Stereo Rose and Rose D'Oro Comparison

If you enjoy makeup you might have heard a little about a very coveted and hard to find MAC product called Stereo Rose.  Stereo Rose is a Mineralize Skin Finish or better known as an "MSF".  It's as if a blush and a highlighter got together and had a baby!    Some MSF's are glittery and others have slight shimmer or frost.  MSF's are baked on top of a clay base which stays at the bottom of the compact.  The good thing about MSF's are that they are versatile and easy to apply.  They not only can act like a blush and a highlighter but they can be bronzers or eyeshadows.

I may be late with this review considering that MAC's Stereo Rose came out last summer but since I recently picked up Milani's Rose D'Oro which was rumored to be a dupe, I thought I would go ahead and compare the two.

I was able to purchase my Stereo Rose MSF new last summer.  I wanted one so bad that I made my husband pick one up for me right when the MAC counter opened the day that the In the Groove collection was released.  Stereo Rose had been originally released back in 2005 in the Goldplay collection.  What makes Stereo Rose stand out is its ability to look good on all skin tones. When I recently heard that Milani (a drugstore brand) came out with a baked blush that rivaled Stereo Rose, I knew I had to try it. 

I enjoy MSF's however I also love Milani blushes and I was excited to try the baked blushes too.  Rose D'Oro is a gorgeous color but it is not an exact dupe for Stereo Rose.  Rose D'Oro is more of a coral shade when applied despite it appearing very close to Stereo Rose when in the packaging.  Also Milani's blush has fine gold glitter flecks throughout whereas MAC's MSF has no gold at all.  Rose D'Oro has more shimmer and Stereo Rose has more frost.  I also noticed that the MSF is much more pigmented and smoother when applied to the skin.  Milani's Rose D'Oro is also smooth but it doesn't apply quite as smooth as Stereo Rose does. 

If you are looking for a Stereo Rose dupe, keep in mind that Rose D'Oro isn't an exact one but does offer a beautiful blush that gives a lot of bang for very little bucks. I find that both products can find a place in anyone's collection and both make excellent blush choices.  You can find Milani's baked blushes at Kmart, Target and CVS for around $7.00.  MAC' s Mineralize Skin Finishes can be found at www.maccosmetics.com or at your local MAC counter for $28.00.

MAC's Stereo Rose Mineralize Skin Finish

Milani's Rose D'Oro-notice the difference in the veining.  Rose D'Oro has gold veining whereas Stereo Rose has deeper, copper veining. 

Milani's Rose D'Oro on the left and MAC's Stereo Rose on the right.  Rose D'Oro is much more coral and Stereo Rose is much more pink.

Notice the difference in the sheen of both products.  Rose D'Oro (left) has more of a glitter effect whereas Stereo Rose has an all over sheen.

Close up of the swatches.



Foundation update and a few drugstore goodies.

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I had bought Neutrogena's Healthy Skin foundation (click here to see my post on this foundation).  I tried the foundation for a few weeks and I must admit I'm very mixed on how I feel about it.  It's lightweight, safe for sensitive skin and blends fairly easily.  The drawbacks I found were that it was almost too lightweight, had minimal coverage and poor staying power.  I really liked the application but at the end of the day I noticed most had been rubbed away.

Revlon's Colorstay Foundation (Normal/Dry) in Natural Beige

After dealing with Neutrogena's disappearing coverage, I decided to find a foundation that was short on price but long on wear.  Colorstay by Revlon has been noted in the past to be a good choice for those who are looking for all day wear.

First I would like to mention that Revlon's color selection is much better than Neutrogena's.  I was able to find a shade that matched me and Revlon offers their Colorstay foundations for Normal/Dry and Oily skin types.  I know it's not completely fair to compare Neutrogena's Healthy Skin to Colorstay since Neutrogena doesn't claim to be a long wearing option but I must say that Revlon's Colorstay performed well.  I noticed my makeup didn't fade or rub off.  I also noticed my skin was less "greasy" and the coverage was much better.  The one drawback to Colorstay is that it seems to be absorbed very quickly into my skin so I use more foundation than I would normally.  I also feel that Revlon's Colorstay is harder to blend than Neutrogena.  You can find Colorstay at your local drugstore for around $8.00

Of course when I picked up the foundation I just HAD to pick up a few more goodies.  I had been eyeing Milani's baked blushes for quite some time.  I love Milani's regular blush line so I knew the baked blush collection would be a good fit.  Currently at my local CVS Milani only offers 3 different shades.  I decided to pick up Rose D'Oro which is a beautiful berry/coral color with gold veining throughout.  When swatched the blush appears more pink/coral with gold shimmer.  Many people compare Rose D'Oro with the rare and much lusted after Stereo Rose by MAC.  I plan to do a comparisson between the two for my next blog entry.

Close-up of Rose D'Oro

Rose D'Oro swatched with a flash.

Picture taken without a flash.

I find that all the Milani blushes I own are smooth, pigmented and affordable.  You can find Milani at CVS, Kmart and Target.  Rose D'Oro was purchased for around $6.50. 

Aside from enjoying Milani's blushes, I also LOVE their 3D Glamour Glitzy gloss line.  I now own almost all of the shades and I love each one.  The most recent color I purchased was In Vogue which is a gorgeous, bright magenta with pink sparkle.  The glitter is not gritty on the lips when worn.  3D Glitzy Glamour gloss has been compared to MAC's Dazzleglass but personally I think Milani is better (and cheaper!).  MAC's Dazzleglass is notoriously sticky.  I'm not going to say that Milani's Glitzy gloss is 100% better but it is less sticky.  The one drawback for Milani is staying power.  MAC Dazzleglass does last longer when worn.

Close-up of In Vogue-notice the glitter.

Swatch with no flash to show true color and pigmentation.

Milani's In Vogue worn on my lips alone.

  If you want a gloss that is packed with sparkle and doesn't break the bank, consider Milani's 3D Glitzy gloss which can be found for around $7.00 versus MAC's Dazzleglass which is priced at $18.50.

I've been on a nail polish kick for a while now and two more bottles surely don't help my addiction any!  Revlon makes great nail polish for cheap and I took advantage of the buy one get one 1/2 off deal recently.  I picked up Coconut Crush and Gold Coin.  Coconut Crush is a pearly white shade with super-fine shimmer.  When dried it resembles mother of pearl and is scented.  Currently it's on my toes and I really like the way it compliments almost any outfit.  Gold Coin is a gold polish with fine shimmer.  I was hoping this polish would be a winner but with it's slow drying time compared to other Revlon polishes I own, I find this one to be a dud. 

Lastly I want to highlight a recent mascara purchase that I am pretty excited about.  I really enjoy Lancome's Hypnose Drama mascara.  It's volumizing, doesn't smudge, has a great wand and makes my itty bitty lashes look great.  What I don't like is the huge price tag.  I think I've solved my problem (somewhat).

Prestige makes a mascara called My Blackest Lashes.  I found my tube at Ulta for around $6.00.  In my opinion My Blackest Lashes is a close dupe to Lancome's Hypnose Drama.  It's super black, volumizing, has a great wand and makes my lashes look amazing.  There is almost a $20 price difference and I was happy to discover this mascara.  The only drawback was that at the end of the day I noticed some slight smudging under my eyes.  I've used this mascara for almost two weeks and the smudging does not occur every day.  I'm even beginning to wonder if the smudging is heat related considering the 100 plus degree weather lately!  I cannot say that My Blackest Lashes is completely smudge proof like Lancome or Covergirl's Lash Blast but it's benefits outweigh any negatives at this point.  If you want your lashes to appear longer and thicker, consider Prestige's My Blackest Lashes.

Some goodies to try out!

Lately I've been really into girly scents.  I'm loving anything that is floral, flirty or sweet and that makes you feel sexy the minute you spritz them on!  I picked up a new scent by Marc Jacobs today called "Oh, Lola!".  The scent is described as fruity and floral with strawberry, pear, peony, raspberry, sandalwood and vanilla notes.  I am finding that this has worn well today and it has stayed true on my skin even after it dries.  Some scents completely change and go against my chemistry but this one stays soft and doesn't overpower me at all.  I bought the 1.0oz bottle at Ulta for $48.00.

Aside from smelling good even in this sweltering weather, you've got to keep your skin moisturized.  Each time the thermometer rises and my legs come out of hiding, I reach for my cocoa butter.  My legs tend to get dry very quickly and cocoa butter solves the problem.  Some people don't like cocoa butter but I personally love the rich scent and the moisturization it provides.  I have found that Queen Helene's is the best.  It's long lasting, smells pleasant and is cheap.  I've had my tub for over a year and I still have plenty left.  I usually apply it to my legs at night before bed and then I wake up to great skin that looks and feels wonderful.  I got my tub (15oz) at Walmart for $4.00!

Even in the August heat I find that I want to reduce the amount of foundation I wear.  Some foundation is too thick and too hot.  I recently purchased Neutrogena's Healthy Skin liquid makeup in the shade "Natural Beige".  So far this foundation has worked well with my combination skin.  It hasn't caused any breakouts and has felt light.  Neutrogena states that this foundation has spf20 and an exclusive blend of antioxidants to help skin look younger.  I will say that it's too early to see any real difference but it's lightweight and gets the job done.  The only drawback with this foundation is that it is not full coverage which I prefer if I am going out or wanting to disguise any blemishes.  I purchased mine from CVS for $9.00.

Over the past month I've purchased the Wet n Wild 8 pan palettes which I am proud to say I adore!  In the past Wet n Wild has not disappointed me with any of the purchases I've made.  Almost every eyeshadow in each palette I've bought has turned out lovely, with rich pigmentation.  I was excited to hear about the 8 pan palettes when they were released earlier this year.  I've purchased all 3-Comfort Zone which has gorgeous greens, browns and bronze shades.  I also purchased Blue Had Me at Hello which has icy blues including navy and of course black.  The last palette is Petal Pusher which is full of gorgeous berry shades, purples and a shimmery black color.  Each palette costs around $5.00!

Comfort Zone-numbers 1 & 2 are highlighters, 3 & 4 are for the lid, 5 & 6 are for the crease and 7 & 8 can be used for liners and/or for the crease.

1 & 2 are shimmery champagne colors.  3 is a gorgeous rose gold shade and 4 is a wonderful, green shimmery shade.  5 appears to be a matte copper color but it is actually a soft brown with copper undertones and slight shimmer.  6 is a greenish gray with gold shimmer.  7 is a highly pigmented brown with heavy plum undertones and red shimmer.  8 is the most unique shade of all.  In some lighting it appears copper and in other light it has a green cast to it.  It is very similar to MAC's Club eyeshadow-click here to see my review of MAC's "Club" eyeshadow!

Blue Had Me at Hello- 1 & 2 are highlighters, 3 & 4 are for the lid, 5 & 6 are for the crease and 7 & 8 can be used for liners and/or for the crease.

1 is a white, shimmery highlighter.  2 is an icy blue and 3 is a shimmery gray.  4 is a gorgeous, teal blue.  5 is an extremely deep navy blue whereas 6 is a lighter blue, more similar the color of the ocean.  7 is a matte black and 8 is a shimmery black shade.

Petal Pusher- 1 & 2 are highlighters, 3 & 4 are for the lid, 5 & 6 are for the crease and 7 & 8 can be used for liners and/or for the crease.

1 is a soft, pale pink with a slight iridescent shimmer.  2 is a shimmery purple/pink and 3 is a light, matte purple.  4 is a shimmery raspberry shade.  5 is a deep purple and 6 is a shimmery berry shade that is very pigmented.  7 is a lovely iridescent purple that almost glows on the skin and 8 is a black with silver shimmer. 

Quick tutorial and Bioderma update!

 I love it when I find an eyeshadow palette that works...when each shade is useful and delivers results.  Maybelline recently has come out with a small palette called Eyestudio Color Explosion.  There are 5 different palettes offered; there are purple, blue, green, pink and neutral ones.  Each palette has 5 shades; there is a highlighter, lid color, crease color, liner and luminizer.  What makes this palette worth your money (they are pricey for a drugstore option-around $10) is that the color payoff is quality.

I chose the neutral palette which is called Caffeine Rush.  Below in the pictures I've posted you can see the browns and golds working together while the luminizer gives the whole eyelid a shine.  I really find the luminizer to be a great addition to the palette.  Browns can be dull however if you want to wear this palette during the day you can but if you are going out and you want a little more "sparkle" then top the look with the luminizer.

You begin this look (please ignore my out of control eyebrows, lol!) by applying the lightest shade to your whole eyelid.  Then take the lid shade (on the left side of the palette) and sweep it over the whole lid, stopping short of the crease.  Next take the crease shade (on the right) and run it back and forth throughout the crease, avoiding getting too close to the inner corner of the eye.  Next take the lightest shade again and sweep over the browbone area and put just a dab on the inner corner.  Next step is to line the upper lash line and lower lash line using the liner shade (darkest brown in the palette).  Smudge out the color and blend well.  Lastly take the luminizer (sparkly gold shade) and sweep over the eyelid while going lightly over the browbone.

Finished eye look using Maybelline's Eyestudio Color Explosion palette in Caffeine Rush

Finished look-on cheeks I used Smashbox's Soft Lights Duo in Undercover and on the lips I used Smashbox's lipgloss in Couture.  Mascara is Clinique's High Impact in black.

**Bioderma Update**

As promised I would give you an update on my Bioderma makeup remover.  I was reluctant at first to purchase it since it was priced over $25 (for 250ml) and I had to get it online only.  Let me assure you that my worries were in vain. 

I absolutely love this makeup remover.  Bioderma is based in France and is known throughout the beauty community for it's line of makeup removers.  How many times have you went to remove stubborn eye makeup and you used an oil-based remover only to find it irritated your eyes or made them cloudy?  How about the times you've tried to take off that foundation only to find the makeup remover irritated your skin and caused breakouts?  Since I am the reigning queen of sensitive skin I can assure you that this remover feels just like water but it is powerful.  Usually I just use one cotton pad, pour some of the remover on it and wipe away.  I have even retired my trusty Equate brand makeup remover cloths in favor of Bioderma.  No more oil, irritation or red eyes. 

 I purchased my Bioderma from http://www.amazon.com/  The seller I chose was "Omorfia Shop".  The 250ml is being sold for $25.50 and the 500ml is being sold for $37.50.  Next time I am purchasing the 500ml since I believe it is a better deal.  Either way you can't go wrong, so try Bioderma and you might be suprised like I was by how well it works!

Razor envy and a few more goodies!

After years of searching for the perfect razor, I thought I found my soul mate when I purchased Gillette's Venus razor for women.  It was cute, affordable and actually did an okay job.  Over the years though I found myself going through cartridges way too fast.  Was it me?  Was my leg hair THAT out of control?  Just when I thought I needed laser hair removal, I noticed my husband didn't seem to suffer from the same problems.  After talking to him I decided to purchase Gillette's Proglide razor for men.  Yes, it's for men.  I don't need pretty colors or a contoured handle to do the job well...I just want a razor that works!  I find that since women shave a larger area than men, getting the closest shave possible is a must in order to avoid irritation and shaving everyday.  The good thing about the Proglide is that it's affordable and it weighs heavier than my Venus.  Since it's heavier it actually shaves closer to the skin and leaves a better result than my Venus ever did.  I think I've converted and you might too if you give it a try.  Gillette's Proglide can be found at any drugstore for around $8.

Now...on to the goodies!

Aside from my new razor purchase, I also picked up a few goodies over the weekend that I wanted to share.  

L-R- Shiseido's eyelash curler and NARS' Lovejoy blush

No trip to a mall is complete without a small beauty splurge.  I had been wanting to give Shiseido's eyelash curler a chance for over the past year and I finally broke down and got one.  I tried it for the first time this morning and it performed well.  My small, almost non-existent eyelashes were actually visible which is a miracle in itself.  You can find Shiseido's curler for $19 at Sephora. 

Shiseido's eyelash curler from above.

I also thought it was time for another NARS piece.  I decided to go with NARS' Lovejoy blush.  It's a gorgeous, everyday color which reminds me of a shimmery, bronzed rose shade.  It looks great with just about anything.  I wore it today and it still looks fresh.  You can find Lovejoy at Sephora for $27.

Upclose view of NARS' Lovejoy blush.

After indulging somewhat at Sephora, I decided a trip to Charming Charlie was in my future.  If you don't have a Charming Charlie near you, then you are missing out.  Charming Charlie is a HUGE accessories store...it's like a Claire's store on steroids!  Jewelry, shoes and clothing are arranged by color in the store.  All of the choices can seriously overwhelm you unless you know what you want in advance.  If you have an outfit that has been hard to accessorize in the past, Charming Charlie is the answer to your prayers.  Not only is the jewelry affordable but it's unique.

I needed a new silver necklace to wear to work and I found this one for what I thought was $14.  I was too happy to hear that it rang up for only $1!!

These amazing silver/crystal earrings caught my eye.  They are perfect for a date or just to stand out in the crowd.  I got mine for only $7.97!

One of the hardest to find pieces that I have been wanting has been matte, gold earrings.  All gold earrings tend to be shiny but I found these hoops for only $5.95!  They are too cute!

 

Collective Haul...it's been awhile!

Wow...it's been awhile since I posted last.  I've been trying to stay busy with my son and work has kept me at bay.  I wanted to post about some recent purchases I've made over the past few weeks.  I plan to do some reviews, swatches and looks with some of the items listed below.  Some of the items I haven't had a chance to use yet, so this post really isn't a review but just a look at some neat products!


Enjoy!


A few weeks ago Sally's Beauty Supply had a major sale.  I was able to pick up this Hot n Silky boar hair brush for $6 that came with a free brush cleaner (which really works)!

Hot n Silky paddle brush and brush cleaning tool.

Orly nail polish was on sale for buy 2 get 1 free.  Originally each bottle costs around $5.  I picked up 3 great summer colors. 

L-R- Passion Fruit, Frisky and Purple Crush

I also picked up a bottle of China Glaze's Flip Flop Fantasy and a new bottle of my favorite top coat, Seche Vite.  China Glaze is around $5 and Seche Vite is $6.99.

Flip Flop Fantasy is a perfect color for tanned toes!

While I was in Sally's I also picked up a bottle of Miracle 7 Leave-In mist.  This is an exact copy of It's a 10 leave-in mist but in true form, Sally's version only cost $12.99 versus It's A 10 costing around $18.00. 

Ulta recently had a good sale where I picked up this Smashbox blush/highlighter combo in the shade Undercover for only $5!!!  It usually costs around $30!

I've heard a lot of buzz about a great makeup remover called Bioderma.  Bioderma is a French brand that claims to remove all makeup (including eye makeup) and is as gentle as water.  I have used it a few times so far and I must say that I love it!  No breakouts!  I found my bottle online for $25.50 (250ml) from http://www.amazon.com/

If you know me then you might know about my love for St. Ives Apricot Scrub.  I remember getting my first tub of this exfoliator in middle school...I've been hooked since!  I use this in the shower before I shave and before using self tanner.  You can't get a better body exfoliator for this price.  I picked up mine at Walgreens for around $2.  I also picked up a 4oz bottle of Bumble and Bumble's Styling Lotion.  You can use this before blow drying and before heat styling.  I haven't used it yet but it was originally $12.50 and I picked up mine on clearance at Walgreens for $6.99.  I've heard good things about B&B, so I'm looking forward to trying it out.

Since it's summer, everyone needs a good self tanner.  If you hate the way self tanner smells and you really don't want to look like an orange, then Sun Laboratories lotion is for you!  I picked up my bottle for $16.99 at TJ Maxx...it's usually $36 for an 8oz bottle!  This self tanner is amazing and I am in love (review coming soon)!  I also picked up a special edition Wet n Wild trio called The Gilded Age and a Wet n Wild bronzer called Everything Under the Sun.  The trio applies smoothly and is a great choice to achieve that golden/bronze look which is perfect for the summer!   

Since I am a HUGE Wet n Wild eyeshadow fan, I couldn't resist picking up a few of their 8-pan palettes.  The first one I purchased is called Blue Had Me At Hello.  I love this palette.  Most of the colors are well pigmented and soft.  I also couldn't resist L'Oreal's new leGloss.  The last thing I need is another lipgloss but I thought Golden Splash was a great color that is unique and will carry me into the fall. 

Another 8-pan palette from Wet n Wild I picked up is called Comfort Zone.  Each color is a warm earth tone that compliments everyone's skin color.  Pictured with the Wet n Wild palette is Maybelline's new Eyestudio Color Explosion palette in Caffeine Rush.  For under $10 this palette delivers and has a unique, shimmery gold shade that is unlike any other in my collection. 

 

A drugstore lipstick line that never disappoints me is L'Oreal's Colour Riche.  I picked up a tube in the shade Gilded Pink which is similar to my own lip color but better!  I also wanted to try some more Jordana liners, so I picked up Jordana's Fabuliner (felt tip) in Black, Easyliner for Eyes retractable liner in Black and Easyliner for Lips retractable liner in Honey.  In addition to picking up goodies for my lips, I also picked up a bottle of Essie's Smooth Sailing polish.  This polish reminds me of Butter's No More Waity, Katie which is a gorgeous blue with silver shimmer.  I can't wait to wear it on my toes!!

Pictured below is a closeup of the liners.

L-R- Fabuliner, Easyliner for the Lips and Easyliner for the Eyes

Last but not least...I keep seeing this super-cute tin of lotion each time I'm at the pharmacy, so I gave in.  For .99 you can pick up some Nivea Creme.  I already used it on my elbows and I really think my skin is softer.  It's a perfect size for your makeup bag or for travel.  It has a soft scent and is thick in texture but absorbs easily into the skin. 

I hope you got some shopping ideas from the items listed above.  If you have any favorites of your own you want to recommend, leave a comment below.  Soon I will be posting reviews on Sun Labs self tanner and Bioderma makeup remover.