Review -- Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee

I absolutely love cream blush.

Especially in the winter when my skin starts to look seriously dry and dull -- because instead of just sitting on your cheeks like powder blush, the cream variety blends into your skin for a really natural, glowy look.

I just always think that it provides such a fresh, healthy look.

My cream blush obsession has gotten pretty out of control this year, actually, so I've tried a bunch.

I was particularly intrigued by the Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelees because their consistency is somewhat unique -- it's kind of a cross between a cream and a gel, which makes for an interesting texture. It also contains 50 percent pure coconut water, so it's hydrating too.


While I started out with just one, I wound up purchasing four shades in total: Island Pink, a soft reddish pink; Poppy Paradise, a coral-y hot pink; Getaway Red, a vivid red; and Vacay Rose, a rosy berry shade.

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelees

From l. to r.: Island Pink, Poppy Paradise, Getaway Red, Vacay Rose

These blushes have a thin, lightweight feel on the skin and blend in easily with both fingers and a duo-fiber brush. The thin texture also means they dry down pretty quickly and really mesh with the skin so the staying power is pretty impressive -- I can get a good eight hours out of them most days.

The swatches may not appear very impressive because the Cheek Gelees are definitely on the sheer side, but that's part of what makes them so beautiful on the cheeks -- they really do have a soft, watercolor effect as their names promises, so the color looks like it's actually coming from your skin and not a heavy makeup product.

From l. to r.: Island Pink, Poppy Paradise, Getaway Red, Vacay Rose

On days when I'm going for a more toned down look with tinted moisturizer or a BB cream, I'll use these all by themselves for a really soft, natural flush. If I want a more dramatic or longer-lasting look, I'll layer a powder blush on top of them -- they have a slightly sticky feel when they're first applied so they really grab onto a powder product and help intensify the color and make it last longer.

I really like all of the shades that I have, but Vacay Rose is probably my favorite. The rose-tinted berry shade is perfect for that "flushed from the cold" look I love in fall and winter.

If you're looking for a super pigmented, intense cream blush, the Cheek Gelees aren't for you. But if you're in the market for a really natural looking blush that works well with dry skin, they are definitely worth checking out.

You can purchase them for $22 each at Sephora and the Josie Maran website.

Have you tried the Josie Maran Coconut Water Watercolor Cheek Gelees? What's your favorite cream blush?