First things first, I'm not a huge fan of blusher. I've never been able to find the right shade – and apply it in the right place – to make my already redness-prone face look youthful and healthy rather than flushed and ruddy. But a following a period of early morning starts, dark mornings and a seasonal cold, I've been reaching for anything that might make me look less tired – and I think I've found one of the best blushers to do that.
Jones Road is the beauty brand launched by make-up artist Bobbi Brown in 2020, and Jones Road Miracle Balm, £36, is one of its original – and bestselling – products. Described as a super-hydrating, multitasking balm that gives a sheer wash of colour to the skin, it can be used as a bronzer, blush, highlighter or skin tint, depending on the shade you pick.
* Miracle Balm, £36 from Jones Road
I tried Miracle Balm when Jones Road first launched, but the shade that I've most recently fallen in love with is Dusty Rose, a cool-toned, very natural-looking pink.
If you're new to using Miracle Balm, the trick is to break the surface of the product with your fingernail first – this will reveal the creamy balm underneath, which can then be blended onto the skin with fingers, a brush or a sponge.
I like to pat it onto the apples of my cheeks (obviously), but also dab it lightly up round my temples and over my brow bones, and also over the bridge of my nose, where the sun would naturally hit. The result is a really natural, healthy-looking hint of colour plus a glow that instantly makes me look more awake.
Why I think this Jones Road Miracle Balm works for me, more so than any other blusher I've previously tried, is a combination of the shade (the perfect neutral, nude-pink for my fair complexion), the coverage (very sheer; it doesn't look like you're wearing make-up at all) and the dewy finish it leaves on the skin – although very hydrating and youthful-looking, it's worth noting that this does remain feeling balm-like on the skin for hours, so maybe not for you if you have oily skin or don't want your hair sticking to your face.
But as a long-time blusher-phobe, I'm thrilled to have finally found the one for me – and one that gives the effect of a good night's sleep.
* Miracle Balm, £36 from Jones Road
If Dusty Rose isn't right for your skin tone, there are 12 shades of Miracle Balm to choose from spanning a wide range of pink, bronze and clear tones, including newly-launched Pinched Cheeks, a medium rose, and Cocoa Bronze, a rich bronze for medium-to-deep skin tones.
If you're looking for a cheaper cream blush, my friends and I also really rate e.l.f. Putty Blush, £7. And Soft Pinch Liquid Blush by Selena Gomez's beauty brand Rare Beauty has become a viral sensation – you can pick up a mini version to try for £14 at Space NK.