Cheeky
Merit Cheeky Flush Balm Cream BlushMerit Cheeky Flush Balm Cream Blush ($28.00 for 0.31 oz.) is soft, medium plum with subtle, cool undertones and a glossy finish. It had sheer coverage, as marketed, that could be built up to semi-sheer to medium coverage for those preferring more range. The texture was lightweight, thin, and very emollient that felt slippery and almost oily to the touch; it looked so “dry” in the pot but turned to a slip ‘n’ slide of a texture as soon as I rubbed my finger over the dome! I was impressed that for all that slip.
It applied evenly to my cheeks and spread well but not to the point where I lost coverage and precision. The formula didn’t dry down, so it remained movable and emollient to the touch throughout wear. It applied well to my bare skin and layered on top of the foundation by patting and blending out with my fingertips. I didn’t notice it was lifting base products or creating cakiness. It wore well for six hours, gradually fading/disappearing, but it didn’t slide around.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like the scent).
- ILIA At Last (P, $34.00) is shimmery, muted, and warmer (95% similar).
- Patrick Ta Oh She’s Different (Crème) (PiP) is less shimmery, darker, and more generous (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Sublimate (Shade) (LE) is less shimmery and warmer (90% identical).
- Westman Atelier Petal (P, $55.00) is less shimmery and warmer (90% identical).
- ILIA A Fine Romance (P, $34.00) is darker and cooler (90% similar).
- Merit Raspberry Beret (P, $28.00) is darker and cooler (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Cool Berry (P, $20.00) is shimmery, darker, and cooler (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$28.00/0.31 oz. – $90.32 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to give a “transparent veil of color” with a “light, balmy finish” that is “long-lasting.” It’s one of the more emollient consistencies I’ve encountered in cream blushes these days! It looked like a solid, dome-shaped balm, but as soon as I touched it, the texture had a high slip and felt almost oily. They delivered on the “transparent veil of color” with sheer to semi-sheer coverage that blended into a more watercolored effect on the skin. I was surprised–but in a good way–to find that it applied well over the foundation.
The product didn’t feel tacky, just emollient throughout; I have more “normal” skin on my actual cheek area where I tested this formula (I’m drier near my nose and nose). It didn’t seem prone to lifting my base products as often; very emollient textures can interact more noticeably when layered over other things, in my experience. It worked well over bare skin and didn’t “sink” into pores like some cream blushes have for me. It didn’t dry and remained movable hours later, so the shorter-wear time (six to seven hours) wasn’t surprising.
