Beauty editor's favourite blusher cushion compacts for soft natural makeup!

Lancome Cushion Blush Subtil in 021 Sorbet Rose or 032 Splash Corail, $55 each

1/4

OMG, this lovely Lancome cushion – now sheathed in a strictly #LimitedEdition packaging from the dearly departed French fashion icon Sonia Rykiel – is so gosh-darned good. 

For starters, don’t be put off by how powerfully pigmented this baby appears in the pan – I’m pleased to report that the featherweight formula is beautifully blendable and very wearable when worn as a sheer wash. 

Essentially, this does what a first-rate blusher should do, which is to say it gave me long-lasting colour along with a flattering, soft-focus glow. I wore this for a full work day under a setting of translucent powder, and didn't notice any fading for a good nine hours. 

Bonus points must also go to the spongy puff, which slips on the skin like the slinkiest of lingerie, no rough smearing required. Then there’s the cooling sensation, which is super “shiok” in hot and humid climates such as ours. Who knew the French folks over at Lancome could take on a K-Beauty fad and transform it into something so extraordinary? I’m a F-Beauty cushion convert! 

Etude House Cushion Blusher, $18

2/4

This K-Beauty bauble boasts a pretty “wet” finish that may take a little getting used to, but I’ve found it to be particularly useful as a luminiser when layered over your foundie on specific focal points on your face.

Ace application advice: Use tapping motions with your puff to apply this tint, starting from the bony protrusion of your cheeks and blending up into your temples. This triangular wedge of colour will lend your cheeks a superbly slenderising silhouette.

The only drawback? This creamy product can cause patchiness and pilling when piled over powders. To circumvent this problem and make your blush well nigh undetectable, dab this on under your go-to dewy-finish foundie and finish with a setting powder; the rosiness will peek through your skin like a bona fide flush.

L’Oreal Paris Lucent Magique Cushion Blush, $22.90

3/4

Best for fans of the #IWokeUpLikeThis nude look, this moist mousse offers the subtle sheen so coveted in today’s K-Obsessed world, sans stickiness and shine.

I’ve discovered to my delight that this drugstore darling’s superbly soothing and incredibly airy pigments – courtesy of a generous splash of mineral water in the formula – yields a sun-kissed smoulder that’s very fetching, very flirty and very natural.

For the sheerest of stains, simply buff in the pinks and peaches of your choice, then dial up the drama by sweeping on another layer or two for night. Expect a superbly silky and sheer finish, with a delightfully satiny drydown that’s just dewy enough to read as “real” skin. Portable (and price-friendly!) perfection in a purse, if you ask me.

The Face Shop Hydro Cushion Blush in 01 Pink, $21.90

4/4

I’m especially enamoured with this deliciously delectable cushion blush, which boasts a carefully calibrated mix of hydrating heroes and prettifying pigments to fend off pallor and pastiness. I experienced no creasing, crinkling or pooling into pores, either, although the incredibly dewy finish means that a dusting of sebum-sopping setting powder is probably par for the course if you're prone to shine.

A quick aside on application: Look straight ahead in a mirror, smile slightly so said apples pop out, then hold the smile while buffing in your blush along the upper half of the apples. Steer clear of your nose – we want to avoid a Rudolph the ruddy reindeer situation – and keep the hue high up on the face. Voila! You’ve just been transformed into a dewy-faced damsel with cutie-pie cheeks. 

Finally, a quick note on availability: These beauty baubles are available right now, so swing by the nearest departmental or drugstore cabin of each respective brand for a quick consult. Good luck getting your blush face on!