Merit Flush Balm vs. Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick: Which Popular Blush Should You Try?

• Formula: 19/20  
• Ease of Application: 20/20
• Color Payoff: 19/20
• Longevity: 18/20
• Value: 18/20
• Total: 94/100

I was familiar with Merit’s game when a fellow editor tested the entire collection and deemed the Flush Balm as “leaving a radiant flush that makes me feel like I’ve been pinched in the cheeks by my great aunt Rosey.” The blush is also loved by celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker and Lily Collins, so I had to see for myself all the hype surrounding this viral French product. 

The first thing I noticed was the size. Most blushes I own have the same tube or circular packaging, but this one is small enough to fit in my pocket. But don’t be fooled by its small size. One test swipe and my cheeks were graced with a rosy hue and radiant finish. Once I applied it on my cheeks, it glided nicely across my skin and blended well with my finger or a brush. Infused with vitamin E, it has a nourishing and lightweight formula that lays comfortably on my combination skin. 

The product is available in 13 shades, and I decided to try one of the most popular: “Stockholm.” According to the brand, “Microfine pigment powders provide a touch of color without covering up your natural skin texture.” With that information, I realize how subtle the color is on my complexion. If I was going for a no-makeup makeup look, this blush would be perfect. I did want to see more of the shade, so I added few more swipes (about three to four, to be exact) and slowly started seeing the baby pink hue peeking through my cheeks. 

• Formula: 19/20  
• Ease of Application: 20/20
• Color Payoff: 19/20
• Longevity: 20/20
• Value: 18/20
• Total: 96/100

Westman Atelier is a beloved brand that’s been worn by everyone from Nicole Kidman to Reese Witherspoon. While Merit has been around since 2021, Westman Atelier has three more years on their competitor. Founded by makeup artist Gucci Westman, the luxury brand has long been a staple in the celebrity world—and maybe for this NYC gal, too.  

I’m a sucker for packaging, and the Westman Atelier blush hit it out of the park. The magnetic cap to open and close the blush was music to my ears. I also appreciate the seamless way of turning the tube to access more product and there’s a good amount inside that can last me quite a while. 

One swipe almost knocked me off my seat. I used the “Petal” shade and it’s *very* pigmented, folks. The dusty nude rose can be seen from a mile away. Thanks to ingredients like jojoba oil, it was easy to blend with my finger or a brush to give me a seamless pop of color. It’s also formulated with raspberry leaf extra for a boost of hydration, vitamin C and E to protect against environmental stressor and kaolin clay to absorb any excess oil—the latter being great for my oily areas (aka my cheeks).