July 8, 2010

MAC Stereo Rose Review and Swatches: Do You Need Stereo Rose?

MAC Stereo Rose. An urban legend, a myth, whispered about but never actually seen in person or for a retail price….sold for $100’s of dollars on E-bay (and will continue to be sold for that price…) this is one MAC Mineralize Skinfinish you NEED, if you can find it!

Jump!

Call me an idiot but I didn’t think that Stereo Rose would be nearly as crazy as finding MAC Marine Life.

I was positive there would be 100’s of 1000’s of Stereo Rose just sitting happily at my MAC counter waiting for me to pick it up. Ummm no. This morning on it’s release I realized quickly that Stereo Rose waits for no one. I failed to order online and it SOLD out within a flash everywhere including Nordies which has a backorder of 7/30…yeah dream on, prob never see it.

I called my regular MAC Store and was told it was GONE, fine, outta here, hasta la vista sucka. I proceeded to call MAC Pro and other counters and bribed them to hold one for me but most said nope, sorry, come in and get it. MAC Pro in particularly wasn’t so helpful when I called, gee thanks guys.

But after numerous failed attempts the kind folk over at Macy’s (Thanks Mo, Mo, love you) saved me one and my sister went to pick it up this morning. Twitter was a whirl with Stereo Rose postings today and I got all paranoid that maybe I needed another one so I called Macy’s again and asked in a timid whisper, “Mo, anymore?” to which I got a reply, “Yup, two!” so off I went to Macy’s and picked one back up for myself and one for Enkore.

SCORE!

Three in a day?

What are the odds? What are the chances?

The makeup gods love me.

Did you get yours?

I sure hope so because it was worth the wait and the hype in my opinion.

I love Petticoat as you know but Stereo Rose can easily become a favorite. It’s quite pigmented, very smooth in finish sans chunky glitter and shimmery, and impacts a gorgeous warm, coral peach glow on cheeks. In some cases the shade almost looks orange-y peach. It can easily be used as a blush, highlighter, or hell go wild, use it as a shadow. I really like it and think it lives up to its crazy hype. I’m quite happy I got the chance to grab it.

Did you haul it?

If not, I highly suggest calling around, don’t wait for tomorrow, do it now, as it’s soon to become an urban legend once again.

Discuss?

I hope all of you on the hunt today located it and are enjoying it now!

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Dee

    Pre-ordered mine 2 weeks ago jst to be on the safe side :))))…I also got Comfort and By Candlelight :)))

  • Marina

    Wow! I was convinced it was just a bunch of hype, but this looks really nice. I just ordered some stuff from Sephora (my Naked palette and some other goodies are on their way!) so this will be a no-go. However, it’s gorgeous and congrats for having such good luck!

    • the Muse

      aw naked palette rockin’ Marina you’ll be happy with that :D!!!!!!!!!!

  • JayJay

    Glad you got it! I had a chance this morning, but I passed. The colour just wouldn’t work on me.

    Now, if only they would rerelease Lightscapade! I would knock over everyone in my path to get my hands on one of those!

    • the Muse

      seriously jayjay? that’s my least fav shade, no offense, check your local CCO because they get it all the damn time!

    • Comrade_Garlic

      Lightscapade forever! My CCO never seems to have it when I’m there.

      New Vegas needs to come back. I only got to use mine once. I bought it on vacation and the next day the hotel maid stole it! I went to get another one and they were sold out.

      • the Muse

        god comrade totally must be the only one that isn’t in love with lightscapade it sits in my stash starting at me. New Vegas=AWESOME! Reminded me of Urban Decay Baked Bronzer so much. OMG damn her! I’d have sued the hotel lol!

  • chibicheeks

    I figured since I live in Arkansas, no one would know about it. WRONG! Our MAC counter already sold out! Guess I missed out. 🙁

    • the Muse

      are chib! keep trying girl! call everywhere 😀 even out of state, some locations ship!

  • PJ

    i called MAC yesterday and they wouldn’t hold it, so i tried macy’s and jackpot! i think i might have more of an allegiance to MAC inside macy’s now. anywho, the product is just awesome. it looks so unassuming and based on pictures i thought it would be a little ruddy looking on darker skin. nope – it’s just splendid. i’m going to use it as a blush and it’s going to last a long time so that is a bonus.

    • the Muse

      pj same here. couldn’t get anyone to hold it even my regular mac guy. it was pretty much off limits for holding sadly. thank GOD you got it. It looks kinda outrageous due to flash imho but in person and swatches it’s very flattering. I hate to say it but the lack of chunky glitter and shimmer is a plus and the non-frosty finish def loves!

  • melissa

    Sooo I have had an awful experience attempting to purchase this product…first my Nordstrom order was canceled then after I called the MAC at Macy’s and was specifically told they do not hold they were sold out before they opened bc they were all on hold…I got there the minute they opened and the only other 2 people there were picking up their held products….my question is I’m ready to break down and go the eBay route is $40+$5 shipping a fair price to pay? I feel like u NEED this even though 12 hours ago I didn’t haha

    • the Muse

      melissa it appears you aren’t the only one hun. I’m hearing ALOT of this! honestly I don’t want to tell you how to spend your cash but $45 is a steal. It was going for heaps more several weeks ago prior to anyone even realizing it was being repromoted and it’ll go for $100’s more after it’s gone. You can keep hunting and get it at retail but spending a few bucks extra if you really want it, isn’t always a bad thing imho. Just be sure it’s a good seller and you aren’t getting sold something un-authentic, etc..

      • melissa

        Thanks! I assumed that would be reasonable but didn’t want to feel stupid for buying on eBay! Thanks for the review and amazing site! Xoxo

        • the Muse

          melissa I buy on E-bay all the time 😀 some makeup collectors/enthusiasts aren’t fans and I even call it evil-bay myself but it’s a great place to head when all else fails!

          Aw you’re most welcome.

          Xoxo! Good Luck on that bid!

  • Bora

    You can call me crazy Muse. I had the original Stereo Rose, Shimpagne, Glissade and sold them on eBay years ago. I just don’t feel the love for MSFs. I’ve ended up buying lots of lovely baked highlighters and blushers in Korea so I do like baked powder, just not the MAC ones. Oh well, more for everyone else! Glad you liked it, there’s nothing quite like nabbing HardToFind beauty booty. I did it for Spring Forecast when I had to huntdown all 4 of the Ombre blushers. I haven’t had a good hunt in a while so it must be time for a chase soon. (I didn’t fancy Marine Life)

    • the Muse

      bora you’re my friend, I love you, but you’re loco LOL! Stereo Rose rocks and so does Marine Life. What is WRONG with you 😀 bu than again knowing Korea makeup, can’t blame ya 😀 Spring Forecast, I agree, was worth hunting down chuca!

  • Sabrina

    I hauled 4! Nordstrom Rocks!!! I think I’m keeping 2 and giving away 2…

    Happy days are here again.

  • Krys

    i just got one…off enough my mac only got 3 in…whats up with that??!! anywhyo im in love with it!!

    • the Muse

      6 at mine krys! 😀 or at least the MA I spoke to said so!!!! So glad you scored :D!

  • prettyaddicted

    I did indeed get my hands on one of these, after my MAC order was backordered and my Nordstrom wouldn’t pre-sell. I called up my local Bloomie’s and they had one left, which they so graciously helf there for me while I drove right over.

    I am so glad i went out of my way to get stereo rose, because I too love it. It shows up more pink on me, but that might be because it doesn’t have a lot of veining. It gives me a pretty glow with a little bit of shimmer. So happy with it!

    I definitely second Muse about getting it on ebay. They are selling for more than half of what they were a few weeks ago. I would def pay $50 for stereo rose. I would not pay $100, but $50 you bet I would.

    Also, I have a question for Marina – I wanted to order the Naked Palette from Sephora, but I didn’t see it on the site. I emailed CS and they said it will be up in a few days. I am going away though, and I like to have it for my trip. How were you able to order it?

    • the Muse

      yay prettyaddicted!

      I’m very happy to and felt like it lived up to it’s hype! I’d pay $50 too considering I’ve been tempted to dish out $75 or more in the past I was so longing for it. I’ve seen it VERY crazily priced on Evil-bay and forums so $45 is a steal. pretty I know ? was for marina but it was on Sephora and sold out from what I understand but will be back soon! http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P267200&categoryId=B70

    • Marina

      See, I stalked Sephora’s website as soon as I saw it listed. Their blog said it was releasing today, the 8th. But it ended up being available for order on the 6th. Word must’ve gotten out, because it was sold out on the 7th. It’s a hugely popular item right now, so I imagine people did the same thing I did (watched the site closely). Just keep an eye out on Urban Decay’s twitter and FB and check Sephora daily! Hope this helps 🙂

  • Maggie

    I’m so glad I nabbed one 🙂 Fortunately my local MAC was nice enough to hold one for me. I’m a sucker for all things coral and I LOVE this color. I was worried it would be too dark for my deathly pale skin, but it looks awesome. Yay 😀

    • the Muse

      me too maggie 😀 fantastic! good to hear it works on super pale skin!!!!! gonna try it as a shadow tomorrow myself!

  • Melissa

    Ok thanks everyone! Got it $40 buy it now + $5 shipping that is more than worthwhile of my time and gas money going on a manhunt for this damn thing! Ironically I just got an email from mac this morning saying the collection has launched….2 days after it’s been sold out lol!

    • the Muse

      yay melissa good on you! LOL figures mac always does that 😀 I’m glad you got it hun! Enjoy! come back tell me whatcha think!

  • prettyaddicted

    Thanks for the info on the Naked Palette, Muse! I am stalking Sephora til it arrives 🙂

    • the Muse

      good lucky my dear prettyaddicted 😀 you’ll get it hun!!!!!!!!!

  • prettyaddicted

    And thanks to you too Marina! You know, I thought I saw the naked palette listed as available when I first looked the other day, but when I went back to buy it, the site said it wasn’t in stock so I assumed I had been seeing things.

    I emailed CS and they said it was in the warehouse but they haven’t inventoried it yet and it will be up in a couple of days.

    P.S. Melissa, congrats on buying stereo rose! I’m glad you got a hold of one 🙂 I think you’ll be glad you did.

  • Silver Lips

    I’m over the hype of Stereo Rose but I’m glad I was able to snag the last one from my local store! I tried getting a back up at a different location and it was gone. I ordered on Tuesday but got a backordered email 🙁 Hopefully it ships!

  • Shannon

    I ordered mine on Nordstrom online the day before the collection came out in stores. I figured it would be sold out. Thankfully I’ve received a letter of conformation that my order has been placed, but to my horrible luck it was estimated to arrive around the 11th or 12th of august!! And get this; i go into my mac counter at 5 in the afternoon and they still have it there. (crazy right?!?, but no, i didn’t buy it since i already ordered one) ..I’m counting down the days

  • kenzie.

    I had it in my very hands, Muse!! It was going to be my very first MAC item and I got the very last one at the MAC counter in Belk’s. And a lady (though she was everything but…) grabbed it from me!! She went to pay and the person at the checkout told her to give it back to me, and she wouldn’t sell it to the Stereo Rose-Snatcher.

    So the SR-R threw it on the ground as hard as she could….and it shattered. I guess she figured if she couldn’t have it, I shouldn’t be able to have it either??

    I mean, she was 35-40 years old. She was far too old to be snatching makeup from a 15 year old…and then throwing a hissy fit about it when the workers told her her behavior was inappropriate!!

  • Sydney

    It was already sold out at my MAC store this afternoon, so I opted for Petticoat. I like it, and wasn’t that desperate to get my hands on Stereo Rose.

  • Nia

    I have one on hold, although I am not sure I will pick it up. The more hyped products are, the more cautious I get 😉
    And I am not sure if it is not too warm for me to wear. I will see next week.

    Congratulations on getting two of them! What will you wear on your eyes with SR?

    • the Muse

      nia I think it’s a real nice shade 😀 you might be surprised. Today I’m wearing it with a bronzer set from NYX, kinda gold, bronzy eye look 🙂

      • Nia

        That sounds lovely! I will definitely try Stereo Rose, but I am not expecting too much, as warm colours make me look a bit sick 😉

        Have a great weekend, will let you know on Monday how it worked out 🙂

  • Anitacska

    The hype over here in the UK wasn’t as bad, SR lasted for 2 days on the website! 🙂 I went to my counter at 10 am on release day and bought one along with all the eyeshadows and blushes, 3 lipsticks and 5 superglasses. Anyway… my counter had 7 apparently, 2 were bought by me and another lady at 10 am, 2 by a lady on Specktra 2 days later, so it didn’t sell out nearly as quickly as in the US!

    I love SR, have the old one already (bought for about $60 on MUA and never regretted it), but needed to pipck up a new one, for comparison and back up, It’s one of my favourite blushes ever.

    Amazing how many have popped up on eBay, no wonder it sold out so quickly. There was someone on eBay UK selling 12 of them! :S

    • the Muse

      damn anita should have got it from the UK less craziness lol! GREAT haulin’! looks like the old version is alot more tame, I’d love that version too I think! omg! that’s crazy! evil bay!

  • Kristina

    I’ve never ordered online from MAC before. When they say something’s on backorder and they’ll ship it in two weeks, are they good about it? I’m completely paranoid they’re going to cancel my order!
    I’ve given up on my local MAC counter. They always say they only got in 5 and they’re sold out (Marine Life and Ripe Peach). Even if I’m the first person there! I personally think the SAs keep them for themselves and don’t give any to the customers. Big jerks.

    • the Muse

      kristina honestly I’m not sure. I never had a backorder from mac either hun. any macy’s around? maybe call them?

  • foreveryang

    i confess i caved into the hype of ordering stereo rose even though i have just vowed not to buy anymore makeups in at least 2 months time. evil mac!! 🙂

    actually i wasn’t planning to until i saw it available again in canada’s mac website. it was sold out yesterday. i thought… hm… lemme grab it and just sell it in case i don’t like it. nothing to lose. but i think i might end up using it LOL

    • the Muse

      foreveryang I’m POSITIVE you’ll use it 😀 it really is gorg and well worth the buy 😀

  • Keshia

    No haul for me muse. It looked like sparkles on me and I wasn’t in love. Since my counter only got ONE!! I decided to leave it for someone who would love it more than I!

    • the Muse

      aw keshia you’re a generous soul! 😀 It’s not for everyone I guess but I gotta say I <3 it hard 😀

  • Erica B.

    I know I am going to get punched for saying this (especially after acting like a fool to get it) but I don’t really like the color on me. I played around with yesterday and I think its way too orange for my skin color. I feel bad now because so many people wanted it.

    I am thinking I will sell it.

    • the Muse

      erica are you kidding 😀 we love u anyway lol! Some stuff works for folks, while others just don’t like it, that’s quite ok ;-D I think it leans towards being quite orange. Before you sell it, I suggest smiling pretty and dabbing it on with the side of your blush brush. This applies it really subtly 🙂

  • Amina

    the nearest MAC is a 3hrs drive. I live in a small rural town..you know after reading this, I am calling the mac counter in nordstrom and i am about to drive those 3hrs to get it..lol

      • Amina

        well I guess I can save my gas $$, that bad boy is sold out here too!! enjoy 🙂

          • Amina

            great news!! Someone tweeted that if we order stereo rose on the phone, we can have it shipped for free..this baby is on my way!! YAY

  • hannah

    i was the LAST person to get it at the mac store! and it was only barely an hour past their opening time! there was 23 that was in that store and apparently once mac opened, there was a queue of 21 people. they immediately stuck ‘sold out’ (i’m sure so many of us have seen that death sign before) on it. and so, between the time it opened and when i got there people assumed it was completely gone. like i did. but i was desperate so i bugged the SA and he gave me the last TWO for my sister and i! OH MY GOSH!!! i was SO ecstatic! it’s super undupepable ( no such word but..) and i got it! AWESOME!!

  • Ashley Avocado

    I showed up at my local MAC store about 5 minutes before it opened… shocked to see that I was the ONLY one there. Literally. Not even the girls that work there (Who stumbled in at 10:53 and 11:01, respectively) Maybe people in Santa Barbara don’t like makeup? Still stumped.

    Picked up 3. One for myself, one to maybe swap for another hard-to-find item, and one for my mom (aka a backup because my mama doesn’t do corals :P)

    Also got By Candlelight and I’m going back to pick up Petticoat (which, after convincing myself I didn’t need… convinced myself that I was crazy, called my store, and put one on hold LOL)

    • the Muse

      LOL Ashley just dumb luck hun ?! 😀 Petticoat is gorg, you NEEDS imho!

  • Paige

    My sister and I stopped by my local mac counter on Tuesday this week. Luckily, there are some great and kind muas working because they were willing to put two on hold for both of us. Thursday after work I hauled ass back over to the counter about 30 minutes away. Kwashiorkor a little anxious that they may sale these to another person but the msf gods were on my side!! The 2 beautiful compacts were waiting to be picked up. The mua on staff said they only got 6 total and all had been reserved. So happy with this purchase and so forgetting about missing out on marine life. Also, I have to recommend happy together blush. I picked it up too. Gorgeous! I haven’t been this excited about make up in a while. I know it’s more than a bit of hype but it’s been fun and stereo rose is not similar to anything I have so I’m delighted:) so glad you were able to get your hands on it! Happy weekend!

  • Robin

    I waited for an hour in the rain for the MAC store to open. 30 minutes before opening a guy joined me with a sorrowful look. I guess he thought I would take them all, but naw, I didn’t. 🙂 The counter only received 6 pieces. Come on now MAC, that’s crazy…

  • Vonvon

    I am wearing it today! Thought would be a bit dark at first, but love it!!!!

  • DM

    I got 3 SR yesterday at a MAC counter in MAcys-I was so surprised that they still had any! They still had petticoat,candlelight and comfort too. I picked up petticoat but am not sure about it. On my skin it was more of a ruddy color and is more metallic than SR:( Boy was I surprised that SR looked good on me since it is pretty warm:)

  • Dee

    It was sold out the first 5 mins the stores opened. I was one of the unlucky ones, so I got a back-up of Petticoat instead, lol. I hope I can find it though!

  • Tanya B

    I tried to find this the morning it came out, but none of the local counters seemed to have it. According to one of the ladies at my favorite counter there wasn’t even enough stock received in my area for all of the MAC employees who wanted one to get one. It was “sold out” essentially before release day.

    I won’t go on and on about this, but suffice to say I’m quite ticked and this is the final straw for my relationship with MAC.

  • plue

    oh darling sis! sorry to hear you need to go through so much hassle just to get it!

    i have been pretty lucky to be able to ask my SA to reserve 1 for me as I know it’s such a legend! LOL.
    i haven’t use it but oh it’s so pretty! did u get anything else other than SR?

    • the Muse

      hey little sis 🙂 aw so glad you got it, it’s AMAZING! 😀 such a great shade 😀 I got a few shades to test out and two other MSF but the only thing that I really LOVED from this release was SR 😀

  • Nia

    Soooo, I tried SR and somehow and it does not wow me like everyone else it seems.
    Am I weird now? 😉

    And it is appalling how people react when it comes to makeup, like the lady throwing SR on the floor just that kenzie can not have it. People theses days.

    How was your weekend?

    • the Muse

      not at all nia 😀 some folks loved, some folks hated. All good. Sheesh tell me ’bout it.

      Fantastic, nice and relaxing! yours?

      • Nia

        Relaxingly busy *lol* I was watching a lot of movies on a festival.

        Enjoy your Stereo Rose 🙂

        • the Muse

          always nia lol right 🙂 anything good? Film geek here 🙂

          Aw thanks! Sorry it didn’t work out for you dear le sigh!

          • Nia

            Plenty good movies! Too many to list, drop me an email for more 😉

          • the Muse

            will do nia 😀

            I seen Cyrus on Friday or was it Saturday? one of those days LOL it was pretty great, love Jonah Hill <3!!!!!!!!

  • AmandaB

    As soon as I heard from twitter (yay temptalia!) that it was back on mac’s site in canada, I just had to order it. I can’t wait to get it!

  • ninotchka

    I am wondering if this one would work with my complexion and with my my fav lipstick!!
    I am nw15/20 (depends on the season) and usually wear mac ruby woo l/s, and a touch of eyeliner and mascara for the eyes.
    Currently I use Nars Orgasm, which seems to work very well, but I would like to try a new blush, maybe a little bit darker than orgasm.
    Which one do you think that will work for me??
    Thank you very much in advance, girls!!

  • Katie

    I reserved mine at Macy’s like I did for Marine Life. I’m surprised they wouldn’t hold it for you! My MAC counter holds items up to a week. Stereo Rose IS gorgeous and I’m so happy I got it. I think this shade intimidates fair-skinned women but I’m NW20 (pasty lady) and it looks amazing. I’m in LOVE! I told my little friend at the MAC counter (who looks like Lady Gaga) that if I’m going to hell for all my spending, I’m taking MAC with me.

    • the Muse

      hey katie I think it was quite limited so they were forced to not hold it for alot of folks DAMN 😀 but glad I got it! LOL at least hell will be full of makeup lovers!

      • Katie

        I’m extra nice to the MAC girls, so in desperate times like these, they do hold things for me — even Stereo Rose. I sincerely wish I bought two… that would’ve been smart!

        • the Muse

          so am I katie but sadly it was a NO way 😀 to holding SR. 😀 but I’m glad your MA’s were cool ’bout it 😀

  • Val

    i called about 50 stores that told me no store has it, but i finally got one!

  • RowMenRob

    Darn! I regret not getting it at the time it launched. I think I want it more now that it is a hott item!!! Our local Macy’s has 3 By Candlelight’s left. I was contemplating getting one, but I want Stereo Rose more. Btw, is By Candlelight a must to get???

  • Charlotte

    I live in Australia so the ‘in the groove’ collection came out on Wednesday I believe. On Thursday I was technically meant to be home sick from school (which I was coz I’d been away all week) and after recently acquiring my car permit, I stealthily and rebeliously drove to the closest department store that had a MAC counter and spent $92 just buying Stereo Rose (I got the last one) and Petticoat. I was very proud of myself until I realised how much I spent :S
    MAC in Australia is ridiculously overpriced. But it was worth it.
    Now I just have to make sure my parents never find out 🙂

    • the Muse

      yay charlottte so glad you’re the proud mama of both petticoat and SR!!!!!! w00t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL best sick day ever right?!

  • Hannah

    I thinking buying more than one of something as hard to find as ST is kind of greedy, you guys. I got just one and left the others for other people.

  • Laura

    Omg I saw these at my CCO for $19.50!!!!!! And didn’t pick one up 🙁 ahhh I’ll be running back tomorrow ! They had like 10!