20.01.20

I've missed out on the release of Mac's Mineralize Skinfinish in Stereo Rose multiple times in the past! Everytime it launched with a collection I would tell myself 'Buy it!!' I couldn't bring myself to do it haha.

Granted, I've splurged on higher end blushes in the past within the same price range but Stereo Rose seemed the most dupe-able. I first heard about the Milani Baked Blush in Rose D' Oro being a dupe on youtube and since then I've been hunting it down! I finally purchased it at my CVS for about $8 which is a fraction of the price of the Mac one! Skinfinishes cost $30, plus Stereo Rose is limited edition so once its gone its gone. I'm super excited about this dupe and the fact that its so accessible! Since I don't own Stereo Rose I did my research and compared swatches online, and let me tell you.

It's pretty much identical! Milani describes the blush as a pink & gold shimmer which is completely true! It has a beautiful gold veining with a bronze-pink base that looks gorgeous on the cheeks.

I fell in love instantly when I tried it and haven't been able to put it down since. Just like the rest of the Milani baked blushes the formula is amazing!

It's longwearing, pigmented and even though it has shimmers it doesn't emphasize your pores. Bottom line: I'm so in love with this blush!

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It's a must have and the quality is awesome, but what else do you expect from Milani? I'm looking forward to adding more of the baked blushes to my collection because the shades look so pretty! If you've been searching for Stereo Rose look no further, just pick up this blush because from the swatches I can't tell a difference. I'm sure Stereo Rose must be selling on ebay for $50+ but why pay anywhere near that if you can have this for less than $10!:-).

So, on to the eyeshadows. Having ranted about these without trying them, I inevitably knew I would be won over by the quality! They are buttery soft to apply and very pigmented. They're easy to apply with minimal effort. Although the colours might look a little flat in the pan they are more complex when swatched. Particularly Wisdom, the taupe shade. I struggled to pick up the true shimmer of Wisdom, it has a sheen to it that is very similar to MAC Vex.

It has a peachy-pink pearl sheen, which for some reason comes out green in the pictures. Earthy Calm is a chocolate brown which is more matte. Although it is a chocolate brown it isn't too warm or red which I really like. L-R: Earthy Calm and Wisdom L-R: Earthy Calm and Wisdom I thought it would be useful to compare Wisdom to a few other taupes that I have.

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I imagined it would be most similar to RBR Solstice Halcyon but it's actually quite a bit darker. It's more similar in depth to MAC Satin Taupe but the sheen is more refined and less bronze.

L-R: Solstice Halcyon, Wisdom, Satin Taupe L-R: Solstice Halcyon, Wisdom, Satin Taupe I added a swatch of Chanel Splash Ombre d'eau. L-R: Splash blended, Splash, Solstice Halcyon, Wisdom, Satin Taupe Here are both Wisdom and Earthy Calm applied. I have Wisdom all over the mobile lid up to the crease. I used Earth Calm in the crease.

I blended above the crease to the brow with a skin toned beige. One word of warning. The first time I wore this combination, I did suffer with creasing by the end of the day. I am wearing Too Faced Shadow Insurance today and there's been no sign of movement. Overall, I think these are lovely eyeshadows with some interesting complexity for neutrals. I'm not sure if I would recommend them at the full price in the pot.

I believe the packaging is lovely but at £32 they are a very expensive purchase. I would be more happy to recommend them if they were in the £20-25 bracket of other high end eyeshadows. If you're interested in trying them but not fussed out packaging, it's worth considering buying the refill and using a magnetic palette. I am very pleased with them (despite the size) and I will admit to some interest in the creme blushers. Are available from SpaceNK. I could definitely do with some added Wisdom! It's a lovely colour and I was pleased to see it wasn't an exact dupe for my other taupes.

I really like Satin Taupe, I know that some people don't have success with it but it's amongst my favourite eyeshadows. Wisdom is lovely. It's definitely got enough character to wear on it's own or paired with a lighter colour.

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I hope Santa brings you Satin Taupe, as I was saying to Jeanie it's one of my favourite eyeshadows. I've got a FOTD coming up soon with me wearing it:) Thanks for your comments lovely ladies, Jane x. Hi Replica, I think possibly the light has washed the colour out a little bit?

It's definitely darker than my usual taupe eye. Wisdom is really lovely and I think it would probably look good with lots of black liner to make a more smoky eye. I'm pleased my brows look ok. They're in need of tidying but I do like their natural shape. I forgot how much I like Omega to fill them in too as I used that when I went out the other night. I haven't been able to get your gorgeous Armani eyeshadow out of my head since I saw your post. I may have to blame you for another purchase shortly;) Jane x.