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This £10 liquid blush is my secret to a sun-kissed glow

The Maybelline blush is my go-to for a natural glow

Daisy Lester
Friday 02 August 2024 07:59 EDT
Giving skin a healthy, flushed look, it’s worth a spot in your make-up bag
Giving skin a healthy, flushed look, it’s worth a spot in your make-up bag (iStock/The Independent )

Enhancing your natural complexion rather than masking it, the beauty world has swapped the matte products of the last decade for dewy formulas that leave a soft, radiant finish. From lip oils and cream bronzers to tinted moisturisers and bronzing drops, next-gen make-up is all about imparting a healthy-looking glow.

Thanks to the Hailey Bieber “strawberry girl” effect and TikTok’s glass skin trend, the latest dewy product to have its moment in the spotlight is liquid blush. A secret weapon for creating a soft-focused, sun-kissed and naturally flushed look, these cream-based formulas are firm make-up bag staples for the likes of Bella Hadid (she loves the Rare Beauty formula), as well as Emily Ratakowski and Kim Kardashian, who both plump for the Nars orgasm blush (£33, Lookfantastic.com).

I’ve always tended to use powder-based formulas as I have oil-prone skin – but I’ve become a liquid blush convert in recent months. Not only are the formulas pleasingly blendable (either with a brush or your fingers if you’re on the go), but they have a seamless finish over foundation and bronzer.

Having tried viral formulas from Saie, Rare Beauty and Iconic London, it’s actually a £10 product that I’ve reached for most: Maybelline’s new sunkisser liquid glow blush.

Nicely pigmented, easy to apply and available in eight shades for various skin complexions, the liquid blusher delivers a flushed glow that seriously lasts.

How I tested

Applying the liquid blush over my foundation
Applying the liquid blush over my foundation (Daisy Lester)

I’ve been testing the Maybelline liquid blush in the shade ‘city sizzle’ for around two weeks, assessing its ease of application, staying power and finished look. My new go-to for a natural, sun-kissed look in seconds, here’s why you need it in your own make-up arsenal.

Maybelline sunkisser liquid glow blush

Lookfantastic maybelline blush review
  • Size: 4.7ml
  • Shades: Eight
  • Shade tested: City sizzle
  • Why we love it
    • Easily blendable
    • Nice pigment
    • Shade range
    • Affordable

You only need two dots on each cheek and one on the nose for enough coverage (don’t be put off by the rich pigment at first).

Owing to the lightweight, creamy formula, it’s super easy to blend. I tested the ‘city sizzle’ shade and the colour is subtle and glowy, giving my cheeks a healthy flush and creating a far more natural finish than many powder-based blushes can leave.

While my preferred method is with a brush, your fingers are just as effective, so it’s a convenient bag essential while on the go. Infused with vitamin E and glycerin, the formula has almost a water-like consistency so it feels hydrating and light on the skin. There’s also a slight shimmer to the product that has a radiant effect.

When worn alone, it instantly enhances my natural complexion but equally sits nicely over foundation and bronzer, without feeling heavy or cakey. Five hours after application, the colour is still strong, but I’ve found that it does need a little top-up ahead of the evening.

The eight-strong shade range helps you find the perfect hue to enhance your complexion, but you can also experiment with shades darker and lighter than your skin for a contoured look.

Back to top

The verdict: Maybelline sunkisser liquid glow blush

Maybelline’s new sunkisser liquid glow blush is a new staple in our make-up bag. Easy and effortless to apply and blend, it leaves my face with a naturally sun-kissed, radiant and glowy finish that’s perfect for the summer months. The formula boasts a slight shimmer while the consistency is lightweight, long-lasting and hydrating – all for just £10,

Looking for more liquid blush suggestions? Our tester has rounded up the best formulas for 2024

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