Blush Sticks Are the Latest Beauty Craze—These 12 Will Give You That Effortless Sun-Kissed Look

Blush Sticks Are the Latest Beauty Craze—These 12 Will Give You That Effortless Sun-Kissed Look

Makeup lovers everywhere are swapping their powder blushes for the newest trend: cream blush sticks. These handy beauty tools give you that perfect flushed glow like you just spent the day at the beach. They’re super easy to use—just swipe, tap with your fingers, and you’re done! With so many options hitting the shelves, I’ve rounded up the absolute best blush sticks that’ll give you that sun-kissed look in seconds.

1. Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick

Makeup artists constantly reach for this luxury option in their professional kits. The Westman Atelier stick delivers a buttery-soft formula that melts into skin upon contact, creating the most natural-looking flush imaginable. Beauty editors frequently crown it “Best Overall” for its buildable pigmentation that never looks cakey.

Created by celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman, this clean beauty formula contains nourishing ingredients like berryflux vita and coco-caprylate. The stick’s precision tip allows for targeted application exactly where you want color.

Poppet (soft coral-pink) and Petal (rosy-nude) are the most requested shades for achieving that sun-kissed effect. The magnetic cap and luxe packaging make this splurge-worthy stick a vanity showpiece that performs as good as it looks.

2. Rhode Pocket Blush

Hailey Bieber’s beauty brand has makeup enthusiasts buzzing with excitement. The Rhode Pocket Blush has quickly become a social media sensation for its skin-loving formula packed with peptides and tamanu oil. Unlike typical cream blushes, this one leaves a dewy finish that mimics natural flush.

Shades like Tan Line and Sun Soak work beautifully across all skin tones, giving that just-back-from-vacation warmth. Many users love how it doesn’t settle into fine lines or pores.

Application couldn’t be simpler—just dab directly onto cheeks and blend with fingertips. The compact size makes it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups when you need that healthy glow boost. For the best results, apply to bare skin or over lightweight foundation.

3. Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick

Talk about makeup multitasking! Milk Makeup’s chunky crayon serves double-duty for both lips and cheeks, cutting your morning routine in half. The plant-derived oil blend creates a formula that glides across skin without tugging or pulling.

Werk (dusty rose) and Rally (bright poppy red) rank among the most popular shades for achieving that just-pinched flush. The vegan formula feels lightweight yet delivers impressive color payoff that lasts throughout the day.

Beauty experts love how it never feels sticky or greasy on the skin. For a natural sun-kissed look, apply directly from the stick and blend outward with fingertips or a dense brush. The jumbo-sized packaging ensures you won’t run out anytime soon, making this pick both practical and economical for everyday wear.

4. Violette_FR Bisou Blush

French makeup artist Violette created this stick specifically for that barely-there flush French women are famous for. The Bisou Blush (meaning “kiss” in French) mimics the natural color your cheeks get after a gentle kiss or brisk walk outside.

What makes this formula stand out is its lotion-like consistency that disappears into skin, leaving no detectable product behind—just a natural-looking tint. The balmy texture contains moisturizing ingredients that benefit your skin while wearing it.

Makeup minimalists adore this for its foolproof application and subtle effect. Apply directly to the apples of your cheeks and tap with fingertips for the most natural result. The slim packaging slips easily into even the smallest makeup bags, making touch-ups throughout the day incredibly convenient.

5. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Multi-Use Stick

Budget-conscious beauty lovers, rejoice! This drugstore gem delivers high-end results without the luxury price tag. Neutrogena’s stick contains hyaluronic acid—the same moisture-binding ingredient found in their popular skincare line—making it perfect for dry skin types.

The sheer, buildable color creates a natural-looking flush that never appears heavy or makeup-y. Berry Brown and Pink Grapefruit shades work beautifully for that sun-kissed effect across most skin tones.

Application feels refreshingly cool against the skin, almost like a gel-water hybrid texture. For best results, warm the product by swiping back and forth on the back of your hand before applying to cheeks. At under $15, you can afford to grab multiple shades to mix and match for different seasons or moods.

6. NARS The Multiple Cream Blush Stick

Iconic is the only word to describe this cult-classic stick that’s been giving makeup lovers their glow since 1996. NARS The Multiple pioneered the multi-use makeup trend, working beautifully on cheeks, lips, eyes, and even as a highlighter depending on the shade selected.

The legendary Orgasm shade—a peachy-pink with subtle gold shimmer—remains the brand’s bestseller for its universally flattering tone. The creamy formula contains vitamin E and acai oil for added skincare benefits while wearing.

Makeup artists adore its versatility for creating monochromatic looks using just one product. The twist-up packaging means no sharpening required, and the sleek black tube feels substantial in your hand. While pricier than some options, the product’s longevity and multi-use functionality justify the investment for serious makeup enthusiasts.

7. Fenty Beauty Match Stix Cheek + Lip Stick

Leave it to Rihanna to create a blush stick that adapts to your individual skin chemistry! The Fenty Beauty Match Stix stands out for its color-adjusting technology that creates a customized flush on every skin tone. The matte formula starts as a cream but sets to a soft powder finish.

Yacht Lyfe (coral) and Strawberry Drip (berry pink) rank among fan favorites for achieving that sun-kissed glow. The hexagonal packaging magnetically snaps together with other Fenty sticks, making organization a breeze for makeup collectors.

Beauty influencers rave about the impressive staying power—up to 8 hours without fading or creasing. The precise tip allows for targeted application exactly where you want color. For a natural-looking finish, warm the product between your fingers before applying or use Fenty’s custom magnetic brush designed specifically for these sticks.

8. Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Blush Stick

Red carpet makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury designed this luxury stick to mimic the flush models get after hours under hot photography lights. The formula actually melts at body temperature, creating an undetectable second-skin finish that photographs beautifully.

Pillow Talk Poppy (warm peach) remains the most requested shade for its ability to enhance any complexion with a healthy warmth. Celebrity makeup artists frequently use this on clients for major events due to its photogenic quality.

The formula contains finely-milled light-reflecting particles that create dimension without obvious shimmer or glitter. For the most natural application, swipe directly onto the apples of cheeks and blend upward toward temples with fingertips. The rose gold packaging feels substantial and luxurious, making application feel like a special ritual rather than just another makeup step.

9. Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Stick

Runway models have long benefited from this pH-reacting formula used behind the scenes at fashion shows. The Dior stick appears nearly colorless in the tube but transforms upon contact with skin, creating a customized flush based on your skin’s natural chemistry.

Unlike other cream blushes, this one doesn’t rely on pigments alone—it works with your body’s natural pH levels to create a truly personalized shade. The result mimics the natural flush you’d get after exercise or time in the sun.

Makeup professionals appreciate how it adjusts to each client without needing multiple shade options. The balm-like texture creates a natural-looking radiance without any obvious shimmer particles. Apply sparingly at first—the color develops over several minutes, so you can always build up intensity. The elegant packaging with the Dior logo embossed on the stick elevates your makeup routine.

10. Make Up For Ever Artist Color Crayon

Makeup professionals created this versatile crayon specifically for working artists who need reliable performance in any situation. The precision tip allows for detailed application anywhere on the face—cheeks, lips, eyes, or even for creative graphic liner looks.

The waterproof formula sets quickly and stays put through long days, making it perfect for special events or summer activities. Wherever Walnut (terracotta brown) creates the most natural-looking sun-kissed effect across various skin tones.

Travel enthusiasts love how the slim pencil format takes up minimal space in makeup bags while eliminating the need for separate blush, lipstick, and eyeshadow products. The twist-up mechanism means no sharpening required, and the built-in sharpener in the base ensures you always have a precise tip when needed. For the most natural application, draw a few small lines on cheeks and blend quickly before the formula sets.

11. Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm

Born from the skincare-first brand, this hybrid product bridges the gap between makeup and treatment. The Summer Fridays stick contains shea and murumuru butters that nourish skin while depositing a sheer wash of color that never looks heavy or cakey.

Sweet Cheeks (raspberry) and Sunkissed (warm terracotta) consistently sell out during summer months for their ability to create that just-back-from-vacation glow. The balmy texture makes it virtually impossible to overapply, perfect for makeup beginners.

Skincare enthusiasts appreciate how this formula actually improves skin’s moisture levels throughout wear time. The packaging features the brand’s signature minimal aesthetic with a twist-up mechanism that delivers the perfect amount of product. For the most natural application, warm between fingers first and press into the high points of cheeks where sun would naturally hit.

12. e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi-Stick

Budget beauty brand e.l.f. proves amazing makeup doesn’t require emptying your wallet. At under $10, this multi-stick delivers performance comparable to luxury options at a fraction of the price. The cream-to-powder formula starts dewy but sets to a natural matte finish that lasts throughout the day.

Sparkling Rose (warm pink) and Luminous Berry (plum) rank as top sellers for creating that natural flush. The vegan, cruelty-free formula contains no parabens or phthalates, making it a clean beauty option at an accessible price point.

Makeup beginners love how foolproof application feels—just swipe directly onto cheeks, lips, or eyelids and blend with fingertips. The compact size fits easily into even the smallest purses for on-the-go touch-ups. Pro tip: For extra staying power on oily skin, set with a light dusting of translucent powder after application.