Hey there, beauty lovers! Today I’m diving DEEP into one of the most talked-about drugstore blushes – COVERGIRL’s Cheekers Blush in the shade Plum Plush. If you’ve been eyeing this affordable option but aren’t sure if it’s worth adding to your makeup collection, you’re in the right place!
Quick Facts
- Product: COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush
- Shade: Plum Plush
- Price Point: Budget-friendly (typically under $6)
- Cruelty-Free: Yes, 100%
- Size: Compact (smaller than many high-end blushes)
The Color: Expectations vs. Reality
Let’s address the elephant in the room first – the COLOR. Based on the feedback I’ve analyzed, there’s a consistent theme here: Plum Plush is MUCH darker in person than it appears in product photos!
I can’t emphasize this enough. If you’re expecting a light, subtle plum, you might be surprised when you open the compact. This is a BOLD, deep plum shade with some rosy undertones. Some reviewers even describe it as having a brownish-plum quality, especially on lighter skin tones.
Several fair-skinned reviewers mentioned being initially SHOCKED by how dark it looked in the pan, with one even saying they thought it would be too intense to use! But here’s the interesting part – many of them ended up loving it once they actually applied it properly.
Application & Pigmentation
The pigmentation is definitely on the stronger side – a little goes a LONG way with this blush! This is both good and bad:
PROS:
- Economical (the small compact will last forever)
- Buildable for those who want more intensity
- Shows up beautifully on deeper skin tones (which can be hard to find in drugstore blushes)
CONS:
- Easy to over-apply if you’re not careful
- Requires a light hand, especially for makeup beginners
- Some fallout issues reported (more on that later)
Application tip from multiple reviewers: Tap (don’t swipe!) your brush gently on the product, tap off excess, and apply with light, building strokes. You can always add more, but it’s harder to tone down if you go overboard!
Texture & Finish
The texture is described as a soft powder that feels lightweight on the skin. Most reviewers find it blends well, though a few mentioned having to work a bit harder to blend it seamlessly compared to higher-end formulas.
Regarding the finish, there’s some conflicting information. Some reviewers describe it as having a subtle shimmer or slight sheen, while others consider it more matte. Based on the majority of reports, I’d say it has the tiniest hint of luminosity – not flat matte, but definitely not glittery either. Just enough to give a natural flush that doesn’t look flat on the skin.
One reviewer specifically mentioned being disappointed by unexpected glitter and “80’s shimmer” though, so there might be some batch variations or perception differences.
Staying Power
The longevity gets pretty good marks across the board! Multiple reviewers mentioned that it lasts “all day” which is impressive for such an affordable product. This makes it comparable to many higher-end blushes in terms of wear time.
A few reviewers specifically mentioned being impressed by how well it holds up throughout the workday without needing touch-ups, which is always a major plus!
The Brush Situation
Okay, we need to talk about the included brush. The consensus is VERY clear here: the brush that comes with this blush is… not great. 😬
Issues mentioned include:
- Too small for proper application
- Bristles too stiff/hard
- Awkward shape for blending
- Can cause patchy application
Almost EVERY reviewer recommended using your own full-sized blush brush instead. Many explicitly said they immediately tossed the included brush or keep it only for emergencies. One reviewer even said they’d rather the entire compact just be blush instead of including the subpar brush!
If you’re new to makeup and don’t already own brushes, factor in the cost of a decent blush brush when considering this purchase.
Packaging
The packaging is simple, basic plastic – nothing fancy but functional. Multiple reviewers mentioned that it’s quite small and compact, which makes it great for travel or smaller makeup bags.
There were a few complaints about shipping issues – some customers received broken products due to insufficient packaging during shipping. This seems to be more of an issue with certain sellers rather than a product design flaw.
A minor complaint from some is that the pan size is on the smaller side compared to some other drugstore options, though given how pigmented and long-lasting the product is, this may not be a significant drawback.
Value for Money
The value proposition is where this blush really SHINES! Almost unanimously, reviewers felt this was an excellent deal for the quality. Comments like “just as good as more costly blush” and comparisons to high-end brands like Clinique suggest this punches well above its price point.
Even those who had some issues with the product often admitted that “you get what you pay for” but generally felt it was still worth the modest price.
Skin Tone Compatibility
This is where things get interesting. Plum Plush appears to work across a WIDE range of skin tones, but in different ways:
- Fair skin: Several reviewers with fair skin found it too dark for everyday use but perfect for bold looks or as an eyeshadow alternative. Others learned to apply it with a very light hand and loved the result.
- Medium skin: Seems to be the sweet spot where this shade works beautifully as an everyday blush with normal application techniques.
- Deep/rich skin tones: Multiple reviewers specifically called out how perfect this shade is for deeper skin tones, giving a beautiful flush that actually shows up (unlike many lighter blushes).
Some reviewers with olive or yellow undertones mentioned that this cool-toned plum shade created a beautiful contrast against their warmer complexion.
Potential Issues
Beyond the brush complaints, there were a few other issues mentioned:
- Fallout: Several reviewers complained about excess powder kickup and fallout. One dramatically described it getting all over their countertop and even the rug below! This means you might want to do your blush AFTER your eye makeup to avoid ruining your eyeshadow work.
- Formula consistency: A few reviewers mentioned the blush being “very dry” or even crumbly, with one saying it “literally separated into powder” when brushed. This could be batch variation or issues with older stock.
- Color discrepancy: As mentioned earlier, the biggest complaint was that the color appears different (darker/more intense) than in product photos.
Who Should Buy This Blush?
Based on all the feedback, this blush is PERFECT for:
- Anyone on a budget who wants quality performance
- People with medium to deep skin tones looking for a drugstore blush that actually shows up
- Those who prefer buildable, pigmented formulas over sheer ones
- Makeup enthusiasts who don’t mind taking time to master application
- Those seeking a bold, statement blush for special occasions
- Dance performers or stage makeup needs (mentioned by several reviewers)
- Long-time COVERGIRL fans looking to stick with a trusted brand
Who Should Skip It?
You might want to pass on this if:
- You’re a makeup beginner who prefers foolproof, sheer formulas
- You have very fair skin and want an everyday, subtle flush (unless you’re comfortable with precise application)
- Fallout is a major pet peeve for you
- You primarily rely on included applicators rather than separate brushes
- You’re looking for a true plum without rosy/berry undertones
Tips From Reviewers
- Use your OWN brush! This tip appeared in almost every positive review.
- Start with MUCH less product than you think you need.
- Build color gradually – it’s easier to add more than to remove excess.
- Consider using it as an eyeshadow if it’s too intense as a blush for your skin tone.
- For fair skin, try applying, then buffing out the edges with a clean brush for a more diffused look.
The Verdict
Overall, COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush in Plum Plush is a classic drugstore gem with impressive performance for its price point. The biggest surprise is the color intensity – it’s much darker and more pigmented than most would expect from looking at product photos or even the name “Plum Plush” (which suggests a softer shade).
With proper application techniques and the right brush, this $5-ish blush can deliver results comparable to products 5x its price. Just be prepared for some fallout and take your time with application, especially if you have fairer skin.
For those who have used it for years, there’s clearly a reason they keep coming back – it’s a reliable, affordable staple that delivers consistent results. Many reviewers mentioned being devastated when they couldn’t find it in stores anymore and were thrilled to discover it online.
Ultimately, at such an affordable price point, it’s worth trying even if you’re on the fence. Worst case scenario, it becomes an eyeshadow instead of a blush!
Final Rating: 4.2/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Pros:
- Incredible value for money
- Strong pigmentation
- Long-wearing formula
- Works exceptionally well on deeper skin tones
- Buildable coverage
- Cruelty-free
- Travel-friendly size
Cons:
- Terrible included brush
- Significant fallout issues
- Darker than product photos suggest
- May be challenging for makeup beginners
- Small pan size
Happy blushing, everyone! Hope this helps you decide if Plum Plush deserves a spot in your makeup bag!
Buy on Amazon: Here
