Glow Recipe’s Flush Blush has undoubtedly been one of the most talked-about launches in 2025. This pink teardrop of joy landed in Feb, and the hype still hasn’t died down.
I’ll hold my hands up: I’m a little late to the party, but I wanted to test the blush in my own time without getting caught up in the social media hype – because, trust me, there was a lot of it. Not to mention the 35,000-person waitlist. Sorry, WHAT?
Over the last few weeks I’ve been playing about with these pretty liquid blushes – in shades Berry Flush, a warm plum hue, and Watermelon Flush, a soft peach – so here is my final verdict.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush, reviewed
I am a huge fan of Glow Recipe. Yes, its adorable packing is half the draw, but the K-Beauty brand is brimming with innovation, creating formulas that not only feel incredible, but do wonders for the skin. All its creations are fruit-forward (meaning they contain fruit extracts to provide antioxidant benefits), and are mixed with gentle yet powerful actives.
Glow Recipe dipped its toe into the colour cosmetic pool with the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops in 2024, and this year they dived straight in with the Dewy Flushes.
Let’s start by talking about the finish. Frankly, I think its totally gorgeous and completely unique. The gel applies very pigmented but once you tap it out – I simply use my fingers but it applies more pigmented with a brush – it blends into a stunning, glossy flush. It’s completely weightless and creates the illusion that I’m not really wearing blush, but have a natural lit-from-within sheen to my cheeks. Similar to that post-facial glow, I'd say.
What I do want to preface is that I understand why Glow Recipe named this a flush and not a blush. It leaves a *flush*, so you’re not getting intense pigment that a liquid or powder formula will provide, but a glowy and glossy rosiness to the cheeks.
It layers well atop of foundation and I have found myself reaching for it to create a pretty, day-to-day look. But also, if you like minimal glam and want something to freshen-up your complexion, this is perfect for the job. Dab a bit over your cheeks and nose bridge to master the ultimate sun-kissed skin. I've already made quite the dent into the bottle, but once summer rolls around, I know I'll be using the blush every day.
Now for the shades. There’s only two in the collection, but I think the brand has nailed it. Both hues show up beautifully across a range of skin tones as they don’t have a white base, so the pigment remains vibrant and true to how you see it on the chunky, doe-foot applicator.
Lastly we have to address the formula. Glow Recipe is a skincare-focused brand, so the Flush features the same ingredients found in the viral Niacinamide Dew Drops. It’s loaded with 3% niacinamide to smooth texture, while centella asiatica soothes, and watermelon and hyaluronic acid hydrate. However, the hero ingredient is the jojoba oil that coats the pigments, giving the colour that dewy and glossy finish.
My final verdict? Okay Glow Recipe, I see and appreciate the hype. It makes a great addition to any makeup bag and, with summer on the horizon, I have a feeling “flushed” cheeks will be all the craze.
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Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
