
My oily skin has always had issues with blusher—until I experimented with these 7 cheek tints.
There’s much to appreciate about the top beauty trends of 2025, and this spring's embrace of soft sculpting and dewy hints of color confirms that blusher is certainly making a resurgence. While cream blushers may seem like the go-to option for achieving a light, understated flush, they may not always be the most enduring choice as summer approaches. Enter: the cheek tint. Unlike other more trending blushers, the finest cheek tints seamlessly blend into the skin, providing a natural-looking burst of color that endures. As a beauty editor with perpetually oily skin, it's vital for me to have a blusher that withstands sweaty commutes, summer heatwaves, and hormonal breakouts. I enjoy stepping out with a lively coral cheek or a soft, dusty rose radiance (I'm fond of soft blur makeup), but I dislike the need for mid-day touch-ups.
That's why I’ve been diligently testing every cheek tint I can find to curate a thorough selection of the very best currently available. Whether you prefer a vibrant splash of color or a sculpted and sun-kissed appearance, I believe you’ll discover a suitable option among the following picks.
**The Best Cheek Tints**
1. **Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint**
Best Overall Cheek Tint
When it comes to TikTok-famous blushes, Milk Makeup’s Cooling Water Jelly Tints have been among the most shared cheek products in recent years. Before trying it myself, I initially thought it was a bit gimmicky, seeing the jelly-like stick as merely eye-catching and shareable online. However, I’m glad to admit when I'm mistaken. This is truly one of the best cheek tints I've ever used. While it works well on various skin types, it’s especially fantastic for oily skin, as it actually stays put until you take it off.
**Pros:** Incredible staying power, lovely vibrant colors, feels fresh and cool on the skin.
**Cons:** Dries quickly, requiring prompt blending.
2. **Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush**
Best Cheek Tint for Subtle Glow
If you're new to cheek tints or prefer a more natural makeup look, this product will suit you perfectly. Packed with skin-friendly ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for brightness, and jojoba oil for moisture, it’s a dewy formulation that drier skin types will likely appreciate. It feels nourishing and cushiony upon application and offers a pleasing amount of blending time, so you won't need to rush. The outcome is a plump, peachy glow, but if you're seeking a more apparent color payoff, this might not fulfill your needs. This is definitely a soft, “lit from within” hue rather than a bold color statement. However, as a subtle tint, it’s sheer perfection.
**Pros:** Hydrating and blendable, natural-looking blush, skin-friendly ingredients.
**Cons:** Requires layering for a stronger impact.
3. **Benefit Benetint**
Best Long-Lasting Cheek Tint
Arguably the original cheek tint, this iconic rosy stain has been in my makeup arsenal for nearly two decades (only because makeup expires—I’ve never actually finished a bottle, as a tiny amount suffices). It provides a classic flushed-cheek effect, reminiscent of just coming back from a brisk walk. Its buildable formula works excellently on all skin tones. With a watery texture, it can be layered according to your desired subtlety or vibrancy. However, keep in mind that it may require some practice to apply. I find that dotting it on and blending with my fingers yields the best results, while others prefer applying it with their fingertips. Once you master the application, its staying power is unmatched—lasting from morning until night, making it great for those who need their makeup to endure.
**Pros:** Remains intact without budging, provides a sheer, versatile rose hue, also works well on lips.
**Cons:** Can be difficult to apply.
4. **Clinique Pop Lip + Cheek Oil in Black Honey**
Best Cheek Tint for Dry Skin
A makeup bestseller since the ‘70s, Clinique’s Black Honey lipstick is experiencing a revival with a newer generation of makeup enthusiasts discovering this sheer berry shade's versatility. In homage to its comeback, Clinique launched a lip and cheek oil variant. Combining the staying power of a cheek tint with the hydration of cream or balm, it’s infused with moisturizing oils like sunflower and jojoba, resulting in a color that blends seamlessly into the skin. This product works exceptionally well as a glossy lip oil too, making it a fantastic multitasker. The only downside is that its sheen leaves it slightly tacky, not fully drying down, but I believe the beautiful berry glow makes it worthwhile.
**Pros:** Packed with nourishing oils, universally flattering cult shade, effective on lips.
**Cons:** Slightly tack
















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My oily skin has always had issues with blusher—until I experimented with these 7 cheek tints.
A burst of color that lasts.