e.l.f. Putty Is the Best Drugstore Cream Blush

e.l.f. Putty Blush: Well loved, affordable cream blush.

e.l.f. Cosmetics is an accessible, clean drugstore makeup line. They have made their name in the cosmetics industry by creating high performing products for a low cost. Putty Blush has been hyped up for a while, with Instagram and TikTok platforms abuzz with praise for the rosy cheeks it gives its wearers. Cream blushes are a favorite formula of mine, so I am always on the hunt for something new. I already love e.l.f.’s Putty Bronzer, and I know the creamy formula is beautiful, easy to work with, and a steal at just $7. So, I was pretty excited to test out Putty Blush to see if it lives up to the hype. Could it be the best drugstore cream blush?

 Promises vs. Performance: This creamy E.l.f. blush gives skin a healthy glow.

e.l.f. Cosmetics’ website describes their Putty Blush as a “velvety, lightweight’‘ cream that melts into the skin for a natural “flushed-from-within” glow. It claims to be a highly pigmented, buildable formula that transforms to a semimatte powder finish. e.l.f. prides itself on being vegan and cruelty free, with skin enhancing ingredients in their products. Putty Blush is a prime example, containing hydrating ingredients such as argan oil and vitamin E that help nourish skin. 

Putty Blush comes in eight shades, so I picked up two to test out: Bali and Tahiti. Bali is a rosy, mauve nude shade and Tahiti is more of a bright coral. The colors do look more muted online and bolder in person. Tahiti would be perfect for those who prefer a more warm, orange cheek look. It’s actually a great affordable dupe for Tower28’s BeachPlease in Golden Hour! Bali was my favorite shade out of the two, with just the right amount of pink and red for a healthy glow on my complexion. 

With a light handed application, the product gives a natural wash of color that can be effortlessly built to a more dramatic look. This e.l.f. blush lasted all day on my skin without fading, settling, or looking dry. I still had that same natural glow after 12 hours of wear. A total win in my book! 

Quick Rating Rundown

This Product

(4.6)

:e.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Blush

Price: $7.00

0.35 oz

Value

(5)

Application

(4.7)

Texture (matte)

(4.7)

Longevity

(4.5)

Extra Benefits

(4)

MILABU PICKS

(4.5+)

:The Best Cream Blushes You Need In Your Life

Price: $4 – $12

various

Value

(4.5+)

Application

(4.5+)

Texture

(4.5+)

Longevity

(4.5+)

Extra Benefits

(4.5+)

^{Our Rating Criteria}

How It Compares: E.l.f. Putty is a crowd favorite.

Putty Blush is definitely the standard cream rouge in the value product category. It’s rated 4.3 out of 5 stars, crowning it the best drugstore cream blush at Ulta. Much like the crowd favorite Putty Bronzer, it is easy to work with, nicely pigmented, and wears beautifully on the skin. For only $7 each, this blush gives the best bang for your buck in both quality and performance. If you’re looking for an affordable cream blush that’s easy to use and gorgeous on the skin, this is it.

Milabu Beauty Method: Wash of color or bold cheek?

For a natural cheek:

1. Using fingertips, apply product directly to cheeks. 
2. Take a dense brush (I use this brush, $9.99, from Real Techniques) or Beautyblender ($20) to blend out Putty Blush, working it into the skin.
3. Repeat as needed to build up intensity. 

For a bold cheek:

1. Pat the brush of your choice directly into Putty Blush to pick up pigment. Remember: the denser the brush, the more pigment you will pick up.
2. Begin applying and blending out blush to the apples of cheeks. I recommend starting on the outside of the face and working your way towards the center. 
3. Repeat as needed to build up intensity. 

Tip: if at any point the blush becomes too dramatic for your liking, gently swipe your favorite face powder over top to blend out some of the pigment.