I was among the first to try Glossier's new blusher—here’s my candid opinion.

      It's rare for me to gush over another makeup release, especially a blush. However, every beauty expert knows that Glossier Cloud Paint stands out from the typical blush. Since it shook up the minimalist makeup scene back in 2017, this beloved glowy blush has become a staple in nearly every beauty editor's collection—thanks to its buildable pigmentation and luminous finish. In my opinion, it even helped initiate the cream blush trend before it was widely recognized (I know, that's a bold claim). In fact, I've tossed at least five empty tubes in the past four years alone. So you can imagine my excitement when I learned that Glossier is introducing a new version of the Cloud Paint blush—a hybrid plush formula that applies like cream and sets like powder for a soft, blurred makeup effect.

      To be completely honest, I gave up powder formulas a few years back, and aside from the occasional touch of setting powder, I usually opt for makeup products that offer a glowier finish (think skin tints, cream bronzers, liquid highlighters, etc.). Therefore, even though I was intrigued by the launch, I initially thought the new Glossier blush wouldn't suit me because of its powdery finish.

      From the outset, I was impressed with the packaging. True to the brand’s style, it manages to be minimalist yet fun, reflecting the color of each shade on the outside. Inside each compact lies a formula unlike any blush I’ve encountered before (and that's saying something, given that I've tested hundreds). The "memory cloud" soufflé-like texture creates a sensation akin to touching the softest Play-Doh.

      Innovative textures aside, the shade selection is also impressive. With ten shades available, four are inspired by the original Cloud Paint range (Puff, Beam, Soar, and Storm), while the other six are new. From wearable mauve-pinks and vibrant corals and reds to more muted blonzer-like shades, there's an abundance of choices for every skin tone. I chose shade Puff (a neutral pink) and first applied it using the brand's new dual-ended Cloud Paint Cheek Brush, which features a soft end that feels like using your fingers and a fluffy brush end designed to buff, diffuse, and blend.

      Let me be clear: this isn't the most pigmented blush out there, but it's not meant to be. It provides a buildable layer of flexible coverage that can be intensified for a dramatic look, yet it’s sheer enough for everyday use. To my surprise, it doesn’t feel drying at all. Instead, it glides on smoothly as you would expect from a cream blush. Thanks to components like powdered ceramides and botanical glycerides, it doesn’t cling to any dry patches, which ensures comfort throughout the day.

      As it dries, you’ll notice the blurring effect almost immediately—but not in a way that makes you look cakey or overly filtered. While it leans toward the matte side, it still offers a skin-like finish, a rarity among other powder blushes I’ve tried.

      Most importantly, I appreciate how well it integrates with the rest of my makeup. Often, when you apply powder over a luminous foundation, it can lift, shift, and become patchy. I'm pleased to say that due to its hybrid formula, the Glossier blush does none of that. I even experimented with layering some liquid highlighter on top to bring back some shine to the high points of my cheeks, and it worked flawlessly.

      That said, the true test is how long it lasts. We all know blush tends to be the first product to fade or disappear throughout the day. Nothing tests a formula better than wearing it on a hectic day filled with press appointments in central London.

      To my surprise, despite being on my face since early morning, it stayed put without budging. Around late afternoon, I reapplied it to enhance the color just before dinner, and I can confirm that by the time I got home, although it looked a bit worn, it definitely didn’t appear as if it had been over 11 hours since the initial application. The only downside I can mention is that I wish the compact had a mirror for easier touch-ups on the go.

      In short, this blush made me fall in love with powder formulas again. Its innovative texture, impressive shade range, and the convenient brush it comes with demonstrate that the trend of blurring makeup products is far from finished.