Beauty Throwdown: Testing the Original Victoria’s Secret Red Blush Plus Affordable Alternatives

Jan 2

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its much-anticipated return last October 15, and one thing I’ve always adored about it is the models’ effortlessly fresh-faced makeup. Their cheeks practically radiate with that vibrant, healthy glow we all want to bottle up and bring home. Naturally, I wanted to recreate that same look, so imagine my delight when I stumbled upon a tip from TikTok. It was none other than Rose-Marie Swift, the founder of RMS Beauty and a former makeup artist for Victoria's Secret, spilling the secret. The game-changing trick? she used red blush instead of pink! Specifically, the RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Beloved.

So for this blush showdown, I’m putting the RMS red blush to the test to see how it stacks up against the other red blushes in my collection. The goal? To find out which one nails that natural, just-pinched flush we all love. Will the RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Beloved deliver the same magic as the models on the runway, or will another contender steal the spotlight? Let’s find out!

RMS Lip2Cheek Glow Quad Mini in Beloved (P1,900) 4.8g = P395.83/g in the quad

Pigmentation 4.5/5
Blendability 5/5
Natural Look 5/5
Total Score 14.5/15

The OG product, RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Beloved, is available either individually or as part of the Lip2Cheek Glow Quad Mini, which makes it surprisingly more affordable. The shade Beloved is described as “a true red with a hint of poppy,” and it’s versatile enough to work for both cool and warm undertones, which is a rare find for such a bold red.

Just a tiny dab on the cheeks gives you that coveted natural-looking flush, as shown on the RMS TikTok. Its cream formula includes skin-loving ingredients like Wildcrafted Buriti Oil, Shea Butter, and Organic Cocoa Seed Butter, which help it glide smoothly over the skin while offering a touch of nourishment. Bonus, you can also use it on your lips for a coordinated look.

This shade and formula have honestly become one of my all-time favorites. The mini quad I’m using now is actually a repurchase. The shade Beloved was also in my first RMS quad, and it’s one of those products I feel like I’ll always keep in my collection. While the blush doesn’t last all day and fades after a few hours, I still adore it. It clings to my cheeks just enough to leave a subtle tint that looks effortlessly fresh, and that’s good enough for me!

Canmake Tokyo Cream Cheek Clear Type in CL01 Clear Red Heart (P600) 2.4g = P250/g

Pigmentation 4/5
Blendability 5/5
Natural Look 5/5
Total Score 14/15

This locally available Japanese cream blush might look like a vivid bright red in the pan, but it’s much softer and more subtle in swatches. The shade Clear Red Heart is described as a translucent red that aims to "recreate that happy, just-woken complexion"—a dreamy claim for anyone chasing that fresh, natural flush.

Despite being called Cream Cheek, the product description clarifies that it’s actually a melting gel-type formula. It’s enriched with plant-derived squalane, amino acid-based emollients, collagen, and royal jelly extract, which sounds like a treat for the skin. However, I find that it doesn’t glide on as smoothly as a traditional cream blush. Instead, it requires a patting motion to build up the color effectively, as recommended. That said, once it’s blended, the result is gorgeous. It’s a sheer, natural flush that feels very wearable.

The brand also suggests using it on the lips, making it a versatile little product. While it’s not the most long-lasting blush in my collection, the lightweight packaging makes it super convenient to toss in your bag for touch-ups on the go.

Careline x Spongebob Oh My Blush Liquid Blush in Red Ahoy (P199) 9.5ml = P20.95/ml

Pigmentation 5/5
Blendability 4/5
Natural Look 4/5
Total Score 13/15

Despite its bold name, Red Ahoy, this product from Careline isn’t quite as red as the Mr. Krabs-inspired hue on the tube suggests. On me, it leans a little more coral, though it might appear closer to a true red on different skin tones. Interestingly, the swatch from the collection overview seems more vibrant, showing just how much this shade can vary depending on who wears it.

The formula is highly pigmented, so a little goes a long way. A tiny dot is more than enough to work with, whether you’re blending it out with fingers or a brush. Personally, I prefer using the back of my hand as a palette. It gives me better control and makes blending a lot easier compared to applying it directly onto my cheeks. The result? A fresh, diffused flush that’s perfect for a pop of color without going overboard.

Spotlight Lush Lip & Cheek Créme in Blushing (P425) 6.5g = P65.39/g

Pigmentation 5/5
Blendability 4.5/5
Natural Look 5/5
Total Score 14.5/15

Compared to the previous reds, I find the shade Blushing to be the closest to RMS Beloved when diffused. It’s a deeper color but still has just the right amount of pop. This shade is designed to mimic the "naturally wind-flushed look," and as a liquid product, a little goes a long way. When Liz reviewed it previously, she recommended applying it indirectly, like dabbing it onto the back of your hand first before applying.

You can also use this on the lips. I found it easy to blend, and it sheers out nicely. It’s also buildable, allowing me to highlight my blush color when I want to make it more prominent.

These blushes show how wearable red can be on a daily basis. Rose-Marie Swift’s viral tip works and I love going for the red blush when I have a pinkish lip to balance it out.

And the winner of this throwdown? It’s a tie between the OG RMS Lip2Cheek Glow Quad Mini in Beloved (14.5/15) and the Spotlight Lush Lip & Cheek Créme in Blushing (14.5/15). Both deliver the loveliest flush, with Blushing coming impressively close to Beloved while being more affordable per gram.

The Canmake Tokyo Cream Cheek Clear Type in CL01 Clear Red Heart isn’t far behind at 14/15, but its longevity falls short compared to the Careline x Spongebob Oh My Blush Liquid Blush in Red Ahoy, which scored 13/15. Overall, these blushes offer a fantastic range of options for anyone looking to achieve a sheer, natural-looking red flush that rivals the ever-popular RMS Beloved.

Have you tried red blush?