Glossier's Cloud Paint Plush Blush: A New Chapter in the Beloved Blush Legacy

Glossier Cloud Paint Plush Blush powder blush revolutionizes makeup with its memory cloud texture, offering a pillowy-soft, lasting glow.

In 2017, Glossier launched a product that would quietly redefine an entire category: Cloud Paint blush. What began as a fledgling cool-girl brand's second foray into color has since become a cultural touchstone, helping to usher in the blush-heavy makeup looks that dominated the 2020s. Who could have predicted that a creamy gel housed in a paint tube would transform blush from a product associated with a mother's gentle chiding to the essential item for a healthy, lived-in glow? Now, nearly a decade later, the brand is honoring that legacy while boldly innovating with the launch of Cloud Paint Plush Blush, a powder formula that promises to bring the joyful, artistic expression of its predecessor into a new, pillowy-soft dimension.

The Evolution of a Cult Classic

Emily Trillaud, Glossier's Vice President of Product, explains the vision behind the new launch. "Our goal with Cloud Paint was to reimagine what blush could be," she says, reflecting on the original gel-cream formula. "Since its launch, it has been a cult-favorite and even inspired our expansion with the Cloud Paint Bronzer. With that in mind, we saw it fit to continue the legacy and evolve the way blush can continue to be personalized, playful, and convenient." The result is Plush Blush, an innovative product designed to capture the essence of Cloud Paint in a whole new texture. Could a powder blush truly live up to the effortless, second-skin feel that made the original so iconic?

The Innovative "Memory Cloud" Texture

At the heart of Plush Blush is what Glossier calls its "one-of-a-kind memory cloud texture." This super bouncy, putty-like formula represents a modern take on classic powder. "It is pillowy-soft under your fingertips, then transforms into a weightless, blendable powder with buildable payoff," Trillaud describes. This unique transformation allows for incredible control, enabling users to achieve anything from a soft, barely-there flush to a bold, statement-making pop of color. But isn't the true test of a powder blush how it wears throughout the day? The brand formulated this product to be more than just pretty; it's designed to be water-resistant, sweat-resistant, humidity-resistant, and transfer-resistant, ensuring the look lasts from morning until night while helping to absorb excess shine.

Formulated for Flexibility and Skin Health

Flexibility and wearability were paramount during development. "Whether looking to achieve a soft everyday blush or a louder effect, we’ve always ensured we are creating an ease to a person’s routine," Trillaud notes. This philosophy extends to application—whether using fingertips or a brush, the product is designed to adapt to the user's preference. Furthermore, the formula is packed with skin-loving ingredients:

• Clover Flower Extract: An antioxidant-rich plant extract that acts as a "real-life filter" for the skin.

• Powdered Ceramides & Botanical Glycerides: Lipids that lock in moisture and provide a comfortable soft-matte finish.

The brand's rigorous testing backs up these claims, with impressive results: 100% of users agreed their skin had a healthy-looking flush color, and 90% loved how long the color lasted without needing a touch-up.

A Sunset-Inspired Shade Range

True to the Cloud Paint heritage, the new Plush Blush comes in 10 shades inspired by the colors of a New York City sunset. The lineup includes beloved classics and exciting new additions:

Honest Reviews from the Byrdie Team

The proof, as they say, is in the application. Here’s what the Byrdie team discovered when they put Cloud Paint Plush Blush to the test in 2026:

Olivia Hancock tried the shade Beam. "I’m a blush girly—powder or cream, it doesn’t matter. Since the formula is buildable, the first layer deposits a sheer veil of color. I applied a few layers to achieve my desired intensity. But even in doing so, the formula didn’t become cakey, patchy, or dry-looking. My skin still felt soft and looked smooth. Throughout the day, my cheeks maintained a demi-matte finish all day. Kudos to Glossier for formulating another winner!" :sparkles:

Bella Cacciatore was surprised by the pigmentation of the shade Bloom. "One swipe gave me a pretty solid pop of pink. The powder is silky and easy to blend—it never got cakey or felt heavy; it pretty much melted into my skin. I'm also really impressed with the staying power. I wore this all day in 90-degree weather and a surprise rainstorm, and it didn't budge."

Jasmine Phillips fell for the deep, rich shade Plume. "Glossier’s new Cloud Paint Plush Blush is basically everything you could want in a blush: pigmented, long-lasting, blendable, and it leaves a soft-matte finish. A little goes a really long way, and this is coming from someone with deep skin, so use sparingly!" :raised_hands:

Holly Rhue (via social media) appreciated the formula's flexibility with the shade Soar. "This blush is really quite pigmented for a powder. That being said, it's also buttery smooth, so it's very easy to blend out. I found that it delivered a really natural, feathered look I could amplify with more blush. So while the color payoff is strong, it's also a really flexible formula."

The Verdict: Is Powder Blush Back?

The launch of Cloud Paint Plush Blush isn't just an extension of a product line; it's a statement. In an era where makeup routines prioritize personal expression, skin health, and longevity, Glossier has delivered a powder blush that checks every box. It honors the playful, artistic spirit of the original Cloud Paint while introducing a novel, high-performance texture suited for modern life. With its sunset-inspired shades, skin-loving ingredients, and proven wear, Plush Blush successfully evolves the legacy, proving that blush can indeed be cool, convenient, and utterly captivating. The question is no longer if powder blush is back, but rather, are you ready to experience the cloud? :cloud: