Is Merit’s Cream Blush Worthy of Its Cult-Favorite Reputation? I Tried Out Each Shade.

      March 20, 2025

      The editorial team at Everygirl curates the product selections. If you make a purchase through our links, we may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We only suggest products that we truly love.

      Source: Bianca Kratky for The Everygirl

      I confess, I joined the blush trend quite late. It wasn't until I suffered a sunburn on my face (don't forget to wear SPF, everyone) that I noticed how adorable a hint of red on the cheeks and nose could look. As the temperatures dropped and my complexion began to appear dull, I reached for blushes to restore some color to my skin. I'm almost (emphasis on almost!) embarrassed to admit that I now have around 20 different blush shades. However, in my defense, more than half of them came from Merit Beauty’s cheeky new Les BonBons Set. With access to their complete range of Flush Balms, I eagerly experimented to find which rouge shade suited my olive skin tone best.

      To my surprise, nearly every shade blended beautifully—the choice was mainly about my mood on any particular day. When I wanted a flirty look for drinks, Le Bonbon was my pick; when I aimed to portray that enigmatic vibe at a coffee shop, Postmodern added an air of sophistication. To demonstrate that each shade indeed worked well with my skin tone, I reviewed every single Merit Beauty Flush Balm shade—including photos—so you can judge for yourself.

      Le Bonbon

      Source: Bianca Kratky for The Everygirl

      At first glance, I was concerned that this vibrant hue would be too bright for me. However, once blended, it gives more of a winter-kissed cheek look (you know, that rosy flush from being outside in the cold). I recommend applying it gradually, as a little bit goes a long way.

      Lusitano

      Source: Bianca Kratky for The Everygirl

      If Le Bonbon gives you a “I’m cold” appearance, then Lusitano is your “I just returned from Italy” blush. It evokes the feeling of walking in flip-flops wearing a sundress while overlooking a vineyard. While it appears quite orange initially, it doesn't translate as much on the skin. Its peachy tone complements my olive complexion perfectly.

      Stockholm

      Source: Bianca Kratky for The Everygirl

      This baby pink is undeniably cute. Compared to the other shades, it requires a few more swipes to create a proper color on the cheek. But once applied, it reveals a bright, soft pink that instantly makes you look more awake.

      Rouge

      Source: Bianca Kratky for The Everygirl

      Rouge is the classic red—flirty, confident, and bold. It’s the shade I turn to when going out in a black dress. It is quite pigmented, though, so it's best to apply with a light hand.

      Fox

      Source: Bianca Kratky for The Everygirl

      The image on Merit’s website led me to believe Fox would be a bit more pink than it appears in reality. Nonetheless, the muted tone looks beautiful on my cheeks, with a brown undertone that complements my skin tone nicely.

      Postmodern

      Source: Bianca Kratky for The Everygirl

      This shade is absolutely stunning. The dark rouge (almost purple) is ideal for fall and winter when I choose more earthy makeup tones. It has a refined appearance, and I like to dab a little on my lips to match.

      Bespoke

      Source: Bianca Kratky for The Everygirl

      If you’re usually not a fan of blushes, this one is perfect for you. It has a very subtle, natural finish that is easy to wear daily—regardless of the event. However, I believe it's better suited for fair skin tones, as it didn't show much contrast against my medium skin tone.

      Persimmon

      Source: Bianca Kratky for The Everygirl

      To be honest, Persimmon looks a lot more orange online than it does in person. In my hand, it appears to be a blend of dark orange, red, and a hint of purple. Nonetheless, I consider it the perfect summer blush—offering more of a “sipping sangria at sunset” feel than a daytime look.

      Beverly Hills

      Source: Bianca Kratky for The Everygirl

      This shade is very natural. It feels slightly more “wet” than the other formulas, so it doesn't cling to the skin as well. It took a few swipes to build the color on my cheeks, but after a bit of effort, I began to love the soft mauve-pink that emerged.

      Cheeky

      Source: Bianca Kratky for The Everygirl

      Cheeky is a few shades darker than Beverly Hills and provides a more pronounced wash of color. There’s something about it that seems to say “young and bold.” It