Comparing my Favourite Cream Blushes

Looking at and comparing Rose Inc, Merit, and LYS Beauty cream blushes

From top to bottom: Rose Inc, Merit, LYS Beauty

Motivation

Lately I have been obsessed with cream blushes - specifically, the Rose Inc, Merit, and LYS Beauty cream blushes. They all have different pros and cons, so I wanted to take some time to compare their different characteristics - pigmentation, formula, blending ability, and lasting ability. The range of shades is quite broad, and they are all lovely, so I won't be taking into consideration the specific shades. If there is any interest in the shades themselves, see below for some swatches. So, without further ado, in no particular order, we have:

Rose Inc Cream Blush (in Azalea)

Pigment: 3/3

Formula: 2.5/3

Blending ability: 2/3

Lasting ability: 2.5/3

Notes: Probably the biggest standout for this blush is the pigmentation - a little goes such a long way with this blush. It's to the point where I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to those just starting out with cream products as it can be really easy to overdo (especially compared to other cream blushes), but once you're used to it, it is such a nice amount of pigmentation. Due to how pigmented it is, you only need a little bit of product, so there isn't any product caking or thickness that you can feel on your skin, even when applying.

Merit Flush Balm (in Cheeky)

Pigment: 1/3

Formula: 3/3

Blending ability: 3/3

Lasting ability: 1/3

Notes: Unlike the Rose Inc blush, the Merit blush is quite sheer and lightly pigmented. So this blush has a noticeably lighter and thinner formula. Because it's thinner, it is super easy to blend out, but unfortunately, this comes with the caveat that the blush doesn't last too well throughout the day. For me, this blush typically lasts 2-3 hours with normal wear (definitely can be extended by layering with powder/setting spray), which is the shortest wear time of the three. Generally, I think that this blush is a staple to have, and is great especially for people just starting out with cream products.

LYS Beauty Satin Matte Cream Blush (in Kindness)

Pigment: 2.5/3

Formula: 1/3

Blending ability: 1/3

Lasting ability: 2.5/3

Notes: One important thing that I'd like to point out is how affordable this blush is ($22 CAD vs $40 and $36 for the others, respectively). Love it! The formula of this blush is much different from the other two - it does in fact dry matte, but that makes it quite a bit more difficult to blend in. It's a drier, thicker, almost chalkier, consistency which makes it quite easy to build onto if you want a super pigmented look (and the blush is quite pigmented already). This blush also has great lasting power, during hot summer days it could last me practically an entire day outside!

As promised, here are some swatches that show off the shades and pigmentation of the blushes (in order from top to bottom, Rose Inc, Merit, LYS Beauty, unblended & blended):

As always, check out my Instagram at @toblushandbeauty, and feel free to DM me if you have any questions/comments/feedback!

- J <3