Battle of the Blushes: Matte vs Shimmer Blush

Honestly, a good blush will always help you look alive (even on zoom calls).

But what about the matte vs shimmer blush debate? Which one’s gonna keep you coming back for more?

A shimmer blush catches the sunlight, lifts your look, and gives you that glowy glow.

Want to know how to make blush look natural? Well then a matte blush could be what you're after, and it works on pretty much every skin type.

We’re not choosing favourites. That would be a bit … cheeky 😉. But to help you work out what blush you need, we've done a quick battle... ding, ding, ding!

Round one: shimmer not sparkle vs a fully poppin’ matte blush

You won’t have to spend precious minutes (every minute in the morning counts, amirite?) swirling, trying to get the product on your brush. This pigmented shade picks up surprisingly smoothly and applies effortlessly. In keeping with the fruity theme, you’ll enjoy a fresh and not at all overpowering peachy-floral scent every time you flush your skin with this formula.

All in all, this is a reliable, subtle, shimmery powder blush for all skin types.

A great option if you love a post-yoga look, this pressed powder blush won’t sink into pores or break you out. Instagram skin is pretty much a filter thing. But you can up your natural skincare game IRL with this blush from skin guru IT Cosmetics. Made with skin-loving Collagen, Peptides, and Antioxidants, this nifty matte blush was born to nourish.

Good for day-to-day wear and excellent if you’re struggling with oily skin.

Round two: a luminous look vs a cream matte-velvet powder

If you’re looking for a long-lasting blush, Mineralize is a pretty safe bet. In general, powder formulas tend to stay put for as long as you need. Make your *I’m a goofball* smile and dab a bit of this baked powder to your cheeks for a hint of shimmer.

Need some glow to get you going? You’ll probs like this unique blush.

The spherical powders and silicone thingies in this cream stick help blur imperfections and leave a soft-focus finish. And don’t be afraid of the highly pigmented, solid-looking colours either. This matte cream blush applies sheer, and you’re in control of how much you build it up. Easy to pop in your purse, this flattering matte-velvety blush helps give you the flirty smize you crave.

A handy matte blush that stays put for as long as you need. Our rating: eleventy out of ten.

Round three: a natural glow vs a luxe matte finish

To be honest, it doesn’t matter what shade of blush you wear as long as you like the look of it. Makeup rules are sooo last millennium. Smith & Cult is known for its innovative products and long-lasting blends. This shimmer blush is artificial fragrance-free and cruelty-free, so you can use it guilt-free. If you want your blush to look a bit more punchy, you could always layer this slightly shimmer shade over the denser Smith & Cult FLASH FLUSH CREAM Velvet Blush.

Complement your natural look with this luminous powder. Great for freshening up dull skin.

Love a multitasking product? You can apply this blush to your lids, lips, and cheeks. Keep in mind it’s probably not quite the right choice if you’re looking for bright, full-on colour. Each subtle blush shade in the collection gives your skin a radiant finish. In standard Giorgio Armani style, the packaging is chic, simple, and pretty much perfect. Bust out this premium blush when you want a matte blush that lasts all day.

Looking to enhance your natural flush? Do it with this lightweight, luxe blush.

Now, we never said we were gonna play favourites. Blush is great! And when it comes to making a matte vs shimmer blush choice, why should you?

Some days you want to shine. And others, well ... you just want to look like you didn’t have that extra glass of white last night!

As a rule of thumb, your best bet for a shimmer blush is a hydrating formula that won’t sink into little love lines (our new pet name for wrinkles). Dab a creamy blend onto the top of your cheeks to attract the light.

A matte blush is always good for daytime, and a powder formula lasts as long as you need. Curious about how to make blush look natural? Choose a formula you can build up to suit your taste, and blend it like you mean business.

Final thoughts: whatever formula you choose, you can never go wrong with a bit of blush.

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