Just when I thought I was boycotting MAC, I ended up getting another item from them. Come on, perseverance, what happened to you?
Anyway, I was browsing the MAC website, and stumbled upon the Grand Duos. Of all the shades they have, the Intenso caught my eye. When I saw it in person, I was impressed at how beautiful the colors were.
Image: MAC Cosmetics
Shade description: Pink gold mélange / Terracotta rose
The texture’s not as hard as I would expect a baked blush would be. A sweep of the brush on the blush gave me a very natural coral hue with subtle gold shimmer. It suited my warm skin perfectly.
One snag though – there is quite a bit of fallout of the powder when lifted with the brush though; it tends to mess the case with excess powder. I had to clean the case every time I use the blush.
Powder fallout on the case every time I use the brush on the blush
Other than that, I have to say that I’m very pleased with the blush. Love, love, LOVE the colour 🙂
The Grand Duo Mineralize Blush range is recommended to be used with the MAC 188 (small duo fibre face brush). I wasn’t at all keen on spending AU$70 on a tiny face brush, so I bought a larger dupe of the brush instead.
This is a Manicare Artiste Professional stippling brush, which I got from Priceline for AU17.95. So far, I’ve been very impressed with the line (I’ll do a separate post on this soon), and this brush certainly did not disappoint. It’s very soft, and when used with the Grand Duo, gave me a flawless finish of blush on my cheeks.
Even though there are two distinct shades on the blush, I do not use them separately. One light sweep of the brush in a circular motion picks up both sides of the powder to give me very subtle shimmer. The slight shimmer gives a hint of highlight on the cheeks, which is good on a dull-skin day. The staying power of the blush is also good; hours with this on, and it’ll still be there. The mineralized blush can also be used as a bronzer and a highlighter, depending on the shades you’re using.
Excuse the rest of the face; I had no other makeup on.
MAC’s Grand Duo Mineralize Blushes are AU$50 a pop. Not cheap, if you ask me. The price is definitely in the range of higher end brands like Dior and Chanel, and MAC is only mid-range. I agree with Syen, boo to MAC for charging so much. Okay, after this, I’m back to boycotting MAC.
*fingers crossed behind my back* 😉
What I like about it: Beautiful subtle shimmer and pop of colour on the cheeks.
What I do not like about it: Expensive, excessive powder fallout when used.
Eeek! *pinches* Love your cheeks. so cute. hehe. Oooh… manicare finally came up with non-crappy brushes eh? They’re still crappy over here -_-
u look so cute!!! i am really not sick of saying this – damn i really love your eyes!!!!
You look soooo adorable!! *pinches cheek*
Yes, the blushers from this range is outrageously priced so no way i’m getting myself one. Though i’ll have to say, Moon River looks darned nice…
I bought the one called Light over Dark 🙂 It is very pigmented and color payoff is pretty! 🙂 And I love Intenso on you! I felt its too dark in person but hey! you look wonderful! you did a great job choosing this color!!!
btw, i just realized, so many ppl are madly in love with this grand duo!
That looks lovely on you! I’m still boycotting MAC though and glad none of the blush duos really grabbed me.
yay! me love my intenso too! 😀 you look so pretty in it!
Intenso looks beautiful on you!
I was lemming it but decided not to get it. You might have just brought back my lemming!
*turns and runs away* 🙂
Intenso looks great on you!
I would love a grand duo but its too expensive sigh. The brush look good always wanted a stippling brush! Can’t wait for your review on it. I won’t mind spending 17 bucks on it compare to MAC one.