Staff tested: Blush

1. Yves Saint Laurent Blush Radiance Blush in No. 1

Two shades of blush, each in a matte and a satin/iridescent finish, are designed to be blended to illuminate the cheeks.

“In winter, I need blush. Prepping first with foundation and powder, I found the texture of this blush to be superb, and it gives a natural flush. I used the flat brush included, sweeping it across the checkerboard. This one is a little summer-bronzy for me (I’m medium-fair). I’d like to try one of the pinkier palettes. Guess I’m headed for a YSL splurge!” -Rhonda Rovan, Beauty Editor

Yves Saint Laurent Blush Radiance Radiant Blush in No. 1 ($55, 4 g)

2. Quo All-Over Face Palette in You’re A Peach

This coordinated blush and bronzer are set in a sustainably sourced bamboo case.

“What a beautiful palette! I love that it’s a blush/bronzer duo-it takes the guesswork out of which colours work well together. Both have a bit of shimmer, but it’s subtle and didn’t make my oil-prone skin look shiny. These warm shades looked very natural on my olive skin.” -Stephanie Han, Art Director

Quo All-Over Face Palette in You’re A Peach ($18, 2×6 g)

3. Make Up For Ever Professional HD Micro-finish Cream Blush in #14

Ultra-fine mattifying and light-reflecting pigments are blended for a natural finish.

“I quickly learned to use just a tiny amount of this velvety cream blush. An amount about the size of a grain of rice is all I needed for both cheeks. I used a foundation brush for application. It blended easily and seamlessly into my skin, and the peachy-pink hue made my skin glow. I’m in love!” -Jennifer Masseau, Associate Editor

Make Up For Ever Professional HD Microfinish Cream Blush in #14 ($29, 10 mL)

4. Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cream Blush in 2 Pink

This is formulated to give a soft, dewy finish while providing anti-aging benefits.

“With my pale skin, blush is a must. This has a sheer finish (no sparkle) and blended easily. The palm-sized compact fits neatly into a corner of my bag, and, bonus, there’s no need to carry a brush-you use fingertips to apply. Just a smudge goes a long way to give my cheeks a lift.” -Margaret Nearing, Senior Editor

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cream Blush in 2 Pink ($30, 2.67 g)

5. Bourjois Paris Little Round Pot Blush in 34 Rose D’Or

This gold-flecked baked powder touts soft blendable texture and radiance.

“I found the brush that comes with this blush was too small, so I just used my own blush brush. I really like the soft, sheer pink colour, which goes on easily. And it has a pretty, light scent (which I got complimented on when my man leaned in for a kiss on my cheek).” -Lisa Hannam, Associate Editor

Bourjois Paris Little Round Pot Blush in 34 Rose D’Or ($19, 2.5 g)

6. Almay Smart Shade Blush in 020 Natural

Available in three hues, the pigments self-adjust to complement any skin tone.

“I don’t know how it works, but this cream blush lives up to its claim of transforming into your ideal shade. The shade I tried looked like beigey foundation-yet when I applied it with fingertips to my cheekbones, it turned a subtle rose. I’d add my own powder blush on top for evening, though.” -Bonnie Munday, Editor-in-Chief

Almay Smart Shade Blush in 020 Natural ($13, 15 mL)

7. CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in 200 Plush Peach

This cream blush is swirled with Olay’s Regenerist Serum to improve skin’s texture while adding a flush of colour.

“Because my complexion tends to be reddish, I wasn’t sure the colour of this blush would do my skin tone any favours. But it was so sheer that it looked really natural-as if I had just come in from outside on a cool day. The creaminess was perfect for my dry skin, and that it also has anti-aging properties is a bonus.” -Jennifer Walker, Senior Content Editor

CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in 200 Plush Peach ($15, 12 g)

8. Marcelle Multi-Colour Powder Blush in Pink Fusion

The gradient of shades in this blush and highlighter combo can be mixed together, or used separately to contour cheeks.

“With its multiple shades of pink, I mixed and adjusted the colour to suit my skin. (And I tried the lightest shade as a highlighter.) To apply, I swept my angled blush brush over a couple of the darker blocks in a circular motion to blend the colour. I liked the results, but if you’re not into shimmer, this might not be for you-it’s subtle, but noticeable.”
-Melissa Greer, Associate Web Editor

Marcelle Multi-Colour Powder Blush in Pink Fusion ($17, 13 g)

Related:
• 5 pretty blush picks
• 5 foods to eat for healthy, glowing skin
• 5 best bronzers