Blush is my holy grail makeup product, hands down. I could be going completely bare-faced for the day, sans concealer and foundation, but I’ll always top my cheeks off with a rosy hue before leaving the house. During the summertime, though, I like my blush with a little extra warmth. Enter: blonzer—a blush-bronzer hybrid that delivers that sun-kissed, just-spent-the-day-at-the-beach glow without requiring hours in the sun.
Blonzers have been popping up everywhere lately. Brands are launching multitasking blush-bronzer hybrids, while makeup lovers are repurposing their favorite blushes as bronzers (and vice versa). As beauty editors who are always looking to streamline our routines, the Cosmo team has spent months testing the best blonzers on the market ahead of summer.
Keep reading for the very best blonzers for a long-lasting, sun-kissed glow.
Pros
- Cream version of OG blonzer
- Can also use as a lip product
Cons
- Small tube, but that makes it great for travel
| Shades | 5 |
One Cosmo editor says: “BareMinerals was actually the first brand I tried that made a true ‘blonzer' product, and it's still one of my favorite powder cheek products years later. But this dewy, stick version for cheeks and lips has really taken my heart over the last few weeks. I wore it every single day of NYC's Governor's Ball music festival weekend because it feels lightweight on my face and isn't sticky at all, but provides a really healthy glow. I oscillate between shades Bare Necessity and Brick It On—both are great for a faux flush on medium skin.”—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Pros
- So easy to blend out
- Water-sponge packaging is mess-free
Cons
- The shade range could be better
| Shades | 3 |
One Cosmo editor says: “I’m obsessed with the watercolor blush trend. I specifically want my summer makeup to look like Gigi Hadid’s rosy cheeks at the Met Gala at all times. Luckily, this new blush from REFY nails the flushed finish of the soft blush trend. The watery texture makes it so easy to blend out and gives your cheeks a blurred wash of color, like I just felt a wave of embarrassment and heat is rushing to my cheeks (in the best way possible). And it truly makes bronzer an optional step.”—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
Pros
- Super blendable texture
- Most affordable option on this list
Cons
- Only available at limited retailers
| Shades | 4 |
One Cosmo editor says: “I’m obsessed with how creamy and hydrating this bronzer is. It gives my skin this gorgeous back-from-the-beach flush that’s both warm and rosy. It’s super pigmented, so a little goes a long way—I use Refy’s Duo 2.0 brush to lightly dab it onto the apples of my cheeks and then blend up toward my temples.”—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Kosas Impressionist Multistick Cream Blush Stick + Lip Color
Kosas Impressionist Multistick Cream Blush Stick + Lip Color
Pros
- Moisturizing botanicals for an added skincare element
- Works for lips and cheeks
Cons
- Some testers say it feels a little bit sticky at first
| Shades | 7 |
One Cosmo editor says: “A favorite of the beloved makeup artist Ngozi Edeme (aka @PaintedByEsther), these multi-sticks are simple and quick but offer a whole lotta payoff. The finish isn’t outrageously dewy (a win for my oily skin), but there’s a slight luminosity once I buff it out onto my cheeks. It helps blur my skin and create a natural flush, and it lasts surprisingly well for a cream. I’m used to everything disappearing from my cheeks by the end of the day, but these stay put. I glanced at my face in the mirror at 4 p.m., and my blush still looked as vibrant as it did when I put it on at 8 a.m.”—BG
Pros
- Expansive shade range
- Vitamin E nourishes the skin
Cons
- The packaging can get a bit messy
| Shades | 12 |
One Cosmo editor says: “This easy-to-use cream blush from Merit has a name that perfectly describes its result: Flush Balm. It gives that sunburnt look without actually needing to sacrifice your skin for a fresh glow. The wide, rounded top makes it super easy to apply all over the cheek or at the cheekbone for a more sculpted finish. And with 12 expansive hues, it’s so easy to find a go-to blonzer.”—JH
Why Trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmo who covers all things makeup. For this story, she and the beauty team tested dozens of cream, powder, and liquid blonzers to find the very best options for summer.
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.
