February 11, 2011

Milani Baked Powder Blush Review, Swatches, Photos

Love in the air, da do da do everywhere I look around!

Love was in the air when I walked into Walgreens earlier this month and came across a display of Milani Baked Powder Blush. O M G!

Check ’em!


A brand new baked blush from Milani featuring a shimmering marbleized design and available in nine shades!


I experienced heart palpitations after running into these! They are just so gorgeous. I was lucky enough to grab up five of the nine shades however I haven’t had success locating the other fours shades but damn straight they shall be mine when they pop up in store.

If you experienced the joys of Milani Baked Bronzer recently (CLICK!) this is basically the idea behind the new Milani Baked Powder Blush. The blush mimics the design of the bronzer in packaging, formula, finish, and even in some of the shades. The packaging does not run nearly as large as the bronzer one and is a more suitable compact design for a blush but the gold packaging remains the same as does the dual compartment design that features the blush on top and a compartment for the blush and mirror below.

I imagine you might be wondering what they are like compared to MAC Mineralize Blushes and Skinfinishes. I find they contain alot less sparkle and shimmer than some of MAC’s Skinfinishes. I also feel like some of the MAC blushes and finishes have a frosty finish and these do not. The powder feels considerably lighter and finely milled compared to MAC’s version but doesn’t forsake quality or pigmentation due to the lighter consistency.

Now after reading that please don’t come under the impression that they do not contain shimmer as they do indeed, some shades more than others. Some of the shades can be easily duped for MAC colors already released and gone however I really can’t say what dupes exactly as I haven’t checked through my stash.

The blushes all apply beautifully and blend out dreamy. They leave behind a glow-y, softly focused flush. Every single shade I purchased just looked amazing on my skin and really brightened up my cheeks and left behind such beautiful color pay off. I was very impressed with the quality, pigmentation, and application on all the shades. Some of the colors do somewhat mimic the bronzer shades I already own but the blush formula seems to apply a bit more evenly and more flattering than the bronzer colors which need a tad more patience and care during application. I adore the bronzers but the blushes seem to bring something even more to the table.

Shades I got were Luminoso (delicate peach that should look amazing on fair skin, very little shimmer), Rose D’Oro (golden terracotta, heavy on the shimmer), Bellissimo Bronzer (golden beige, heavy shimmer), Dolce Pink (rosy pink, should work nicely on farier skin, heavy shimmer), and Berry Amore (golden mauve pink, heavy shimmer).

The shades that stand out for me were Dolce Pink and Luminoso, particularly Luminoso as it’s such a flattering, true light peach shade.

I tried to do two sets of swatch photos one where it shows the shimmer and one where you can see the shades in a true light setting. I’m not the best photographer but I tried my best to give you an idea of the shades.

Pictured Left to Right Bellissimo Bronzer, Luminoso, Berry Amore, Rose D’Or, & Dolce Pink.


They do contain a healthy bit of shimmer so if you’re averse to such a finish you may want to avoid. I felt they blended out the shimmer well but they do leave your skin glow-y.

Packaging isn’t fabulous sadly. The blushes are STUNNING but the packaging isn’t nearly as nice. The brush the blush comes with is ok but not fantastic. One thing that does deserve to be mentioned is the fact that Milani did away with the sticker seals that I complained about in my bronzer post. The blushes are sealed with a wrap around that easily comes off without damaging the front of the compact or leaving a sticky residue.

The blushes are delicate so a single drop and they will easily break. They are not travel friendly in my opinion.

  • Those seeking a cheaper alternative to MAC Mineralize Blushes and Skinfinishes ($7.49 each make them a great budget pick).
  • Those who love pretty baked blushes (I’m super keen on anything baked be it shadow or blush so I was right on board).
  • Anyone who desires a flush of color that makes cheeks glow.

  • Those who aren’t keen on shimmer, sparkle, or glitter.


Overall, I absolutely adored these and look forward to hauling the other four shades in the collection. Quality is brilliant for a blush that costs so very little. I think makeup junkies all around even those used to higher end cosmetics can appreciate these.

I found these at Walgreens and they were on the Milani main shelf, no special display however if you’re really lemming them hard and can’t find them at your local store you can order directly at www.milanicosmetics.com

Loves! Very much Muse Approved for purchase!

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

  • Aging_Beauty

    I am loving Berry Amore. Next I am dying to see the new baked eye shadows! They look like Laura Geller’s Eye Rimz – seems like they’d make great wet liners!

  • Pati

    I love baked anythings too!! ok, ok, cakes above all 😉 but i do love these blushes… I think I will have to wait a little (and a lot of web surfing) to get them, though

  • LorraineER

    Want want want…so bad!! If I can’t find these locally I might actually order online which is something I’ve never done with a drugstore level product before. It might be less in shipping than it’d cost in gas to drive around obsessively hunting all the drugstores in the area, lol. Thank you so much for featuring these!!

      • Alli

        oooohhh…Muse, do tell! Which one is like Stereo Rose? Hard to tell in pics…but I have always wanted Stereo Rose and am always on the lookout for something similar!!!! Please let me know…MUST HAVE! Thanks, girl! 😀

        • the Muse

          sorry Alli really NOT sure how a dupe hun. Will see if I can compare soon. 🙂

          • Alli

            k…do you know which one Heather was referring to that is similar to stereo rose?

          • the Muse

            I think she meant they overall remind her of MSF not stereo rose in particularly…that’s how I read it? I find they are alot more shimmery than SR so the comparison doesn’t seem to do SR justice. Don’t get me wrong these are AMAZING but duping stereo rose is hard ;D! I’m not too great at comparing shades though so don’t quote me there ;D!

  • Amy

    I was just looking at these today and (unfortunately) talked myself out of them.

    Looks like I’m headed out to buy these! 😀

  • AngelicBetrayal

    Totally can’t wait to see these in my store. I will DEFINITELY be picking up one… or two… or maybe five of these when I’m off my makeup buying ban 😀 Thanks for the great review Muse!

  • Jojo

    You make me want to run to CVS right now! These are gorgeous. I don’t use a lot of MAC but I always buy their MAC Mineralize Blushes because they look so pretty, but I never reach for them because they are too sparkly for everyday use. I can’t wait to try these Milano ones out, seems pretty like the MAC ones but in a more subtle way. Thanks for reviewing these! 🙂

  • Amanda

    Oooh I’ve been wanting to check these out, Muse! Do you think any of them would be a good highlighter on medium skin? I’m thinking maybe Dolce Pink!

  • Kelly

    those are so pretty looking! First time in a long time I’m tempted to pick up a blush, I think I will give Luminoso a try based on your recommendation, it looks gorgeous 🙂 I’m paler than snow lol!

  • Mary the Muse Militant

    Ah, Muse, great blushes, but it’s that old song Love Is In The Air that is divine !
    I remember sneaking out my bedroom window and down a ladder to go to a disco when that song was in the charts.
    I was a little teen cailín !!!! HeHe

    • the Muse

      LOL mary ;-D damn girl I can’t recall it outside of it being one of those tunes my sis listened too ;D you and her might be the same age ;D

  • Isabel

    omg these look so lovely! I like those 2 too! Will see if I can get them. but it should be a lil pricey for me after conversion

  • Maren

    Please do look through your stash for dupes!!! Those of us late to the MSF game are always looking for dupes of the long gone favorites

  • plue

    oh wow these are beautiful! it does reminds me of MAC’s mineralized blushers but at a fraction of it’s price!

    My fav from your swatches: Dolce Pink and Luminoso!

  • Erica b.

    I got 3 at my walgreens over the weekend and LOVE them!!! They look great on darker skin too!

    • the Muse

      more shimmery than laura’s version and hard candy no comparison nancy, hard candy I gave a rather poor review on as they really aren’t all that fabulous, they aren’t anywhere in the same league as there imho 🙂

  • Hana

    Super pretty! I’m totally going to get Luminoso and Dolce Pink next time I see a sale. 😀

  • Miss D

    Those blushers are gorgeous…I must get them! Milani has really been bringing out some great items.
    But it’s the Love is in the Air song I wanted to really comment on…is John Paul Young the original singer? I’ve heard someone else sing this song, but this version is great…this guy’s adorable. Thanks for the post, Muse! 🙂

    • the Muse

      I agree Miss D ;-D the selection is amazing lately ;-D John Paul Young is indeed the original singer of the song, he was dream in his day ;-D what’s the new version!? who sings it? do share ;-D my pleasure dear!

      • Miss D

        I don’t remember who else sang this song…but wasn’t it also used for cruise commercials years ago too (don’t know who sang that version either). Anyway, I’m glad I now know who the original singer is. Thanks.

  • Sassa7

    Dolce Pink TOTALLY looks like Daft Pink by Mac, i saw those babies yesterday at walgreens and i rushed to read your review!! Im out to get them!!!

  • Silvia

    I bought tonight at CVS, Bella Rosa and Coralina omg! Had a tough time deciding they are gorgeous! Just hoping the colors I chose are not too vivid on my pale skin but I’ll make them work. They are buy one/50% the other! Planning to collect them all as i have with the WetnWild all great deals. Gorgeous and better yet with such an attractive price a make up junkie cannot go wrong! So happy and excited to try them with a grey, brown or black sweater in winter.

    • Isabella Muse

      Yay! Glad you got these and on sale too! Coralina is a fav of mine! Enjoy!

      • Silvia

        Omg! I tried Coralina yesterday and was afraid of it coming out too strong but it is beautiful! Went back and had to get all others I think will work on my pale skin Rose D’Oro, Luminoso, Berry Amore and tried to find the Dulce pink but was gone so got instead Delizioso Pink it is gorgeous. A little bit afraid of Bella Rosa and Delizioso but I’m sure they’ll work wonderfully applied with a light touch! Just lovely!
        I also collected all WetnWild blushes except the bright Plastic Pink having Delizioso I think I’m good! 🙂

  • Sílvia

    I have all shades except the bronze and love! Love them all! Coralina and the pinks i prefer over the famous Luminoso it gives more healthy cheeks! Have fallen in with Milani as well as with my all time favorite WernWild.