Best Glossier Cloud Paint Dupes: My Personal Value Picks!

Glossier made a splash in the makeup scene with its embrace of the soft, clean, and makeup-less makeup trends. Among its standout products is the Glossier Cloud Paint, but it can be elusive and expensive. Instead of waiting and saving, I embarked on a mission to discover exceptional Glossier Cloud Paint dupes, and I believe I’ve found some gems!

Why We Adore the Glossier Brand

Glossier’s emergence challenged the status quo in the makeup industry, particularly for those of us who appreciate vibrant makeup. While I enjoy bold looks, I also embraced the minimalist trend as an alternative to the constant pressure of the “Instagram face.” Glossier quickly became ubiquitous on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, setting the stage for a new era of makeup.

My introduction to Glossier coincided with its unisex claim. Although this claim is no longer prominently featured on their website, it left a lasting impression on me. However, over time, Glossier leaned more towards a feminine aesthetic. Nevertheless, other brands have since emerged to fill the void for gender-inclusive makeup.

Despite its popularity, Glossier faced controversies, particularly regarding inclusivity. This led many individuals, myself included, to seek out dupes as an alternative.

While Glossier initially operated exclusively online, it has since expanded to include physical stores and secured retail partnerships, including Sephora. However, for much of the world, Glossier remains out of reach due to its limited international presence. This lack of accessibility serves as one of the primary motivations behind my quest to compile a comprehensive list of Glossier Cloud Paint dupes. When searching for these alternatives, I aimed to find products that could stand up to the hype!

My Top Glossier Cloud Paint Dupes in a Nutshell

The Glossier Cloud Paint is undeniably one of the most sought-after blushes on the market.

Maybelline Cheek Heat tops my list of Glossier Cloud Paint dupes. It closely mirrors the Glossier Cloud Paint while offering budget-friendly pricing. Maybelline, a beloved drugstore brand, ensures widespread availability, making it a standout choice for all makeup enthusiasts.

Another impressive dupe is Kylie Cosmetics Glow Balm. It closely emulates the Glossier Cloud Paint at a fraction of the cost. While the shade range may be limited due to its status as a limited edition product, it delivers a superior finish.

Cloud Paint by Glossier

Cloud Paint remains one of Glossier’s most iconic products. Known for its sheer formula, it imparts a natural, soft flush of color to the cheeks. The product’s buildable nature allows users to customize their desired level of color intensity. This versatile blush has claimed a permanent spot in the hearts of makeup enthusiasts.

Glossier’s user-friendly approach appeals to those who may not be makeup aficionados but still desire a polished look. The brand is celebrated for its aesthetically pleasing packaging and ability to create a flawless, color-enhancing product. If you appreciate minimalism or are weary of gimmicky makeup trends, Glossier Cloud Paint is a fantastic option.

One of the standout features of this product is its blurring pigments. They effectively minimize the appearance of pores, allowing your skin to breathe freely. This product aligns perfectly with the dewy skin trend, thanks to its sheer finish. Due to its sheer nature, Glossier Cloud Paint appeals to individuals of various ages and genders. While marketing may initially target a younger audience, its appeal spans generations. This product avoids settling into fine lines and doesn’t dry out the skin. Like many Glossier products, it is safe for use on the eyes and lips in addition to the cheeks.

Pros

• Consistently smooth application with no patchiness
• Sheer finish
• A little goes a long way

Cons

• Potential for breakouts (consider your skin type for the right match)

Glossier Cloud Paint Dupes

Glossier Cloud Paint comes with a higher price tag and sheer, nearly single-use blush formula due to its sheerness. This makes contouring and highlighting somewhat challenging during application. Glossier’s limited international reach has also left many individuals unable to access its products outside North America.

Here, I’ve compiled excellent alternatives to Glossier Cloud Paint that eliminate the need for complicated shipping arrangements and excessive customs fees.

My Selection Criteria

I embarked on an exhaustive search to discover Glossier Cloud Paint dupes that capture the essence of the Glossier brand. I adore blush and have cultivated an extensive collection. While I have a fondness for Glossier products, I understand that not everyone can afford to invest in them. Therefore, I focused on identifying affordable, accessible Glossier Cloud Paint dupes that deliver equal or superior results.

Key Selection Criteria:

• A wide range of shades across different products
• Texture and ease of application comparable to Glossier
• Diverse products catering to various budgets
• Widespread availability, either online or in physical stores worldwide
• Value or drugstore brands that provide exceptional performance.

My First Dupe: Glow Balm by Kylie Cosmetics

Personally, I kicked off my dupe journey with the “Off-The-Clock” shade of the Kylie Cosmetics Glow Balm. To put it simply, this shade is entirely transparent, and I’ve found it to work wonders as a highlighter rather than a blush. I often use this Glow Balm to add a sheer touch to my blush or apply it over my blush area for a subtle glow. The formula of Kylie Cosmetics’ Glow Balm left me wanting more.

I was genuinely surprised that this line remained somewhat underappreciated. While I adore the initial shade I purchased, the others are equally balmy and refreshing. The Glow Balm series serves as an ideal dupe for Glossier Cloud Paint and is readily available in most countries. Although Kylie Cosmetics offers a smaller shade range compared to Glossier, it’s commendable for catering to markets beyond the US and Canada.

The Kylie Cosmetics Glow Balm offers buildable coverage while maintaining a sheer option. To apply, you simply tap it onto your chosen area. It can even double as a lip balm. What sets this product apart from Cloud Paint is the transparent shade, which imparts a lovely natural highlight not found in Glossier’s range.

Pros

• Features a versatile transparent shade
• Easily accessible worldwide through online shopping
• A daily favorite for me

Cons

• Limited variety of shades
• Considered a limited edition product

My Second Pick: KVD Modcon Liquid-Gel Blush – An Affordable Luxury Pick

KVD Beauty often flies under the radar these days, but the brand offers one of the most unique gel blushes on the market. The Modcon Liquid-Gel Blush is available in just four shades, and it immediately comes to mind when discussing gel/liquid blushes that provide sheer coverage. KVD Beauty promotes it as somewhat dark and reminiscent of Kat Von D’s style. Despite the gothic vibes, this product is remarkably sheer and buildable. Most makeup artists prefer the flexibility of building up color rather than going heavy-handed, regardless of the initial packaging colors, which may appear intimidating.

Sometimes, brands have a better grasp of trends than we do collectively. The Modcon Liquid-Gel Blush’s buildability makes it an excellent alternative to Glossier Cloud Paint, despite its limited shade range.

Pros

• Can be used for contouring
• Offers a delightful texture and feel
• Adds dimension to the face

Cons

• May be considered too sheer for a goth aesthetic
• Prone to accidental smudging unless setting powders are used

Dupe #3: A Drugstore Find to Love – Maybelline Cheek Heat

Maybelline Cheek Heat is an evident dupe for Cloud Paint. Although I have a vibrant shade, Cheek Heat starts off sheer and gradually builds up color intensity. I personally own the Maybelline Cheek Heat in Fuchsia Spark and appreciate its lasting power on my cheeks. However, it’s important to note that this product tends to dry quickly. You’ll need nimble fingers or a sponge to achieve the perfect blush application.

Maybelline Cheek Heat is highly buildable, similar to most liquid blushes, offering a familiar and easy-to-use format. Its widespread availability makes it accessible virtually everywhere, given Maybelline’s status as a global makeup brand. Cheek Heat stands as the closest dupe for Glossier Cloud Paint, sharing similar texture and an oil-free formula. Just a small dot on each cheek delivers the same sheer touch of color.

Pros

• Available nearly everywhere
• Fragrance-free
• Long-lasting, even in humid climates

Cons

• Texture may not be creamy enough to the touch
• Dries quickly on the skin

Dupe #4 – My Favorite Wallet-Friendly Pick: NYX Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint Cream Blush

The NYX Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint Cream Blush reigns as the top wallet-friendly cream blush on the market today, in my opinion. This product lives up to my high standards, as detailed in my full NYX Sweet Cheeks brand review. While some shades may not be exact duplicates of Glossier Cloud Paint, this product features a convenient doe-foot applicator, making it more beginner-friendly. Not everyone is adept at using their fingers for makeup application, so applicators provide an excellent starting point.

NYX Sweet Cheeks doesn’t dry as rapidly as Maybelline Cheek Heat, offering more room for error during application. On the NYX website, you’ll find a handy guide on how to use this product for various face shapes, and I swear by the techniques it recommends. NYX’s informative website not only saves you money but also allows you to explore and try out this blush texture for a fraction of the cost of Glossier Cloud Paint.

Pros

• Provides a second-skin feel
• Includes a convenient doe-foot applicator
• Can also be used as a soft liquid lipstick

Cons

• Cap is flimsy and prone to breaking
• Texture could be creamier

Dupe #5 – Blendable Luxury for Less: MILK Bionic Liquid Blush

MILK may have slipped off my radar, but many people still swear by the brand. Despite my initial reservations, the MILK Bionic Liquid Blush piqued my interest. This blush caters more to darker skin tones than most previously mentioned options. It offers a vibrant touch while remaining highly buildable and suitable for all complexions.

The MILK Bionic Liquid Blush builds up to an electric finish, which I find particularly appealing. Its versatility allows it to adapt to subtle or bold makeup looks. This product incorporates various mushroom extracts and vitamins to enhance skin elasticity. As a unique dupe, it surpasses Glossier Cloud Paint in inclusivity. If you opt for the MILK Bionic Liquid Blush, remember to shake it before use for optimal performance.

Pros

• An exceptionally versatile product
• Blends out effortlessly
• Leaves the skin looking youthful

Cons

• Relatively pricey considering the quantity
• May feel slightly tacky upon initial application

Dupe #6 – A Water-Based Beauty Pick: Tarte Cheek Stain

Tarte’s very first product made a triumphant return, and for good reason. The Tarte Cheek Stain is slightly less sheer than Glossier Cloud Paint but has maintained its popularity over time. Here at Glamour n Glow, we have a soft spot for Tarte, and we enjoy testing many of their products. If you’re contemplating the Cheek Stain (which I highly recommend), be sure to check out our Best Tarte Face Serums Guide for achieving that flawless finish.

The Cheek Stain comes in a stick formula, simplifying application. You merely press the stick onto the apples of your cheeks and blend it out with your fingers. This application method facilitates easy customization, allowing you to achieve a sheer or intense blush, depending on your preference and comfort level.

The Tarte Cheek Stain yields a watercolor-like finish that is vibrant and appealing. However, it’s essential to note that this product has a noticeable fruity fragrance, a characteristic from the era when scented makeup was the norm. On the Tarte website, I appreciate the use of an older model to demonstrate product application.

Pros

• Long-lasting performance
• Ideal for blending
• Convenient for on-the-go touch-ups

Cons

• Recent versions are smaller than the original ones
• Considered pricey by some