Best & Worst Drugstore Blushes 2023

The best & worst blushes at the drugstore!
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VIDEOS MENTIONED:
Amanda’s video: • This one question will...
New launches worth trying: • BEST new makeup launches
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PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
e.l.f. Putty Blush: howl.me/cjRmtTTejxA
Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Blush: howl.me/cjRmoqE0DT0
Flower Beauty Lip and Cheek Crush: howl.me/cjRmtol4JI5
Essence What A Tint: howl.me/cjRmo2XR03J
Makeup Revolution Super Dewy Blush: howl.me/cjRmumFyDwT
NYX Sweet Cheeks Liquid Blush: howl.me/cjRmuIdA8iA
Milani Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush: howl.me/cjRmsamrZfH
Flower Beauty Blush Bomb: howl.me/cjRmu9svw5p
CoverGirl Cheekers Blush: howl.me/cjRmvrzThQN
Catrice Matt Air Blush: www.amazon.com/shop/kellygooc...
Burts Bees Powder Blush: howl.me/cjRmzSTQbOq
Milani Rose Powder Blush: howl.me/cjRmspmPcGb
Colourpop Pressed Powder Blush: howl.me/cjRmAfH4LpP
Ulta Beauty Collection Mineral Blush: howl.me/cjRmAEsVIad
Essence Mosaic Blush: discontinued?
Essence Pure Nude Baked Blush: howl.me/cjRmrtf6sPC
Milani Baked Blush: howl.me/cjRmrWZes7G
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WHAT I’M WEARING:
Eyes: Milani Whisky Business
Lips: Persona Almond + Becca Dune
Nails: go.magik.ly/ml/1tvi5/
Earrings: Kendra Scott
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TIME STAMPS:
0:00 intro
0:32 cream blushes
3:19 liquid blushes
7:54 powder blushes
16:08 glowy powder blushes
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Sigma Beauty: glnk.io/mzj3y/kelly
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Kokie Cosmetics: www.kokiecosmetics.com/
Code “KELLY25” for 25% off
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FAQ:
What is your skin type? Normal to dry
What camera do you use? shop-links.co/chBs2JHHBZE
Where is your wallpaper from? shop-links.co/chBsZUq6pwg
What editing software do you use? Wondershare Filmora
How old are you? 29
For business inquiries: [e-mail]
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FTC: Affiliate links are used (may start with magic.ly, rstyle.me, shop-links, or howl.me). If you purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission. This video is not sponsored. All opinions are my own and always will be!

[@aashnadiva]

It's so refreshing to see a makeup influencer with out lip fillers! You are beautiful girl!

[@Isabella-hp4mc]

Thats not even relevant lol

[@rajeeii]

immediately knew I could trust this once you said you don’t like the elf cream blushes 😭😭 I always felt like it was just me who didn’t like it

[@rajeeii]

i also really enjoy the physicians formula blushes and pacifica!! def worth a try

[@melaniemeeyah5755]

I just discovered an older product that has quickly become my favorite drugstore cream blush, best part is it is like $5. The wet n wild Megaglo Makeup Stick Blush, I got mine in Floral Majority. It has decent pigment, it has a bit of glow but no shimmer, I swipe it on and then use a stipple brush to blend and it doesn't lift my foundation or go patchy. Love it!

[@msmalice6007]

ngl the flower beauty liquid blush price shocked me because it’s cheaper in australia which is usually the opposite, drugstore makeup in australia is quite costly

[@KellyGooch]

Ooh that’s interesting!!

[@gasparinha]

I've noticed this from a lot of Australian creators (I'm in the US)! I think one of their blending sponges was like, $4 AUD at some point?

[@pepper8163]

Here in Canada Flower cosmetics are quiet $$$ and I don't know why , when Canada is next door from US.

[@hayleylongster4698]

@@pepper8163 It was pretty expensive in the UK too when it was available here- which is prob why it wasn't profitable for them and they ended up pulling out lol

[@pinkbubblesnake]

​​@@hayleylongster4698that and I never saw a stand for them. Like I'm not going to try the foundation if I can't shade match myself. I also hate the Milani prices in the UK

[@deebree311]

I agree with you about the elf putty blushes. I decluttered mine along time ago and replaced them with the Honest Beauty creme blush in Rose Pink, which has become my absolute favourite ♥️🌷

[@hannahcastor9246]

Thank you for going through these blushes and explaining the pros and cons! I was actually going to try one of the Elf glowy putty blushes because I'm trying to build a simple, inexpensive "kit" for my upcoming wedding. Now that you mention the Milani being better, though, I think I'll try that instead!

[@clisaa6974]

Do you have any fav drugstore one's that are radiant or dewy/luminous that you love that are either drugstore or less than say $25. I will never finish a blush cause most are soooo big and i like to try different ones. I like cream blushes but they never last long on my dry skin.

[@carleemae6596]

@@clisaa6974 have you tried the colourpop super shock blushes? They come in both glowy and matte finishes. They’re super affordable and I’ve never had any noticeable longevity issues. ❤

[@onewhisper22005]

One of the cheapest but best blushes I’ve found is the LA Colors Cream Gel blush. I found it at the Dollar Store and it was actually a shade I’d wear so I figured I’d give it a try and didn’t expect much since so much at the dollar store is hit or miss (a lot of misses 😂) but OH MY GOODNESS! It’s great! It’s pigmented so doesn’t take much to get good color payoff, but can also be sheered out. Blends out easily. It dries down completely but doesn’t look dry. It’s a natural finish. Lasts all day.

[@GlitterFallout]

We LOVE a comparison video! Thank you for the time and energy you put into this.

[@danielaaguilar8897]

The essence is so pretty it is luminous without emphasising texture, my fave!

[@kerriwright4593]

I think the milani baked blush in dolce pink is my top blush. It's definitely my most used because i can wear it with any eyeshadow. It's like neutral on me and i just love it.

[@ronnie-lynn]

For the elf blushes, I bought several colours. And only 1 out of 5 worked for me and lasted all day! Maui in the luminous. ❤ cover girl blush in iced cappuccino was my jolt grail for almost 20 years 😂

[@sherynemmanuel]

Would you make this into a series for other makeup products? Thanks for the video 😉

[@aquaqueen7247]

Yeah pls Kelly ❤

[@KellyGooch]

I’ve done it with drugstore foundations, concealers, palettes & lip oils so far! Any recommendations for what you would like to see next?

[@aquaqueen7247]

Lipsticks maybe ? ❤

[@gracemichelle538]

@@KellyGooch bronzers!

[@catarinaoliveira6852]

​@@KellyGooch highlighters?

[@katrinaa980]

I have been using the bright pink cover girl cheekers blush since middle school… I’ve tried others but always go back 😅

[@francescaagogo]

Love this glowy, bronzy/peachy look. 🧡

[@katyatiu908]

Thank you for the thorough review Kelly, very informative! ❤ you made me curious to try that Essence blush

[@kiravladimirovna]

No one talks about the Juvia's Place blush duos. I use that almost every day!

[@pajamamama5965]

Excellent video! I wondered why I wasn't reaching for my elf putty blushes but now I know I'm not alone. I definitely fall into the camp of buildable Powder blushes. I think it's because I use the draping technique and I want a light dusting on the temples and a tiny touch along the hair line. Then I can double it up on the cheek bones. I just find it to be easier to work with than really high pigmented products. I've found the best way to use powdery blushes is to follow with a setting spray. It sets them down and increases longevity.

[@elle_sanchez]

I watched a video Marlena (MG founder) put out on makeup that’s not worth the splurge. She mentioned blush, stating that all it really is, is overpriced eyeshadow. It makes prefect sense and I want to switch from my Milk and Nude Stix blushes so I definitely appreciated this video. Thanks for your content 😊

[@becm963]

That Catrice blush looks so cute. I have been wanting to place an order for their concealer. I’m not a fan of buying makeup through Amazon. I prefer to order directly from the retailer. I didn’t want to only order one item. Now I can order multiple items. Thanks, Kelly.

[@onlytruth247]

YES! SAME HERE! & I finally pulled the trigger on the Catrice concealer. I didn't know what color so I watched what most youtubers got but I never uuy mu online but EVERYONE talked about this one.(plus its cheap😁 )Now I wanna try more Catrice.

[@victoriakeller3697]

The Florence by Mills cream blush is incredible. It converted me from hating blush to wearing only blush some days!!

[@skylertime]

i love comparison videos like this so much! i REALLY want to pick up the new essence blushes, i gotta get to an ulta so i can swatch them! i would love to see your favorite drugstore highlighters next, i'm in the market for a new one

[@aquaqueen7247]

Hey Kelly love ur videos I think you should do a video talking about ur go to hair products and tips cause girl ur hair is gorgeous

[@katiechatseyeshadow4394]

Thank you for breaking it down into different formulas x

[@bridgetnorris3025]

Loved hearing your review on all these blushes! You look gorgeous- love the bronzy look! I love the Burt’s bees blush so much! I am obsessed with the formula and overall I’d say it’s my fav drugstore blush especially toasted cinnamon! I think toasted cinnamon would look so stunning on you- since you look so amazing in warm bronzy shades! I got rid of any pink but kinda regret it now that pink is more popular! The catrice air blush matte looks so pretty- I haven’t tried it before but it looks stunning! I love the Milani rose blushes too and colourpop pressed blushes! The swirled shade looks pretty!

[@hollythornell5262]

I love the NYX liquid blush. I tap my out with a dry sponge and it looks so natural

[@n1h1L1s7ka]

One of the best videos for blushes! 💜

[@soothingsounds934]

I love your natural makeup 😍😍

[@brikebol]

this is SO helpful for a makeup newbie, thank you!

[@bethrichardson5364]

I'm totally a powder blush aficionado.

[@yasimartinez8435]

Great comparisons, love it 😍

[@Joanna2b]

I appreciate the arm swatches genuinely

[@laura10777]

Great job on this video! Your blush looks great, btw.

[@mutantxdoll]

Thank you for this informative video! Can you do one on lip products or bronzers/contour?

[@jayneyp8683]

Good video!! Thank you for swatching them :)

[@garmonbozia_]

This is really fun and helpful!

[@oaklibird]

I’m loving your looks with the Milani palette, I can’t wait for it to release in Australia! 💗

[@KellyGooch]

It’s my favorite!

[@WYGOWarrior]

Great video! I was surprised you didn't have any of the liquid blushes that come in a squeezy tube with a sponge tip. I love the Essence blushes!

[@mistichristensen7088]

Yes! I love this video and I love blush! 💛🌻

[@amakeuplovingmommy8301]

I agree with your opinion about elf putty blushes! They fade on me within 5 minutes. I decluttered mine finally after trying to make them work for me for months!

[@Sabrina-Mepham23]

Best blush I've bought and my favourite... Milani baked powder blush in Dolce Pink. Love it, great pigment and glow

[@isabel5281]

yay!!! love blush content

[@moondra3481]

I finally ordered the Catrice blushes after hesitation but wow, I purchased all three colors and they are fantastic! They remind me so much of the Jordana matte blushes and that formula was fabulous. When I want just a wee bit of glow (I am a matte person) I tap just a little bit of the Milani baked blushes (which was owned by Jordana btw) and it comes out perfect ❤❤. Thank you for the recommendation.

[@mandijones4995]

You look beautiful and summer ready in this video ❤

[@marghiel.3847]

I layer matte n glowy blushes too. I also use the essence pure nude highlighter to transform any matte blush

[@kerriwright4593]

I'm obsessed with the new essence blushes. My ulta only carries 3 shades but i want them all lol.

[@lisaerickson9510]

The kokie gradiant blushes are very nice!

[@KellyGooch]

You’re right!! I can’t believe that I forgot to mention those!

[@ClaraBarrerabeautyisageless55]

Great video, I own all these brands and agree on your recommendations 💜💜

[@normansigucci9845]

Kelly please please please try the undone beauty 3 in 1 cream blushes it has a sheer medium and opaque section I get so many compliments and I use it under and over powder!!!

[@user-fy4uv9wb7o]

Those essence baked blushes are so wonderful. My fave so far is Berry Cheeks (think that's what it's called)

[@teresafernandez87402]

Tgif Kelly! Love your videos!

[@thisismaer]

I thought I was the only one who didn't like the elf putty bronzer. It doesn't show up on my skin (and I'm as fair as sheet of paper 😅), even if I go a little overboard with it, it fades quickly. Still looking out for a good cream contour that is cruelty free.

[@sacgeekgirl]

OMG I JUST bought the Essence baked blush in that exact color yesterday. I was really sad how powdery it was (I was trying it out in my car 🚗 😅). I think I'll probably go back to my Milani baked blushes for more color tho. Edit: Aaaaand you recommend the exact Milani blush I was thinking of. Mine just finished so I tried something new, womp womp, now I'm going back to Milani 😂

[@sagebeauty]

The Essence mosaic powders are still available in Australia. I have that blush and the light tone face powder which I like a lot more than the ELF halo glow powder as it’s a cooler tone and more controllable because it’s pressed. I also have the Essence nude blush on the same shade as yours and I absolutely love it. I have the OG essence blush too, complete with broken lid! 😂😂. I have 2 baked Milani blushes and I am obsessed. Have been for years. They give me Hourglass vibes. My fave of all, though, is either the Milani Luminoso or one from an Australian brand-Mellow- that has beautiful packaging and the most elegant glow. Wear time is excellent too. If you’re in Australia or NZ you can buy the blush/bronzer bundle for $40 AUD which is a good price here.

[@mariaziarnik6909]

YES ❤❤❤❤. Blushes !!!

[@catarinaoliveira6852]

Heyy, if you're into peach blushes, could you please try the Kiko Milano Unlimited Blush in the shade 08 Universal Peach? Also the LA girl just peachy. It looks so warm and pretty, and it's matte i think! So I'd love to see you compare it with the Catrice one :)

[@ashleydaugherty3373]

U need to try the newish hard candy the face blush! Make sure to get the she’s born yesterday shade ! Best blush at the drugstore in my opinion ! It’s a liquid blush fyi

[@MAubrey69]

Kelly! Girl This will be so random but I THINK I know what that oily residue is possibly. So I also bought that Provence lip oil in the burnt peach shade and loved it and even tweeted it to Angie buuuut that thing leaks everywhere! It literally never stops leaking oil all over everything! If you had it around your blush then I would bet that is the issue.

[@xintheshower]

if you like the curly custard you should try the mop top custard. I have super fine hair too and I like it a lot better, its a lot lighter

[@cathychipman4680]

Have you ever tried the Buxom blushes? Thoughts?

[@amyamy8177]

try essence 'the blush' it's a matte powder blush i think 10 befitting would look good on most light skintones (i'll buy a more pink or berry shade next time)

[@Kimbyroseh]

Did you see the too faced sweet peach is being discontinued???!! I know you probably don’t want to get a palette being discontinued, but it is so good! It’s still one of my faves. It’s be gorgeous on you, too, especially with the peachy cheeks you’ve been loving.

[@debleigh1249]

There’s new face powders out by physicians formula. They are called, Butter glow pressed powder. I use the shade, natural glow. It looks like a purpley-goldish cream, same look as hourglass blush.. mood exposure vibes. I think you should try it!! It is an amazing shade and it is such a great powder! I use it as a blush and just can’t put it down! 💜

[@grayson2788]

I wear this every day. I love it so much.

[@shaikaliya2872]

Your hair looking stunning... I really want to know your hair routine😢

[@MissBeatrixKiddo]

Question then comment Q: when using cream or liquid, if I have to set it with powder, then why not just use a powder blush? (Blush of all formulas has been tough for me.) C: I'm new to liquid and cream blushes. Juvia's came out with some liquid ones and I am not experienced enough for that level of intensity. I did get the elf one and...I dunno, I dont love it. I'll try some of your other suggestions.

[@kerriwright4593]

I think i prefer more pigment for the most part, especially with eyeshadow. Sometimes i do ho overboard with bronzer so i like it to be buildable. Blush idk 🤷🏼‍♀️ it never lasts so like i am heavy handed with makeup so buildable would be better but since it fades so fast i need more pigment.

[@flutemusic88]

I’m shocked that you haven’t tried the Essence matte powder blushes! SO affordable, and a really high end formula!

[@gasparinha]

Coming here to say this! Also, I have about 4 blushes at one time, and The Blush in Beloved is my only pink one - and it's lasted me YEARS.

[@ariadneblue2201]

@@gasparinha I LOVE that Beloved blush! It single-handedly made me a pink blush kinda person.

[@Daisychain48]

What foundation and shade are you wearing here?

[@marmelaota1703]

I'm surprised how much more expensive Catrice and essence can be in the US compared to Europe. The Catrice matte blush is under 4€ here in Germany. But on the other hand a lot of US Drugstores products are much more expensive over here... If you can even get them here.

[@kayla4702]

I actually just didn't like the Flower Beauty liquid blush. Too sheer for me and didn't last well. I have really enjoyed the Milani baked blush in Dolce Pink. Although, with all the peach blush you've been sharing and me wanting to try peach, I'm thinking of getting it in the shade Luminoso. 😊

[@gasparinha]

Do it!! If you're a medium skin tone or lighter, it does the "lit-from-within" look so well! (Maybe not if you're super cool-toned...)

[@marielasa]

i was about to buy the milani baked blush thank you for saving my broke azz

[@whimsyrosie]

With my dry, sensitive skin, I can't wear powder products. They either cause bad reactions, emphasize my texture, or brush right off. With my ADHD, anything that causes me to have to put in too much effort for application I will instantly forget about or get overwhelmed with. For liquid blushes I NEED a doe foot because the ones with nozzles you have to put in so much effort to squeeze out the right amount, and it has to go on the back of your hand which gets messy and overwhelming. I just can't. I wish there were drugstore liquid blushes that had a doe foot, but I will just have to stick to high end for now. In the mean time, Milani cream blush in Nude Kiss looks amazing on my light-medium neutral skin! So easy to put on and just looks so wonderful. My absolute favorite drugstore cream blush. I loved the elf ones but they emphasized my dry scaliness so I haven't reached for them sadly. The colors are amazing, but I just can't with the texture emphasizing. My absolute favorite blush of all time though is the Milk Makeup Lip and Cheek stick in Enigma. Not drugstore, but lasts forever and the color is top notch. Super natural, easily buildable.

[@emmacondon7028]

Thank you! I thought i was the only person on planet earth that doesnt like the elf putty blushes😂

[@Periwinkie22]

I’m a glowy blush girl through and through

[@blushandsky]

do you have those em cosmetics baked veil blushes? are they comparable with the new baked blushes from essence?

[@ginnyburley9552]

I have a very similar experience with the Elf putty products. Actually I hesitate to admit that most Elf products I’ve tried don’t work for me. The Bite Sized shadows also fade so quickly they aren’t worth using. I’ve wondered how I can fail to appreciate a brand that seems universally adored.

[@ginar3442]

💖 My favourite drugstore blushes are from Bourjois, a French brand.😊

[@catarinaoliveira6852]

Do they have any nice matte peach blushes? :)

[@ginar3442]

@@catarinaoliveira6852 I don't know. I have a couple shades that have a lovely satin finish.

[@catarinaoliveira6852]

@@ginar3442 thanks, i'll check it out!

[@fionae7715]

Have you tried the physicians formula butter blushes?

[@queenskid187]

I love those

[@kerriwright4593]

I really really struggle to have blush stay. It's like my face absorbs it within 5 minutes. I'll go from clown to nothing in seriously minutes and i even layer cream and powder blushes. Maybe i should try the revolution

[@xmermaid7x]

The milani liquid blush looks amazing but unfortunately it broke me out, I have combo acne-prone skin. So disappointing because it looks great and lasts.

[@Ohkeh640]

What eyeshadow are you wearing

[@notes_to_elle8664]

It would be a tragedy if Cheekers is being discontinued...I have a very clear memory of my mom owning one blush, a very well-used hot pink Cheekers and it must have been the late 80s!

[@booboojt1756]

I thought I’m the only one who doesn’t like elf putty blush. I don’t know if I get the bad one, but mine is so dry. I feel like it’s hard to work with. It blended beautifully, but I had to put a lot of effort to make it work. I like the cream blushes that are more creamy or a serum blushes

[@nove_ria]

Mine's very dry as well, i was so shocked because reviews says it's not but mine is!

[@alyssagsm]

i have the cheek kiss by milani in youre a peach, and i could not it to work for the life of me, tapping, rubbing or using a blender, with and without primer/moisturizer/foundations. idk, couldn’t get the putty blush or bronzer by elf to work so maybe cream doesn’t work well on my skin?

[@neneg.4264]

I didn't like them either, I tried the original formula, fail 😬 then I tried the luminous fourmula... still a fail, very hard to blend, it'd end up super patchy, plus they dried out soo quickly! probably after just 2-3 weeks, no thnx 🙅‍♀️

[@onlytruth247]

What is your favorite recommended blush BRUSH(ES) that you use for these blushes??

[@brandibyers8786]

My fav blush is the L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Blush in Baby Blossom. Have purchased 2 already and almost on 3rd. So good!!

[@janis7964]

Are we stupid for putting on a cream blush after our foundation and then later putting a powder one on top?! I ask myself this every time, but it looks good! Ugggh

[@NathaHarleyGaga]

🤗🙏💜❤️

[@nove_ria]

I don't like elf putty blush as well 😔. I'm trying, it's just aint for me.

[@cathychipman4680]

My ELF putty blush dried out after 6 months😢

[@islandbeauty1388]

I know what you mean, I am not a huge ELF fan. I do like the wow brow, but most things they put out are meh.

[@neneg.4264]

I agree

[@rebeccaellison9999]

I’m a matte girlie too! I love the dewy look but the dewy feel just grosses me out! I’ve seen a lot of influencers and artists saying to pair every creme product with a powder product and I’m like… I don’t want to use THAT much makeup!!!!

[@dubsbeautydiary]

Very helpful. I haven’t done a lot of blush dabbling yet. 🫣