Cosmo HQ Review: Three Editors Tried YSL’s New $46 Cream Blush

I consider myself something of a blush connoisseur. My credentials? 1. I test and review makeup launches all day every day as a member of Cosmo’s beauty team. And 2. blush is my holy grail makeup product. In a world where a new one hits Sephora every week between powders, creams, and liquids, I’ve tried just about every cheek formula out there.So, as a devout professional blush tester, I’m here to help you sift through the noise and tell you about the one compact that completely changed my summer makeup routine over the last month: YSL’s new Make Me Blush Cream.It’s a creamy take on the brand’s beloved YSL Make Me Blush Powder, boasting a natural finish and a more buildable alternative to the original. Three Cosmo editors put the new cream to the test for weeks ahead of its launch (FYI it’s out now!) to see how it holds up through sweaty summer days and, more importantly, if it’s worth the splurge.About YSL Make Me Blush Cream Blush:Jasmine Hyman, assistant beauty editorJasmine Hyman for CosmopolitanSkin type: Dry and sensitive“For everyday makeup, I throw on some concealer, eyebrow gel, blush, and that’s about it. I want my cheeks to look naturally flushed and glowy, so an easily blendable formula with a dewy finish is priority.My skin type is dry and acne-prone, so I’m always looking for my makeup products to be simultaneously hydrating and noncomedogenic, which unfortunately is a lot to ask of color cosmetics. But luckily right off the bat, this new blush checks both of those boxes.I’m no makeup artist, but using a brush is my preferred method of application. After dipping into this shiny pot, the formula blended out like butter, even a glam minimalist like me was capable. It left behind a glossy flush on my cheeks, making highlighter an optional step. Since trying this formula last month, I haven’t picked up any other blush since. It’s just so seamless to apply, lasts me hours on end, and the Nude Lavalliere shade is the perfect pink for my fair complexion.While $46 is quite the splurge (for reference Prada’s Touch Cream-to-Powder Blush is $42 and Dior’s Rosy Glow Blush Stick is $43), I adore this is one-and-done formula. Plus, bonus points for the vinyl case that’s a luxe upgrade from the OG cushion version.”Add Cosmopolitan as a preferred source in your Google search results.Use your Google account to add this to your settings.Beth Gillette, beauty editorSkin type: Oily and acne-proneBeth Gillette for Cosmopolitan"The original YSL Make Me Blush powder formula is my favorite blush ever. I use it at least a few times a week, and almost always, I pair it with a matching cream blush. This extends the longevity and gives it a lived-in, soft look. Until now, I always opted for a similar shade from another brand, since YSL didn't have a cream counterpart. This worked fine, but I had been yearning for a formula that was created with the original Make Me Blush in mind. Finally, I have my wish.At first swipe, I can tell this formula is lightweight and very sheer. Not much product picks up when I swirl my fingers in, and once I blend on my face or hand, the product disperses into a light wash. It gives a somewhat watercolor effect that is natural and soft when worn alone, but it really shines when paired with the powder, my preferred method since I love a bold cheek.My one caveat is that I'd reserve this mostly for lighter foundations. When I tried it against a full-coverage formula, it got a teensy bit patchy. But a skin tint, cushion, or tinted moisturizer didn't yield the same result. Also, this patchiness goes away once I layer the powder on top. I only noticed this when I wore the cream on its own. Dabbing it on with my finger also helps, although I prefer a cream blush brush for more pigment and control."Mikhaila Archer, editorial assistantSkin type: Combination and sensitiveMikhaila Archer for Cosmopolitan“I love a cream blush for the dewy finish, but there’s always a chance of it disappearing into my deeper skin tone if the pigment isn’t right. Shade 86 (Raspberry Glaze) required two to three swipes to get to the level of pink I was going for, but I appreciated that it was buildable and that I could easily blend it in with my fingers. I don't know that any of the lighter shades would work for me, but I’ll continue to reach for this one it when I want a subtle, rosy cheek.”Final thoughts: If you’re a dewy blush or natural glam lover (or both) YSL’s Make Me Blush Cream is one well worth adding to your makeup arsenal. It’s ideal for minimal makeup days when you want to liven up your cheeks and add a nice soft flush. It goes on seamlessly with a brush and comes in six gorgeous hues. While yes, $46 for a single blush is a pretty penny, this luxury formula gives the cheeks an easy and gorgeous glow. Plus, we love the noncomedogenic formula and chic packaging.Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.