Merit Flush Balm Cheek Color vs e.l.f. Putty Blush
blush
Original
Merit
Merit Flush Balm Cheek Color
$30
A buildable cream blush stick with a dewy, skin-like finish that melts into the skin for a natural flush.
Shop originalDupe
e.l.f.
e.l.f. Putty Blush
$7
Save $23 (Save 77%)
"The best budget dupe for Merit Flush Balm. Same dewy, natural finish—the packaging is less elegant but the color payoff is there."
Shop dupeMy verdict
e.l.f. Putty Blush is a legitimate dupe for Merit Flush Balm. The finish on the skin is nearly identical—dewy, natural, and buildable. The main trade-off is format: Merit's stick is more convenient for on-the-go application, while e.l.f.'s pot requires fingers or a brush. For the $23 price difference, the e.l.f. version wins for daily use. Save the Merit for your purse if you need portability.