Advantage’s Flush Balms Now Are available in 4 New Shades

From the priming face serum that’s been dubbed “Botox in a bottle,” to the fail-proof bronzing balm that gives users a summer glow in seconds, Merit Beauty’s minimalist makeup products are impossible to screw up. There really is no wrong way to use them and, depending on your style and preference, can be applied as much or as little as you like. They’re like a choose-your-own-adventure book, only there’s only happy, beautiful endings every time you use ’em.

The same is true of the brand’s award-winning Flush Balms ($28), which just became available in four new gorgeous hues that have already replaced my other blushes. Originally launched in 2021, the Flush Balms first came in five ultra-blendable and versatile shades, winning the hearts of makeup lovers everywhere (and even celebs like Hailey Bieber). But the four new shades—Fox, Persimmon, Stockholm, and Après—are here to give originals a run for their money. And I can confirm: They absolutely do.

First, let’s meet the new shades. Fox is an earthy, warm taupe that neutral lovers will go gaga over, Persimmon is a soft, sunburnt red-orange (that’s perfect for summer, IMO), Stockholm is a fresh, cool-toned baby pink, and Après is a true berry shade that’ll recreate the look of chilly cheeks all year-round. With colors as good as these, it’s impossible to pick favorites. But if I absolutely had to choose, I’d be torn between the crushed raspberry pink of Après and the toasty, subtle warmth that Fox exudes. There’s something to love about every Flush Balm shade, so be warned—once you try one, you’ll be tempted to collect them all.

As if the gorgeous new shades were’t enough, Flush Balm’s winning formula will have you hooked. Each balm offers the same lightweight, emollient-rich blend feel as the original five, infused with vitamin E to condition skin without leaving it greasy or clogged. That means if you’ve been burned before by cakey looking blush in the past, these will quickly soothe your blush woes. They’re so buttery, the domed cream glides onto skin with zero skipping or tugging to leave cheeks looking healthy and radiant without a stitch of stickiness. What’s more, the Flush Balms agree with all skin types and textures, with thousands of reviews praising the gentle, minimalist formula. “Beautiful shade of pink! I love the stick application,” writes one shopper. “Very buildable and pretty. Perfect for summer. Easy to retouch throughout the day. Good for dry skin!”

“Love how the blush melts [into] my skin in the best way,” agrees another happy Merit customer. “Gives me a natural glow, like I just came back from a good walk.” Isn’t that what we’re all going for at the end of the day?

To achieve a sheer, satin finish, Merit made the Flush Balms with microfine pigment powders that give cheeks the perfect pop of color while still allowing your skin to shine through for a more natural look. “This goes on smoothly [and adds] that perfect amount of natural blush…Perfect whether you wear a full face of makeup or [are] simply going natural,” says another Merit customer in a 5-star review. In other words, whether you wear Flush Balms solo or with a full face, you’ll love the result every time. Blend it out with the Merit Blending Brush, or just tap it out with your fingertips, there’s simply no overdoing it with the Flush Balms—another reason why they’re one of the best blushes around.

And did I mention that the Flush Balms work flawlessly on the lips too for a natural tint? Like I said, they’re a choose-your-own-adventure product that makes for fuss-free makeup, be it on your lips, cheeks, bridge of your nose, or even on your eyelids. “I got Persimmon (a soft orange red) and Stockholm (a perfect pink) and I am so happy with this blush,” gushes one shopper. “I also add some color on my lips and it looks like the perfect lip balm. Can’t recommend enough.” Truth be told, I can’t recommend the Merit Flush Balms enough either—snag one of the new shades for yourself on the Merit site, here.