This cream blush gives my dry, maturing skin the perfect dewy glow
Over the past few years, I've adopted a "less is more" approach when it comes to my makeup. What is it? Happy to share: I swipe on a liquid bronzer to contour, apply some under-eye corrector and concealer (currently obsessed with Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer), blend it all with my fingertips, and then swipe on a cream blush.
Do you see a pattern there? Everything I use is either a liquid or a cream to suit my dry, aging skin.
And while I've tried dozens of blushes from a wide range of brands at all different price points, there's one I keep going back to, despite the relatively high price point: the Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush.
Beauty Flush Balm
How I use the Merit Flush Balm
My routine may be simple, but it's one I'm diligent about – I do it every day. I apply my makeup around 8 am, then head out on a few errands, exercise for an hour (a run or light weights), then open my laptop, rounding out the day with a few more errands before settling in and washing my face.
When I first applied Merit Flush Balm, I was impressed by how effortlessly it glided onto my cheeks. And while I was mostly satisfied with a single swipe of the dusty pink Stockholm shade, I ultimately opted for three swipes for more of a punch of colour.
The finish is so naturally radiant that it gives skin a dewy glow without that wet or sticky look or feel. It also feels weightless on the skin. All in all, it's exactly what I look for in a makeup product.
As I went about my morning, which included errands and an at-home weights workout with minimal sweating, I noticed one drawback: The Merit Flush Balm was the first product to fade from my face. While the colour lingers for more than a few hours, the initial dewiness seemed to dissipate within two hours. As far as the colour goes, I definitely had to reach for the product to reapply around 2 or 3 pm for a fresh-faced look.
That being said, I do tend to wear my makeup while I work out, so it's likely to last a little longer who doesn't put their blush through quite as much wear-and-tear, so to speak.
Why the Merit Flush Balm is worth it
It may feel like a stretch to splash out on a pint-sized (just .31 ounces!) product, but here's what makes it worth the splurge.
The packaging is great
The container is straight up gorgeous. The tiny pots have a gold base and a clear top that screws on and off. I love how compact they are, because they don't take up a ton of space in your cosmetics bag. You can even toss one in your purse for easy application on the go. And, since it's a cream with a secure lid, there's no need to worry if it'll crack and spill everywhere (if that's ever happened to you, you know the horror!). As a nice bonus, the packaging is made with 43 per cent recycled plastic.
It's easy to apply
This is an incredibly user-friendly product. Though it's technically a stick, the round shape makes application easier – simply swipe it directly onto your cheek in an upward motion and blend with your fingertips. You can also pat it on with your fingertips and apply it that way, but I find it's less messy and the results are better with a direct swipe. Either way, there's no fancy brush necessary when using this blush.
It's highly customisable
I find some cream or liquid blushes are much too pigmented, and even a tiny swipe can make your cheeks look a little clown-like. Not Merit Flush Balm. Because it's made with microfine pigments, it's a highly buildable product, so you can better customise your results. Some shades are more pigmented than others, but they all deliver a natural smooth finish. I've tried 12 different shades (!) and, for the most part, a single swipe wakes up your cheeks a bit, delivering a natural kiss of colour with a glowy finish, or you can opt to layer a few swipes for more of a flush that's great for a more done-up look. My favourite shade – Stockholm – is a light, dusty pink that looks *chef's kiss* with two to three swipes and a little blending.
It's great for dry and mature skin types
My skin skews very dry, plus I'm 37 years old, so I'm acutely aware of the needs of both dry and aging skin. And makeup artists and dermatologists alike will tell you that cream reigns supreme in both cases. I love that this one is more than a kiss of colour – it's packed with skincare ingredients like vitamin E and nourishing oils that make skin look instantly radiant. Unlike powder blushes that can settle into lines and look dull, this product gives skin a slight glow and helps blur the appearance of pores. I also like that it's fragrance-free and vegan – great for sensitive skin types.
It's available in a wide range of shades
Right now, Merit Flush balm comes in seven shades, ranging from a vibrant red, to a baby pink, to a soft peach. There's something to suit a wide range of skin tones and preferences already, but good news: the brand is launching six additional shades in early 2025. Part of the launch? The return of a cult-favourite: terracotta, which is a beautiful soft creme.
The bottom line: is Merit Beauty Flush Balm worth it?
IMHO: 100 per cent yes. While the price for such a small container may seem like a lot, a little goes a long way, so you should get plenty of mileage out of the blush. And, besides the staying power, it's hard to find anything negative to say about the product. The packaging is smart, the shade range is great, the application is flawless, the customisable wear is gorgeous, and it contains skincare ingredients that make it a great pick for dry and mature skin types.
This is definitely my new go-to daily blush, and when you're a beauty writer with so many other stellar options at your disposal, that's saying a lot!
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