Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m diving into one of those cult-favorite drugstore products that seems to be disappearing from shelves but THANKFULLY can still be found online. I’ve been testing the Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Glaze Glisten Blush Stick in the shade “Just-Pinched Pink” for several weeks now, and I’ve got THOUGHTS.
First Impressions & Packaging
Let me be straight with you – this blush stick is TINY! About thumb-sized, which surprised me at first. But don’t let that fool you – a little goes a LONG way with this product.
The packaging is simple and functional – a twist-up cream blush in a plastic tube. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. It’s super portable and perfect for throwing in your purse for touch-ups, though I rarely needed those (more on staying power later!).
Some people have mentioned receiving damaged products that arrived melted or broken, especially during warmer months. Mine came intact, but it’s worth noting this seems to be a somewhat common issue. The formula is definitely on the softer side, so it’s susceptible to heat damage.
The Formula: Texture & Application
The Master Glaze Blush Stick has a creamy texture that glides onto skin effortlessly. It’s not greasy or sticky like some cream blushes can be! The consistency is just right – soft enough to blend easily but not so soft that it turns into a mushy mess.
I’ve found two application methods work best:
- Swiping directly on the cheeks and blending with fingers (super quick for busy mornings!)
- Using a blush brush for a more diffused, natural look
For my fair/medium skin, the “Just-Pinched Pink” shade shows up as a gorgeous natural flush – exactly what the name promises! It’s buildable too, so you can go from subtle to more intense color without it looking cakey.
Color Payoff & Finish
The color is a beautiful soft pink with slight peachy undertones that seem to work on multiple skin tones. Based on the reviews I analyzed, people with fair skin, olive undertones, and freckled complexions all found this shade flattering!
The finish is what really makes this product special – it gives a natural GLOW without obvious shimmer or glitter. One reviewer mentioned it was more glittery than expected, but most (including me) find it gives more of a dewy freshness than obvious sparkle.
The “Just-Pinched Pink” is particularly good for:
- Fair to medium skin tones
- Creating that “I just came in from the cold” natural flush
- People who want a foolproof blush that’s hard to overdo
Performance: Staying Power & Wear
For a cream product at this price point, the staying power is impressive! It lasts a good 6-8 hours on my normal-to-dry skin before fading. It does fade gradually rather than disappearing completely or getting patchy.
A few reviewers with oilier skin mentioned shorter wear time, which is typical for cream products. And one mentioned it caused breakouts, though this seems to be an isolated case rather than a common complaint.
The blush looks incredibly natural throughout wear, and I especially love how it doesn’t emphasize texture or pores the way some powder blushes can.
Versatility: Beyond Just Blush
One of my favorite discoveries is how VERSATILE this little stick is! Several reviewers mentioned using it for multiple purposes:
- As a lip tint
- As an eyeshadow (though one reviewer warned it was irritating when used on eyes)
- To tone down bright lipstick for a more wearable shade
I’ve tried it all three ways and can confirm it works beautifully, though I’d use caution around the eyes if you have sensitivity.
Who Should Love This Product?
This blush is PERFECT for:
- People over 50 or with dry skin (multiple reviewers in this category specifically mentioned loving it!)
- Makeup minimalists who want quick, foolproof application
- Anyone seeking a natural, fresh-faced look
- Those who prefer cream formulas over powder
- People who travel and want multipurpose products
Who Might Want to Skip It?
It might not be ideal for:
- Those with very oily skin (shorter wear time)
- People who prefer intense, dramatic blush
- Anyone who wants completely matte finish
- Those with very dark skin (might not show up well)
- People with eye sensitivities who want to use it as eyeshadow
Value For Money
At around $14, some reviewers felt this was slightly overpriced for a drugstore brand, especially given the small size (0.24 ounces). However, MOST agree that because you need so little product each time, one stick lasts for months of daily use.
Several reviewers mentioned they’ve repurchased this multiple times, some having used it for up to 20 YEARS! That’s some serious brand loyalty.
The Discontinuation Drama
A recurring theme in the reviews is concern about this product being discontinued. Many mentioned no longer being able to find it in stores and being relieved to discover it on Amazon. This could explain the slightly higher price point online versus what people remember paying in stores.
If you fall in love with this product like so many reviewers have, you might want to stock up while you can!
Comparisons to Other Products
A few reviewers compared this to:
- NARS multiple sticks (similar concept but Maybelline is much more affordable)
- NYX cream blush (one reviewer preferred the NYX for better color payoff)
- “Baby” blush (reviewer felt the Maybelline was less greasy and longer-lasting)
Overall, most felt this performed as well as or better than more expensive cream blush options.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
After testing this product thoroughly and analyzing nearly 100 user reviews, I can confidently say the Maybelline Master Glaze Blush Stick in Just-Pinched Pink is a STELLAR drugstore gem!
What I LOVE:
- Natural, glowing finish
- Easy, foolproof application
- Versatility (cheeks, lips, eyes)
- Good staying power for a cream formula
- Perfect for dry or mature skin
- Buildable color that’s hard to overdo
What Could Be Better:
- Small size for the price
- Soft formula that can melt in heat
- May not show up well on deeper skin tones
- Possible discontinuation makes it harder to find
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use cream blush that gives a natural, healthy flush, this is absolutely worth trying – especially if you prefer dewy, natural makeup looks.
Given the rave reviews from people who’ve used this product for years or even decades, I’m joining the chorus of voices asking Maybelline: PLEASE DON’T DISCONTINUE THIS GEM! It’s clearly beloved for good reason.
Have you tried the Maybelline Master Glaze Blush Stick? What’s your experience been? Drop a comment below!
This review was compiled based on personal testing and analysis of user reviews to provide a comprehensive overview of the product.
Buy on Amazon: Here
