I’ll cut to the chase, I do not like this blush formula.  Not only is it difficult to get a smooth application, but the metallic finish of the shade I purchased (butterflies) accentuates texture.  I’ve used cream blushes before, but this is my first experience with a more liquid formula.  The consistency isn’t runny, it has enough thickness to it that it doesn’t run down your hand or anything like that.  I would imagine there is a learning curve, but I’ve given it enough chances to give up on that thought.

What can I say?  In my opinion, these brushes just work.  Maybe you are someone who has been intimidated by blush.  Or you’ve given up on blush because you always apply too much.  You may also just like more subtle makeup.  No matter the reason, you may want to try one of these two brushes to achieve a light application of blush.

If you are not new to makeup, this information may be common knowledge. But keep in mind that there are new people just getting started with makeup all the time.

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Maybelline’s newest addition to their eyeshadow palette family, Nudes of New York, brings us a formula update.  If you are familiar with the Expert Wear Quads or the 12-pan palettes (nudes, blushed nudes, 24K nudes) then this will be quite a different experience.

The matte eyeshadows in this palette are very powdery, I’d say they are comparable to how Anastasia Beverly Hills (ABH) eyeshadow palettes behave.  They are not as pigmented as ABH shadows, that is just to give you a point of reference for the formula.  The powder kick-up is not my favorite type of formula, but a lot of people do prefer that these days.  The shimmers are not as loose as the mattes, but they still give good pigmentation.

If you’ve had your eye on any Milani products or need to repurchase your essentials, now is the time.  The sale has already started and it expires on 17 August 2020 at 11:59 PM PT.  You will need to use the code “FF2020” at checkout.

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I thought I’d share some swatches I haven’t shared before.  Milani has expanded the shade range for the **Baked Powder Blushes ($10.99) and **Rose Powder Blushes ($10.99).  I had trouble finding swatches of the new shades, so hopefully, these swatches will help others who have been looking for them.

The new shade from the baked powder blush range is 15 Sunset Passion, and it is described as a bronzed terracotta with a satin finish.

Update January 17, 2025: This shade is now available from Milani again. The baked blushes are now packaged slightly differently as well. The base is now black rather than gold.

Update May 27, 2023: The shade Sunset Passione has been discontinued, but the rest of the line is still available for $10.99 at Ulta.

UPDATE (June 17, 2021): Unfortunately, the Coastal Scents brand has gone out of business.

UPDATE (JUNE 17, 2021): Right now, the only affordable, build your own palette, single eyeshadows that I have personal experience with are Makeup Geek ($6.49 – $8.49). You can check out my review and swatches of their most recent formula by clicking here. Syndey Grace is another brand with single eyeshadows ($5.00 – $6.00) and they get rave reviews, although I’ve never personally tried them. I do not currently know of any single eyeshadows that are priced as low as Coastal Scents was priced.

Coastal Scents recently had a 99 cent sale on their single eyeshadows and I decided to place an order.  If you’ve been into makeup for a while, you may remember when Coastal Scents’ eyeshadows were always 99 cents when they went on sale.  At some point, the eyeshadows went up to $2.95 each.  Now the popular 99 cent sale has become the 50% off sale with a cost of $1.50 each.

If you are looking at this picture and thinking that the yellow sticks out like a sore thumb, I agree with you.  This was actually a mistake with my order.  I ordered the shade Amber Bronze and somehow was sent Midas Gold in its place.  No Worries, Coastal Scents has already shipped me the correct shade, but I decided to go ahead and swatch it with the rest in case anyone wants to see that shade.

I also just want to quickly add that even though there was a mistake with my order, that is not typical in my experience with the brand.  I have been ordering with them since 2015 and this is the first time I’ve ever had an issue.

If you are interested in knowing my thoughts on the formula, you can find that information at the bottom after all of the swatches.

On to the swatchfest!

1st Row (chamois nude, new penny, canyon coral, oatmeal tan, redstone, deep merlot, maroon berry)

If you used to follow me over on Sensitive Beauty Blog, then you likely saw this review on that site in the summer of 2019.  I wanted to post this one again because it still feels like one of those underrated products that deserves more attention.  This palette is also something that I still use and enjoy, so it feels appropriate to shine some light on it again.

I’ve had this little palette for just over a year now and I really enjoy the simplicity of it.  The textures on these are smooth (almost creamy feeling) and nicely pigmented.  The shimmer shades work well with both fingers and a brush.  I’ve only used the mattes with a brush and they blend easily, but I do have to be light-handed with the deepest shade.  In terms of formula, it is much softer than my preferred type of eyeshadow formula (MAC, MUFE), but I didn’t notice any fallout.  I personally don’t like the really soft creamy metallics and loosely packed mattes that are popular lately.  This seemed to strike a good balance between the two.  Although the shimmers feel creamy, there isn’t any excess powder kick-up or chunks to smooth out.

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I had high hopes for the **Milani Baked Highlighter ($11.99) because I really enjoy the quality of Milani products.  Unfortunately, I do not like this formula.  Rosa Italiana has a chunky texture, and I have to be very careful, or it accentuates any texture I have on my face.

It can be worked with if you can manage to use a tiny amount.  So, if you want to give this a try, I would suggest using a fluffy brush to avoid applying too much product.  Once applied, I think it looks decent, but it’s just too intense for my taste.