These 5 Blush Sticks Will Give You an Instant Flush

Liquid and cream blushes may feel like the most popular formats, and powders will always be a classic, but blush sticks are having a moment. Known for creamy, buildable formulas and convenient, easy-to-use packaging, blush sticks work for every makeup style. And some even double as lip products, making them a multitasker’s dream.

I tested five of the most buzzed-about blush sticks—Makeup by Mario’s Soft Pop, Milk Makeup’s Lip + Cheek, Tarte’s Maracuja Multi-Stick, Haus Labs’ Color Fuse Blush Balm Stick, and the wildly popular (for good reason) Rhode Pocket Blush—to see how they perform. Keep reading for my full review of each one.

Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Cream Blush Stick

Karla Ayala

The first word that comes to mind when I think of the Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Cream Blush Stick is “glam.” The pigment in this blush stick is insane, but it blends so effortlessly. It’s great for creating the perfect soft glam look. (Unlike others in this roundup, it’s mainly for the cheeks and not typically used on the lips.)

It brightens my complexion with zero streaking or patchiness and is very easy to build up, so I can wear it on those no-foundation days, as well as when I want to go full glam. I wore it to an outdoor wedding, and it lasted for the entire event. 

I tried the shade Raspberry, a bright pink, and I loved it! It reminded me of Sabrina Carpenter’s bubblegum blush look. The packaging is easy to use, but it doesn’t feel as luxurious as I would expect it to for the price tag. Still, it’s a stunning blush that I find myself constantly reaching for. It contains 0.37 oz of product (the most out of the five tested), retails for $34, and is available in nine shades.

Karla Ayala / Byrdie

Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick

Karla Ayala

The Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Non-Comedogenic Cream Blush Stick is a real winner if your makeup vibe is natural and effortless. One thing I appreciated was how buildable the color was: I could add more product to my liking to get the final result I wanted. That said, it’s not the most pigmented on the cheeks, which makes sense as the brand describes it as a sheer tint. Still, it gave me a noticeable, gorgeous color, and it is very pigmented on the lips. I absolutely love this one for days when I want a pretty glow that complements a clean makeup look. I wore it to work and it lasted the entire eight hours. It feels creamy and hydrating on my cheeks, though it’s not super moisturizing on the lips. But with a little gloss on top, it feels just fine. 

It’s on the smaller side compared to the others in this roundup, containing 0.21 oz of product for $24. There are 13 shades available, making it the pick with the most color offerings. Overall, it’s the perfect everyday multi-use product that is easy to use and small enough to bring almost anywhere.

Karla Ayala / Byrdie

Rhode Pocket Blush

Karla Ayala

Celebrity beauty brands can be hit or miss, but Rhode has remained consistent since day one. I had tried a few of the brand’s products and was already impressed, so once the Pocket Blush dropped, I knew I had to test it out.

I was going for that Euro summer look—minus the travel—and this blush totally delivered. It’s creamy, lightweight, and just pigmented enough to give noticeable color without being overwhelming. I tried the shade Piggy, and it’s as if it were made specifically for me. (This one is available in 11 shades, and spoiler alert: I definitely plan on picking up more.)

Like the sticks from Tarte and Milk, this one’s multi-use and works on both cheeks and lips. It melts into the skin and leaves a subtle glow with a natural finish, which my dry skin appreciated. On my lips, the texture felt smooth and non-drying, with high color payoff. The formula is long-lasting and still noticeable at the end of the day, and the packaging has that minimalist aesthetic. It contains 0.18 oz of product for $24.

Karla Ayala / Byrdie

Tarte Maracuja Multi-Stick Cream Blush Stick  

Karla Ayala

If bold, bright blush is what you are looking for, then the Tarte Maracuja Multi-Stick Cream Blush Stick is exactly what you need. I tried the shade Bubblegum, a pink with an impressive color payoff and creamy texture. It blends easily, feels light on the skin, and gives my lips such a pretty color that surprisingly lasted for at least two hours. I found it to be quite buildable, and I could go from natural and sun-kissed to supermodel glam with ease.

One of the ways this blush stick stands out is its skincare-packed formula, with ingredients such as vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter. I tested it during various temperatures, from being at home all day to running errands, and it didn’t budge. The finish is smooth, hydrating, and luminous; I had people compliment me on how bright and glowy my makeup looked. It contains 0.27 oz of product for $30 and comes in 10 shades. Overall, this versatile blush stick provides the most bang for your buck.

Karla Ayala / Byrdie

Haus Labs Color Fuse Longwear Hydrating Glassy Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick

Karla Ayala

If anyone knows how to take iconic risks, it’s Lady Gaga. Her makeup brand, Haus Labs, made a major impact with their Skin Tech Foundation, so I was excited to try the Color Fuse Blush Balm Stick. Like many Haus Labs products, this stick is focused on skincare. It is formulated with 70% skincare actives, including vitamin E, squalane, fermented arnica, and goji berry complex. The color payoff is light but buildable, and the finish is glowy yet natural. I tried the shade Glassy Pomelo, and I felt like it instantly made my whole look pop without being too intense.

It blended easily with both my fingers and a brush, but I actually got a bit more pigment when using my fingers. It wore nicely for at least half the day and didn’t go patchy. On my lips, it gave me the prettiest, glossy, balm-like finish and lasted throughout eating and drinking.

It contains 0.18 oz for $34 and comes in 12 shades. It’s more of a splurge, but if you like makeup that feels like skincare, this one’s worth checking out. I can see myself reaching for it when I want to focus on hydration and a sun-kissed look.

Karla Ayala / Byrdie