Milani Baked Blushes in Luminoso & Rose D'Oro

I've owned Milani's Baked Blush in Coralina for a few months now and I simply adore it, but for some reason it took me months to pick up other shades. I don't know what took me so long, because these babies are pretty awesome. Not only are they gorgeous eye candy, but they are also budget friendly and high performing! As far as drugstore blushes go, I think these are what's up. I recently acquired the shades Luminoso and Rose D'Oro...check 'em out!

 L-R: Luminoso, Rose D'Oro

Here is a shot of the packaging. Beneath the blush pan is a mirrored compact compartment with a little travel brush. The mirror is a plus, though I am not usually one to apply blush on the go. The brush, as to be expected, is not ideal for applying this blush. Opt for a fluffy or angled blush brush instead.

As far as wear time goes, I haven't had a problem with them. Both shades are easy to blend and pigmented; Luminoso's pigmentation in particular surprised me. The shades are shimmery and add a youthful sheen to the cheeks.

 In the pan this doesn't look like much, but woah baby is this shade amazing! Although it doesn't have the gorgeous marbling of many of the other Milani Baked Blushes, Luminoso is actually incredibly dynamic once applied to the cheeks. It is the perfect pinky peach with a soft sheen. Keep you eyes peeled for a FOTD with this soon, because you really need to see this in action to understand how gorgeous and unique it is. But for now, just trust me: you need this. 

 Rose D'Oro is arguably the most raved about shade from this range- though I can't personally attest to this, some say it is a respectable dupe for the much coveted MAC Mineralized Skin Finish in Stereo Rose. Either way, please just take a second to admire the lovely marbling in the pan! For me, Rose D'Oro is a bronzed rose shade. I don't think this is the best shade for my skin tone- if not careful, this call pull a little coppery on me.

Here are some swatches:

L-R: Luminoso, Rose D'Oro

In sum, this whole range is worth checking out. However, Luminoso is a must have for me!

Do you have any of the Milani Baked Blushes? 

Which shades do you adore?

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Posted in Blush , Milani

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed

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I visited Sephora for the last time before I move out of state because my new city doesn't have one (thank goodness for online shopping, right!). While I was there I treated myself to an early birthday gift: the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed. I absolutely adore the shade Tipsy, which I reviewed here, and was really eager to pick up another shade. I intended to grab Dollface, a soft pink, but Sephora was sold out. Since there was no way I was walking out without one of these babies, I opted for Exposed. 

Glancing at the pan, I initially assumed that Exposed was a shade I would never wear. Exposed is a matte soft nude brown and is totally unlike anything else I have in my collection. A quick swatch on my arm and I was sold. I think that this is a great shade to create a natural, neutral flush that is perfect to pair with a dramatic lip or eye. I see myself wearing this more and more in the Fall with either a smokey eye or a vampy lip. Expect some FOTDs soon featuring this gem!

 I really am obsessed with these Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blushes. They are wonderfully pigmented, smooth, and easy to blend. I also love that all but one of the shades in this range is matte.  As an oily skin babe, blushes usually oxidize and get splotchy on me quickly but these look as good at the end of the day as they do when I first apply them. $25 is a little steep for my budget, but these are honestly the best blushes in my collection.

Have your tried any of these Tarte blushes?

How would you wear Exposed?

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Posted in Blush , Tarte

Coral Fever: Cheeks

This is the overdue second instillation of a three part mini-series on the Spring coral trend. If you find coral lips, like those in my first post, to be too bold for your taste, rockin' coral on your cheeks is a great alternative. From glowy peachy pink to shimmering orange, here is my small collection of coral blushes.

•  Milani Baked Blush in Corallina- This budget friendly drugstore buy is an awesome orange coral with a gold shimmery punch. This can be applied with a light hand for a subtle look, or you can build it up for a bright orange sparkle. Just look at the stunning marbling.

•  Urban Decay Powder Blush in Score- This is a nice peachy pink with a golden sheen. I picked this up during a Hautelook sale for $5, though it usually retails for around $17. Though I wouldn't pay full price for it, this is a versatile blush that leaves a nice glow to the cheeks.

•  Tarte Amazonian Clay Long Wear Blush in Tipsy- I am obsessed with this blush. It is the most expensive of the lot, but the long-wearing formula and rich pigmentation make it worth the $25 I shelled out for it. Tipsy is a stunning matte coral that I couldn't imagine not having in my collection.

• E.L.F. Studio Blush in Peachy Keen- At $3, this is the cheapest of the lot but performs like a more high end brand. Peachy Keen is a peach shade with a subtle golden sheen. It is a very light shade, so if you are looking for a pop of color this isn't your best choice. However, I like to pair this with a bronzed, contoured cheek for a natural glow. E.L.F. also has a true coral blush called Candid Coral- it looks nice, but I couldn't justify picking it up because of the several other coral blushes I have.

•  NARS Orgasm Illuminator- I received this deluxe sample from Sephora, and honestly I am still on the fence about it. It is lovely, but I am not sure if it is worth nearly $30 for a full sized tube. In their signature shade Orgasm, this illuminator has a gel-like consistency that works best as a cheekbone highlight. Pair this with any coral blush for maximum coral payoff.

Gel-like consistency

Blended in

 Here are some comparison swatches:

L. to R.: Milani Corallina, Urban Decay Score, Tarte Tipsy, E.L.F. Peachy Keen, NARS Orgasm Illuminator

Do you have any coral blushes? Which are your favorites? Keep an eye out for the final post in the series on coral nails!

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Posted in Blush , E.L.F. , Milani , NARS , Tarte , Urban Decay