Which is preferable — cream or powder blush? Don't they create the same result?

Actually, your choice will depend upon what effect you want, says makeup pro Bobbi Brown. Powder blush gives a more finished look — perfect for contouring cheekbones. Bobbi's tips for powder players: Sweep a large brush in circles over the blush, then tap to remove excess. Go up along cheekbones, down nose, and across forehead and chin. Cream blushes create a dewy, outdoorsy flush.

Bobbi's tips for cream queens: Use fingertips to dab it on the apples of your cheeks and blend upward along cheekbones. Also consider skin type when selecting a blush formula. If you have an oily complexion, Bobbi suggests a powder blush to absorb grease for a matte finish. Try Bobbi Brown Essentials Blush, $19, or Cover Girl Cheekers Blush, $2.79. But if skin is dry, opt for a more emollient cream blush to minimize flaking. Try Bobbi Brown Essentials Cream Blush Stick, $25, or Estée Lauder Minute Blush Creme Stick for Cheeks, $27.