Ilia Multi-Stick Tenderly: the perfect natural cream blush

Lately, I’ve really fallen in love with cream blushes. They look more natural, can be layered to the desired intensity without the risk of overdoing it, and they blend beautifully with powder products, creating unique custom shades. My current favorite is the Ilia Multi-Stick in the shade Tenderly.

The brand positions this product as multifunctional — suitable for cheeks, lips, and eyes. The stick contains 4.5 g of product and comes in a minimalist, well-made packaging. The plastic feels sturdy, the cap closes securely, and the shade name is indicated by a color-coded sticker on the bottom.

I mostly use it as a blush. The stick itself is quite wide in diameter and has a soft, melting texture. Tenderly is a very delicate, pale pink shade with a subtle dewy finish. There are no shimmer particles — just pure color. For some, it may look too light, but for me it’s perfect for a soft, effortless look.

The texture is non-sticky but slightly creamy and moist, which means hair can sometimes cling to the cheeks where it’s applied. The blush doesn’t fully set, yet it doesn’t migrate throughout the day. On its own, the longevity is moderate — about 3–4 hours before it fades almost completely. However, when layered with powder blushes, it significantly enhances their wear time and lasts until the end of the day.

It blends very easily. I usually apply it with a dense flat brush, but fingers work just as well — tested and approved. The result is a fresh, natural flush. It’s especially flattering on very fair skin tones (even though I’m not one of them).

Another pleasant surprise is how beautiful it looks on the lips. Thanks to the creamy, dewy texture, it adds natural shine and freshness. Paired with a brown lip liner, it becomes an unbeatable everyday combo. It wears comfortably, lasts well, and doesn’t dry out the lips.

Overall, I truly enjoy this blush — it’s easy to apply, comfortable to wear, layers beautifully, doesn’t emphasize skin texture, and looks incredibly natural.

Rating: 5 out of 5
Price: €43