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Swiping on one of the best blush sticks is our favorite shortcut to glowy skin. We’re talking about the portable, twist-up, cream-based formulas that often contain skin-nourishing ingredients like shea butter or squalane. If you constantly find yourself with only 10 minutes to get ready (as we so often do), blush sticks can be real lifesavers—not to mention come in handy as eye shadow and even lip tint, too. New to the most travel-friendly pop of color around, or wondering which blush sticks are truly worth buying? We chatted with Allure editors to determine the best of the best, save you some time while shopping, and help you achieve your perfect flush.
Our Top Blush Sticks
- Best Overall: Make Up For Ever Artist Color Crayon, $35
- Best Multipurpose: Nars The Multiple, $40
- Best Blush-Lighter: Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick, $48
- Best for "No-Makeup Makeup:" Violette_FR Bisou Blush, $36
- Best for Dry Skin: Rhode Pocket Blush, $24
- Best Sheer: Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly, $26
- Best Buildable: Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Lip + Cheek Glow Blush Stick with Hyaluronic Acid, $42
- Best Budget: ColourPop Hydrating Blush Stix, $10
- Best Longwear: Ilia Multi-Stick, $36
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Who are blush sticks best for?
- How do you apply stick blush?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Make Up For Ever Artist Color Crayon
Make Up For Ever
Artist Color Crayon
Nordstrom
Sephora
Allure content director Kara McGrath applying Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Crayon
Kara McGrath
Why we love it: You're in the driver's seat when it comes to maxxing out Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Crayon. With a whopping 24 shades, these sticks do far more than blush: Depending on your pick, you've got concealer, contour, or highlighter options, though the pink and peachy hues create a lovely flush. The creamy, lightweight, and long-lasting formula blends out in a snap on cheeks, lips, or eyes. And, the sticks’ compact shape makes it easy to grow your collection without overcrowding your makeup bag.
McGrath before applying Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Crayon
Kara McGrath
McGrath after applying Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Crayon
Kara McGrath
Tester feedback from content director Kara McGrath
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“As a big fan of an ultra-dewy look, I typically shy away from stick formulas of any type, since I find a lot of them to be a bit too drying. This multi-use stick (which I primarily use for blush) gives me that glowy finish I'm perpetually seeking, with a creamy formula that's easy to blend in, but doesn't melt away after an hour.” —Kara McGrath, content director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: shea butter, squalane
- Shade options: 24
Best Multipurpose: Nars The Multiple
Nars
The Multiple
Nars
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Nars The Multiple
Sarah Felbin
Why we love it: Nars’s The Multiple got a glow-up, with a new and improved formula so good that we gave it a Best of Beauty Award this year. Think: longer wear time (up to 16 hours, according to the brand) and a cream-to-powder texture that’s not too thick or sticky. Along with the brand’s iconic Orgasm shade, The Multiple comes in 11 other colors that range from peach to berry tones—ideal for mixing, matching, and layering together. Hydrating peach kernel oil helps this blush go on smoothly, but it dries down to a blurred finish that doesn’t budge (even after hours of wear, according to one Allure editor). If your makeup philosophy is “set it and forget it,” this might be for you.
Felbin before applying the Nars The Multiple
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after applying the Nars The Multiple
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“I'm not usually a fan of blush sticks—on me, they tend to go patchy and don't mesh well with the rest of my base makeup. The Multiple is so different (and so much better!). It blends out in seconds (I like to apply it with a brush, but fingers work too) and has a soft finish that's really lovely. It doesn't look streaky or patchy, and the end result is a light flush of color that you can build up to your desired look. Plus, it lasts all day long—I don't even need to set it with a powder blush on top. Dolce Vita is my perfect pink, but I don't think you can go wrong with any of the shades (especially since you can use them on your eyes and lips, too). ” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, peach kernel oil
- Shade options: 12
Best Blush-Lighter: Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick
Westman Atelier
Lit Up Highlight Stick
Nordstrom
Sephora
Allure senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick applying Westman Atelier’s Lit Up Highlight Stick
Lexi Herrick
Why we love it: The Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlighter Stick bridges the gap between blush and highlighter with some major skin-care benefits, thanks to hydrating jojoba seed oil and firming vitus vita grape extract. The product itself is easy to blend, with a dewy, shimmery finish that almost makes your cheeks look wet. Lit Up comes in seven shades, including Petal, pictured above, which is a rosy pink that instantly won us over.
For some extra "Yeah, I go outside, so what?” energy, apply a small amount to your forehead and nose. Want more color payoff and less shimmer? Grab the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick—it’s just as stunning, but not as shiny.
Herrick before applying Westman Atelier’s Lit Up Highlight Stick
Lexi Herrick
Herrick after applying Westman Atelier’s Lit Up Highlight Stick
Lexi Herrick
Tester feedback from senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick
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“This product is a blush/highlighter hybrid, which is perfect for me. I constantly reach for this multitasking stick to add just the right amount of rouge and brightening to my cheeks. It's incredibly smooth and blends beautifully.” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development
More to know
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- Key ingredients: capric triglyceride, grape extract
- Shade options: 7
Best for "No-Makeup Makeup:" Violette_FR Bisou Blush
Violette FR
Bisou Blush
Sephora
Violette_FR
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying Violette_FR’s Bisou Blush
Sarah Hoffmann
Why we love it: The brainchild of Parisian makeup artist Violette, Violette_FR Bisou Blush melts into your skin for an (almost) effortless, natural-looking flush. There are six marbled shades to choose from that look as beautiful on skin as they do in the tube, including neutral beige Louise (pictured here) and Aïssa, a pink for darker skin tones. “You can tell a makeup artist made these,” says makeup artist Kirin Bhatty. "The shades are thoughtfully chosen and are perfect for those who love a 'no-makeup-makeup' look."
More to love: The addition of antioxidant-packed ginger root extract and candelilla wax, an emollient that helps protect your skin barrier. You’ll also dig the soft-but-sturdy, detachable brush at the bottom for easy on-the-go blending.
Hoffmann before applying Violette_FR’s Bisou Blush
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after applying Violette_FR’s Bisou Blush
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“When it comes to shade curation, very few brands can touch Violette_FR IMO. You're not going to find a one-note bubblegum pink blush here—instead, you're going to find a nuanced, perfectly dusty pink that makes you feel like the most effortless-yet-put-together version of yourself. Louise is my personal favorite of these blushes, but you truly can't go wrong. The finish is glowy but not glossy and it builds up beautifully, so it pairs perfectly with a full face of makeup or barely-there concealer and mascara.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ginger root extract, euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax
- Shade options: 6
Best for Dry Skin: Rhode Pocket Blush
Rhode
Pocket Blush
Sephora
Rhode
Sarah Han applying Rhode Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy
Sarah Han
Why we love it: A proud member of the Rhode family, Hailey Bieber’s Pocket Blush became an instant Allure-editor favorite—and for good reason. The petite, pocket-size profile makes it easy to tote around and allows for targeted application, depositing silky-smooth pigment every time. Lightweight and hydrating, it comes in 11 shades you can apply directly onto your lips and cheeks, then gently blend out with a finger or brush. For added shine on your lips, top it off with the brand’s viral Peptide Lip Treatment.
Sarah Han before applying Rhode Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy
Sarah Han
Sarah Han after applying Rhode Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“Beyond how uber cute these blushes are, they're so buttery and easy to blend out. I actually like to use my fingers to dab the product in before using a brush to diffuse any harsh lines—but, in a pinch, just fingers also do the trick. If I want to build up the pigment (which I usually do), I'll go in with a second layer by picking up some product directly with my brush and lightly tapping it in. Extra buildable? Heck yeah. They also come in the prettiest colors. I'd normally never reach for a bronze terracotta (I lean heavily into pinks) but Toasted Teddy just has that ‘je ne sais’ quoi factor.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin
- Shade options: 11
Best Sheer: Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly
Milk Makeup
Cooling Water Jelly Tint
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying Milk Makeup’s Cooling Water Jelly
Alessandra Foresto
Why we love it: Milk’s Cooling Water Jelly looks good enough to eat—but please, don’t. The yummy vibes are only outdone by the sheer, long-lasting flush this stick delivers, along with an instantly cooling feel. “The cooling is from the release of water upon pressing,” says cosmetic chemist Ginger King. “Also, the inclusion of aloe vera with humectants like glycerin, sorbitol, and polysaccharides with polymers can enhance that effect.” Makeup artist Sara Wren suggests using a brush with this one “[because it] allows you to build up the watercolor-like pigment and gives a more precise application.” Since it's technically a stain and sets quickly, we recommend working quickly.
Foresto before applying Milk Makeup’s Cooling Water Jelly
Alessandra Foresto
Foresto after applying Milk Makeup’s Cooling Water Jelly
Alessandra Foresto
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
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“Call me skeptical! I don't normally trust jelly blushes to be longlasting and opt for cream blushes instead, but this bouncy gelatinous blush (saying that as a compliment, not a criticism) gives my cheeks a sheer and dewy color that actually stays put all day (I like the shade Berry). I also had my doubts on the cooling claims on this stick's name, and was once again proven wrong. At application, you do get a cooling and refreshing feel that I actually wish lasted longer than a few seconds.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: vegan collagen, aloe, glycerin, niacinamide
- Shade options: 7
Best Buildable: Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Lip + Cheek Glow Blush Stick with Hyaluronic Acid
Charlotte Tilbury
Unreal Lip + Cheek Glow Blush Stick with Hyaluronic Acid
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Revolve
Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Lip + Cheek Glow Blush Stick with Hyaluronic Acid
Jesa Marie Calaor
Why we love it: Feeling low-key luminosity, or would you rather turn it up a notch? Take your pick with Charlotte Tilbury’s Unreal Lip + Cheek Glow Blush Stick, which has a sheer finish that blends and layers seamlessly if you want more of a pop, making it the best buildable option out there. What also sets it apart is the pearlescent pigment, which gives skin a soft-focus glow—think highlighter, but rosier.
It doesn’t just look great once you swipe it on—it keeps working long after you apply it, with hyaluronic acid to keep it hydrated for hours. Meanwhile, sunflower and castor seed oils moisturize and soften skin.
Calaor before applying the Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Lip + Cheek Glow Blush Stick with Hyaluronic Acid
Jesa Marie Calaor
Calaor after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Lip + Cheek Glow Blush Stick with Hyaluronic Acid
Jesa Marie Calaor
Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“This chubby blush stick is perfect for anyone who loves a glowy flush and doesn't have the time to put on multiple products. (*Raises hand*.) I've put it on in front of my vanity, but also on the back of a moving subway car in a pinch. I just tap it lightly along my cheekbones up to my temple and blend it out with my fingers. It's so blendable for a natural-looking, sultry wash of color.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil, castor seed oil
- Shade options: 6
Best Budget: ColourPop Hydrating Blush Stix
ColourPop
Hydrating Blush Stix
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: You don’t have to shell out for a great blush stick—ColourPop’s Hydrating Blush Stix costs around $10, but punches way above its price. Similar to some of our other favorites on this list, it’s long-lasting (read: won’t fade into your skin in minutes) and layers well on top of other products for last-minute touch-ups. The resulting wash of color is sheer but can be built up, and blends out quickly and easily. Pick up a few of the eight available shades and still come in under budget.
Associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry applying the Colourpop Hydrating Blush Stix
Melanie Curry
Curry after applying the Colourpop Hydrating Blush Stix
Tester feedback from Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development
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“I first bought Colourpop's blush stick back in 2018. Seven years later, and I still find myself buying this gem every couple of months. The color payoff is amazing, the formula is super blendable (you don't even need a brush—just tap with your fingers, and you're good to go), and the price is unbeatable. Whether you're a makeup newbie or a seasoned player, this blush stick is one you need to keep in hand. Trust.” —associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry
More to know
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- Key ingredients: synthetic beeswax, soybean oil
- Shade options: 8
Best Longwear: Ilia Multi-Stick
Ilia
Multi-Stick
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Hoffmann applying the Ilia Mulit-Stick
Sarah Hoffmann
Why we love it: Ilia’s Multi-Stick has plenty of fans, Allure editors among them. Winner of past Best of Beauty Award and Reader’s Choice Awards, it stands out from the crowd with its breathable, lightweight finish and moisturizing ingredients that play nicely with dry skin (hi, avocado oil and shea butter). The Multi-Stick has earned a stamp of approval from the pros, too—makeup artist Tobi Henney used it on Megan Fox while she filmed Till Death, noting that Megan’s glow lasted a good 10 to 12 hours on set.
FYI: During testing, we noticed that the Multi-Stick is best applied with a brush, since the formula is on the thicker side. (Check out our favorite brushes from this year’s Best of Beauty Awards here.)
Hoffmann before applying the Ilia Mulit-Stick
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after applying the Ilia Mulit-Stick
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from Hoffmann
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"What I love about the Ilia Multi-Stick is that by using a brush, it gives me a ton of control with placement and allows me to adjust how strong the color is, which I love—it's like having multiple shades in one. ‘A Fine Romance' is the perfect berry to me because I can use it as a soft, delicate pink or go full just-ate-a-popsicle by applying it directly to my cheeks or lips." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, castor seed oil, shea butter, avocado oil, candelilla wax
- Shade options: 10
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are blush sticks best for?
Blush sticks are perfect for the "no-makeup-makeup" crowd—they’re great for natural-looking radiance without looking too cakey or obvious, like powder sometimes does. Compared to powder blushes, "blush sticks work with the natural oils of your skin, instead of sitting on top of it," explains New York-based makeup artist Nam Vo. Bhatty loves their dewy finish, as they "really lend themselves to creating a glowy complexion and truly look like skin," she says, describing them as “the perfect summertime product.”
Pro tip: "Blush sticks are multi-use products, so you can also tap them onto your lids and lips for a monochromatic flushed look," Bhatty adds.
How do you apply stick blush?
You can use a makeup brush or Beautyblender, but your fingers will work just as well, especially when you're on the go. "I like to apply the product with my fingertips and then blend out and upward with a cream blush brush toward the hairline for perfectly dewy cheeks every time," Bhatty says. For a more intense pop of color, you can use a blush stick first, then layer powder blush on top.
Meet the experts
- Kirin Bhatty, a bicoastal makeup artist based in Los Angeles and NYC
- Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist
- Nam Vo, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Sara Wren, a makeup artist and senior director of artistry at Milk Makeup
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best blush sticks, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
