looking. I use it on my cheeks, lips and eye shadow."
Best Splurge: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Stick
Pros: Sheer yet buildable, not too shiny for those who want a soft-matte look, blends easily
Cons: I wish there were even more shades!
Shades: 6
Finish: Matte
I could do my entire makeup routine with this one Chanel product—that's how much of a staple it is. The pigment is sheer yet buildable, the finish nice and velvety, and the applicator is sleek and luxe. It's a nice size to keep in your bag for midday touch-ups, which, as a bonus, will make you feel like a chic French woman every time. The limited-edition shade Refresh, a punchy guava pink, begs to be worn all summer.
Customer review: "The Perfect blush. Complete control, takes just a bit for a brighter look. I will buy this forever."
Best Color Payoff: Ami Colé Desert Date Cream Multistick
Pros: Effortlessly blurs pores with a soft-matte finish, juicy, universally flattering shades, makes skin look plump without appearing too shiny
Cons: Restocking will be difficult
Shades: 5
Finish: Matte
Another unanimous favorite from the WWW editorial team, this richly pigmented Ami Colé stick is such a home run. Each gorgeous hue flatters every single skin tone, and branded content editor Aniyah Morinia is especially partial to the shade Spice, a juicy plum. "I not only hit pan on the shade Spice, but I completely ran out of product—a testament to how often I use it compared to the other blushes in my collection," she once shared in a review. At the time of writing this, founder Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye announced she would officially close Ami Colé this September, much to the shock and sadness of brand loyalists (us very much included). I would run—make that sprint—to the nearest Sephora to snag yourself a few of these fabulous blushes before they run out.
Customer review: "I love everything this brand makes. It is so light and easy to apply. I’m a lazy diva and this makes getting ready so simple."
Best Blend: Kevyn Aucoin The Color Stick
Pros: Buttery formula, easy to blend with your fingertips, flexible, neutral shades great for everyday wear
Cons: Not as many shades to choose from
Shades: 3
Finish: Satin
Makeup artist Drita Paljevic, the director of artistry for Kevyn Aucoin, officially got me hooked on the brand's juicy color sticks. "They are easy to use, come in flattering shades, and a little goes a long way. They are creamy, blendable, multiuse, and super hydrating," she says. That bold cherry number (called Blooming) is especially calling my name—perfect for Victoria's Secret Angel glam.
Customer review: "Love, love, love, the color is beautiful, easy to apply, and the lid is magnetic… I am the worst at losing lids."
Best Shade Range: Merit Flush Balm
Pros: Lots of shade options, portable packaging
Cons: Radiant finish, so not the best for those with oily skin
Shades: 12
Finish: Dewy
Compact, creamy, and cute as a button, this Merit blush has been an editor favorite since it launched back in 2021. "The creamy, flexible formula is what did me in," Caitie Schlisserman, branded content beauty director, once gushed. "I can wear it on its own or with other makeup, using as much or as little as I want, and it looks natural every single time. It's impossible to mess up, and I know I can always rely on it." Each shade adds a natural-looking flush with a dewy finish that always makes you look fresh.
Customer review: "From someone who isn't great at applying makeup, Merit makes it super easy. This is easy to blend with my fingers, feels hydrating, and lasts most of the day without a setting spray or powder. I love the radiant finish on my skin that looks natural and not like I'm sweaty."
Best Shimmer: Nars The Multiple Stick
Pros: Extremely buildable, contains subtle shimmer that functions as highlighter, non-drying with a cream-to-powder finish
Cons: Very sheer, if you're looking for more of an intense color payoff
Shades: 5
Finish: Matte
Nars multistick, you will always have my heart. I have a core memory of buying the sheer Orgasm shade as a teen when I wanted to feel chic and grown-up (sleek Nars packaging will do that for you!), and it remains a staple in my makeup bag to this day. It currently comes in five subtly shimmery shades, but FYI, Nars is gearing up for a buzzy relaunch of this cult classic with 12 more vibrant hues in a velvety, cream-to-powder finish. I've had the chance to try them prelaunch, and all I can say is wow. Orgasm will forever be a nostalgic fave, but trust me—the soft-matte upgrades are just divine.
Customer review: "I can't say enough good things about this product. The color is so good. I'd say it almost works with your body's chemistry to give you a wonderful glow. Love the cream to powder formula."
The Best Blush Sticks: A Comparison Chart
Product | Shades | Finish | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick | 8 | Dewy | $48 |
Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint | 7 | Dewy | $26 |
Rhode Pocket Blush | 11 | Dewy | $24 |
Violette_FR Bisou Blush | 6 | Matte | $36 |
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Stick | 6 | Matte | $52 |
Ami Colé Desert Date Cream Multistick | 5 | Matte | $22 |
Kevyn Aucoin The Color Stick | 3 | Satin | $45 |
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Multi-Use Stick | 2 | Matte | $17 |
Merit Flush Balm | 12 | Dewy | $30 |
Nars The Multiple Stick | 5 | Matte | $39 |
What to Look for in a Blush Stick
- Finish: While blush sticks tend to be super creamy, you can find options that lend more of a cream-to-powder finish, if you choose. Decide whether you're going for an ultra-dewy look or one that reads pillowy matte. You'll be sure to find a blush stick that fits the bill.
- Payoff: Blush sticks are all quite buildable, but some definitely read more sheer than others. You can apply these directly to your cheeks, but if you have a more pigmented option (like Milk's Cooling Water Jelly Tint), you might want to apply with a brush to buffer the color and slowly work your way to your desired intensity.
- Shade Range: The great thing about blush sticks is that creamy formulas are buildable and forgiving, which makes shades pretty flexible. Still, you'll want to find one that suits your skin's undertones best.
Is a Blush Stick Better Than Powder?
No type of blush is necessarily better than another, but blush sticks are arguably the most beginner-friendly of the bunch. "Blush sticks are an all-in-one way to apply blush, since they also act as an applicator," shares Scibelli. No makeup brush or sponge required. "Blush sticks offer more precision and control with no fallout like a powder and are less messy than liquid blush," adds Paljevic on the application front.
Since blush sticks also tend to be cream based, they're particularly buildable, offering a natural, skin-like finish. That said, they do typically come with a dewy finish, which is something to note if you're hoping to minimize shine. "If oily skin types are not looking for any added shine or a dewy finish, then a matte cream formula or powder blush may be their best bet," Scibelli advises.
In short? No, blush sticks are not unequivocally better than powder. The type of blush you use will ultimately depend on your skin type, but sticks do take the cake when it comes to an easy, buildable application. "It is very difficult to make a mistake with blush sticks, making them great for beginners and pros alike," Paljevic declares.
How to Use a Blush Stick
First, Scibelli recommends testing the product's intensity by applying a bit to the top of your hand, using it as a palette. "This way, you can see how bright the blush is before applying directly onto the skin," he shares. Transfer the color from your hand to your blending tool of choice—be it a brush, sponge, or your own fingertips—and tap it onto the apples of your cheeks. If you prefer to apply the blush stick directly on your skin and blend from there, by all means, swipe away! But the pros do recommend using the palette method as a fail-safe.
Once you've popped the color on your cheeks, blend upward and outward toward the tops of your cheekbones, making sure to diffuse any harsh lines. "You can also add a dab of product to the lips for a monochromatic look!" shares Paljevic. Swipe it on the lids, too, if you feel so inclined.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
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