Photo 1/10
Not only is Cloud Paint one of the few sheer blushes to be sold with a complimentary sheet -- that's right, a FULL DAMN SHEET -- of stickers, it also happens to be a pretty great blush. It's blendable, buildable and lightweight, sold in a range of flattering colors and squeeze-tube packaging that makes doing your makeup feel like working on a glamorous art project.
Still, if you haven't hopped onto the Cloud Paint bandwagon, wait just a sec before placing that hasty Glossier.com order. This is sheer blush, not the Second Coming. Also, there are a ton of great, liquid blushes new to market, at a wide variety of price points, with some pretty sweet features.
Here are nine sheer blushes that we love just as much as we love Cloud Paint -- and some maybe even a smidge more.
Image via Imaxtree
At $30 for 15 milliliters of product, this luxury blush is just barely more expensive than Glossier's Cloud Paint ($18 for 10 millileters). While the cult-favorite shade Orgasm doesn't look perfect on everyone -- contrary to beauty-geek lore -- the golden rose shade definitely creates a more natural-looking blush than most cotton-candy pinks and blurs uneven skin tone. And we love the dusty berry shade Dolce Vita for darker complexions.
Buy now
Philosophy's new blush gets points simply for how fun it is to apply -- it's the texture of fruit jelly, and the netted cushion delivery system gives it an even bouncier feel. This blush is so shimmery that you might be tempted to pass on highlighter. It also has stain-like staying power, so you can forget about touch-ups. Shade 5.5 is a peachy hue much like Cloud Paint's Beam, while 7.5 is similar to the shade Dusk.
Buy now
In four punchy shades, Elizabeth Arden's cushion blush is formulated with hyaluronic acid and fruit extracts to leave skin hydrated and plump. It also has a cooling effect on contact with skin, a refreshing little novelty in hot weather. Sure, you could wear this blush year-round -- but we think these bright, juicy colors are best for spring and summer. If you like the lightweight feel of Cloud Paint, you'll love this light, refreshing gel.
Buy now
Milk Makeup's irresistible packaging and cool-girl marketing have a lot in common with Glossier's. (Milkmakeup.com orders include stickers, natch.) But Milk's makeup stands apart from Glossier's in two key ways: everything is insanely easy to apply and formulated for hydration. Milk Blush Oil is made with four moisturizing, antioxidant-filled plant oils -- orange peel, sunflower, grape seed and lavender -- and comes in a simple-to-use, roller-ball pen. Not only does this sheer blush go on like a dream, it gives cheeks a nice dose of moisture and doesn't emphasize flaky patches the way most cream blushes do.
Buy now
