There’s something about spring that makes us really excited about blush—like, really excited. It’s not that we don’t use the cheek enhancer in the winter months—we do—but the experience lacks the enthusiasm with which we grab for a stick, pot, or palette of pink pigment when temperatures climb toward the 70 degree mark. Lucky for us, April’s showers have brought May flowers—and a cornucopia of new flush-fashioning creams, liquids, powders, and gels to play with. Here, five of our favorite new offerings.
Sheer Genius
Estée Lauder Pure Color Cheek Rush in 04 Techno Jam
As part of Lauder’s summer Cello Shots collection of gel-based, pop-y lip and cheek colors, this buildable water-light formula imparts a subtle see-through stain.
Twist and Pout
Revlon Baby Stick in Sunset
Revlon artistic director Gucci Westman’s favorite multitasking tinted balm is back for spring in a limited-edition palette of three new colors, including this transparent cerise. The emollient twist-up stick has a buttery-smooth consistency that glides on, leaving behind just a hint of dewy color. As an added bonus, the miniature tube fits nicely in any number of well-appointed bags or clutches.
Loco for Coco
Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée
Josie Maran may have made Argan oil the signature ingredient in her green-leaning color collection, and there’s some of the emollient elixir in her latest launch, too. But these innovative blushes also harness the hydrating benefits of coconut water to create a new-era product that applies like a cooling cream blush with the staying power of a stain.
Powder Hour
Edward Bess Blush Extraordinaire in Bed of Roses
This velvety compact probably has the most impressive color payoff of the bunch, but it’s not heavy—far from it. Instead, Bess’ ultrafine powder blends into the skin for a beautiful natural finish that can be worn sheer or ultra-concentrated.
Brick House
Bobbi Brown Limited-Edition Shimmer Brick Compact in Lilac Rose
For a fresh flush and a dose of illuminating radiance, nothing beats a shimmer brick. Brown’s iconic palette has gotten a frosty update for spring, featuring bright pink, golden pink, and icy pink pearl pigments housed in her signature glossy black mirrored compact.
