This story is part of Ensemble’s colour week, presented by Resene

Like pretty paint for your face, cream blushes are a makeup artist’s go-to for their flexibility and simple way of adding a quick flush of natural colour.

These buttery formulas not only blend like a dream but also hydrate skin, leaving a dewy, fresh finish instead of a cakey or matte look. Since they offer a natural look (or not, just apply more; don’t overthink it!), they’re ideal for makeup beginners or anyone who just loves a simple routine - plus, they're easy to apply with a makeup brush, sponge or fingers, and can often be used on the lips too.

But with the rise of the rosy glow as a trend, there are a ton of options out there and it can be overwhelming to know which ones are worth a try. Experimenting is key – and also fun – but we’ve gathered advice and top picks from some of Aotearoa's best makeup artists, to help you find your perfect creamy match.

ILIA Multi-Stick in 'Tenderly', $68

Recommended by makeup artist Lochie Stonehouse‍

I love to use this formula (and particular colour) on my fair-skinned clients. The texture warms into the skin easily and the colour does not vanish throughout the day like many other cream blushes can tend to do. The tone of this soft pink shade is neutral, so not too cool and not too warm. It's fairly light in tone, so has a luminous, bouncy and brightening effect. While it can be 'drawn' directly onto the face with the twist-up stick itself, I like to apply it with a fluffy powder brush, which I feel buffs and melts it into the skin much faster. This product doubles as a lip colour, so I often dab a little over the lips for a feminine tint that speaks to the skin and helps to pull everything together.

M.A.C Glow Play Cushiony Blush, $67

Recommended by makeup artist and co-founder of Beauty Citizen Leisa Welch

I love M.A.C’s Glow Play blush, particularly in the shade ‘Heat Index’ with a red/pink lip – but it works with anything. It’s a powdery cream blush so it's easier to use than a traditional cream, and is more forgiving on skin that isn't 'perfect'. It has a soft dusty finish but also a slight iridescent to it and, because it is a mix of powder and cream, it needs less setting powder. 

I also love Glossier’s Cloud Paint, particularly in ‘Dusk’ or ‘Beam’. I’m also loving the newer shade ‘Storm’ which works on everyone but especially on darker complexions. It requires skin to be pretty flawless and leaves the skin with not only a gorgeous dewy finish but also a gorgeous natural hue of colour.

Fenty Beauty Cream Blush in Strawberry Drip, $39

Recommended by makeup artist Melinda Patel

When it comes to blush, I always reach for Fenty Beauty’s cream blush in Strawberry Drip – the cutest pinky shade that brings your skin to life. It’s not just for me, I use it on my clients too. One of the things I love most is how easy it is to apply. With my fingertips, I dab it onto my cheekbones and blend it out (a little goes a long way). It’s perfect for summer too since it’s water-resistant, so the color stays put without feeling sticky. I often apply a little on my lips – it pairs so well with both browny and pinky-toned lip liners. Definitely a vibe!

Glossier Cloud Paint Gel Cream Blush, $41

Recommended by makeup artist Liz Hyun (who wrote about blush in her beauty trends shoot here)‍

I carry every shade in my kit as it’s versatile and I can custom mix the shades to adapt them to different skin tones. The formula is also very forgiving for beginners. The thin consistency means that it’s easy to blend, and you can layer it to get the colour intensity that you desire. The product comes in a small squeeze tube which makes it ideal for travelling. I personally start applying the product with my fingertips on the apple of my cheeks, then bringing the colour intensity towards my under eyes and cheekbones.‍

Glow Hub Glow Balm in ‘Jammy’, $32

Recommended by makeup artist Shane Cyrus

A beautiful Victoria’s Secret flush of natural red with a dewy balmy finish, beautiful on lips and cheeks. It’s buildable, wearable and for all skin tones. Tap in with fingers or blend with a beauty sponge. It’s best used as a last step as the shine is beautiful – no need to highlight for that dewy flushed look!

Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Blush Stick in ‘Earthy Pink’, $68

Recommended by Ansel Xu and Anna Guo of an era Creative

We’ve been loving the Soft Pop Blush Stick, especially in the shade Earthy Pink – it’s such a flattering, everyday color that gives the skin a natural, rosy glow and complements a wide range of skin tones, adding just the right amount of warmth without feeling heavy or overdone.

What really makes this blush a winner for us is its buildable coverage – you can keep it sheer for a soft flush or layer it up for more color without it ever looking patchy. The creamy texture melts into the skin effortlessly, leaving a fresh, healthy glow. We’ve also been impressed by its longevity; it holds up beautifully throughout the day.

Our go-to trick is to smile softly, dab a little on the apples of the cheeks, and blend upwards toward the temples for a lifted effect. Whether you’re using the built-in brush or just your fingers, it’s super easy to apply – perfect for busy mornings or quick touch-ups.

Merit Flush Balm, about $54‍

Recommended by makeup artist Lara Daly (and former Ensemble writer!)

The texture is so buttery, it blends like a dream and it comes in the best colours. I think I own them all at this point because they have great options for everyday makeup, as well as those punchy editorial colours. I love the colours 'Cheeky' and 'Stockholm' for myself – both are natural pink tones that look really fresh. 

Recently, I did a runway inspired by the last days of summer and I used the shade 'Persimmon' on every single model's lips and cheeks. Orange-y blush is so underrated. It makes you look sun-kissed and youthful, and it works on all different skin tones. The other shade I reach for a lot on shoots is 'Rouge' for a hot pink, pinched-cheek moment. 

Other cream blushes Ensemble has tried and genuinely rates:

Maryse Mineral Tint in ‘Apricots’, $58

Violette_FR Bisou Blush, $68

Aleph Beauty Cheek/Lip Tint, $62

Chantecaille Cheek Gelee Blush, $90

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge, $78‍

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush, $90