Warmer months are right around the corner. And that means, you’ll probably be leaning towards lighter makeup, and a fresher look. With the Sephora sale starting today, we figured it’s a good time to share some of our favorite products to create a natural makeup look.
Cream blush is underrated. And it’s easy, multi-use is an added perk.
Cream blushes, bronzers, and highlighters are not only ideal for their lightweight texture, but they’re easy to travel with. For one, if you drop them, they won’t shatter into a million little dusty pieces. And, my favorite perk is that one color can be used for multiple things such as eyeshadow, lipstick, blush, or even for contouring. This is great when you’re traveling and don’t want to take a lot of makeup with you. When I traveled to the beach last summer, I knew I wouldn’t need much blush after a day spent under the sun, so I took my Ilia Summertime bronzer, which added the perfect glow and depth for a night out for dinner.
When I first found out I had rosacea, one of the first things my dermatologist recommended was that I stop using powdered makeup. I had no idea where to even start. I remember sitting in bed that night and googling “cream makeup.” I watched hours…HOURS…of tutorials. I researched cream makeup and wondered how my makeup would ever look put together without the final touch of a powder. Before leaving that appointment, I asked her, “Do I have to get rid of all my makeup?” I was terrified to part with my makeup, my security blanket for camouflaging my rosacea, something that made me happy and relaxed me when I had time to apply it properly. She told me I didn’t have to get rid of it, but to save them for a special occasion and to try to avoid using it on a daily basis. I needed to find something to switch to STAT. I was committed to improving my rosacea, along with my damaged skin barrier, but I wasn’t ready to head to the office without a full face of makeup. I’ll share more about my full switch to cream-based makeup soon, but for now, let’s just start with cream blush (and bronzers and highlighters, too).
I never realized how much I’d love it. My first purchase was by Tarte. The Busy Gal Blush in the shade Mood has a subtle sparkle to its pink/peach hue—but no glitter. This reminded me a lot of NARS Orgasm, and I knew I had to try it. I loved this product. This one tube has lasted me a couple of years, and it’s the one I keep in my purse makeup bag for on-the-go application. Its color is perfect to double as an eyeshadow with the sweep of a finger, or even a lipstick if you’re really in a pinch.
Since then, I’ve added a few more cream products to my stash. I had a palette by IT Cosmetics that I was obsessed with. However, it’s no longer being sold, but this palette included a bronzer, blush and highlighter that was perfect. Tarte now carries a similar one, which you can find here. IT Cosmetics also had highlighter sticks that I was obsessed as well (they came in an iridescent white gold and a metallic rose color), which have also since been discontinued, but you can find a similar shade in this cream illuminator—Hello Light Crème Anti-Aging Radiance Crème Luminizer.
When that disc palette was discontinued, I ventured back to Tarte to find the perfect cream bronzer and found Breezy Cream Bronzer in Seychelles, a matte bronze, and later added the Breezy Cream Blush in Berry Bliss, a berry/rose color. I use this hue on nights I’m going out or have more of an occasion to dress up a bit as it’s a little more festive and perky. It might be a little much for everyday use or to head to the office. One thing I love about Tarte is that most of its products are vegan. And when you’re trying to take care of your skin and make healthier choices, you can’t go wrong with a vegan option.
Last summer, I decided to give Ilia a try, and it was a hit. I’ve purchased the illuminator in Summertime—a bronze with warm, red undertone and the multi-stick in Lady Bird, a neutral rose. These shades are both great options for the “no makeup makeup look” but with enough of a hue to look like you put a little something on.
And, let’s not forget my love of Colorscience and it’s SPF cream sticks, which are perfect for the days you’ll be out in the sun—think boat days or beach days, a summer BBQ, or touring around a new city while on vacation. If you’re going to be in the sun, you want to make sure you have SPF to keep you protected
Let’s Talk Application
Now, if you’re wondering what’s the best way to apply these cream products, well that’s easy. The answer is anyway you prefer. I’ve applied them with a blush brush for a more precise application, or when I need more definition. But, my favorite way to apply (and the one recommended by my derm for rosacea) is with my fingers. I either tab the stick on my cheeks and then blend up or dab on, or for the compacts, I tab my finger in the color and then apply to my cheeks. The good thing about these cream options is that the color is buildable. If you decide you need a little more pop, then you simply have to add a little more on. When I’m using bronzer and attempting to contour, I make the fish kiss face, and apply the bronzer to the parts of the cheeks that sink in, right under your cheek bone. And, when applying highlighter, I tab a little on the ring finger and apply on my browbone, a little across my forehead, down my nose, above the middle of my upper lip, a tiny bit on my chin, and finally, at the top of my cheek bone for an added glow. And, if I’m really feeling fancy, I’ll add a tiny bit to the inner corner of my eyes to make them pop a little more. Another option for applying these cream products is a sponge. I tend to not use this to apply, however when I want to blend it in after I’ve applied it on, I do tap the sponge all over for a more natural look.
