MAC Apres Chic: Stereo Rose Returns!

MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish ($29.00 for 0.32 oz.) is described as a “coral with golden bronze shimmering nuances.” It’s a coral with subtle pink tones and a champagne-gold shimmer. I think the blush gallery for corals is bursting at the seems, as over the years, brands have caught on that a large lot of us are coral fiends. MAC Born to Love is pinker, less shimmery. Buxom Luvitate is softer, more of a sheen than a shimmer. Tom Ford Lovelust is pinker, less metallic. Chanel Tweed Brun is more orange.

I reviewed Stereo Rose back when it was re-released in 2010, and it was hard to get then, because it was such a huge re-release. In 2010, it sold out in minute of going online–I had to go to my local store (at the time) to purchase it in-person! This time around, while still coveted, there is plenty of stock available. I don’t own the original version, only the 2010 and this version.

Mineralize Skinfinishes can vary quite a bit, which is the nature of the product; the right (or wrong) mix of veining can make or break a shade. There are some who only purchase in-store so they can pick the exact veining mix they desire! The one I purchased this time around has a bit more pink in it, but it still blends out to about the same color when swirled and applied altogether. It has a high-frost, almost metallic finish to it–for something less reflective, I suggest using a stippling brush like MAC’s 187 and applying with a light hand–so reflective that it manages not to emphasize pores.

On me, it lasted for six hours before starting to fade and get a bit patchy, which is about what I tend to get with MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinishes. The texture is soft, not powdery, and finely-milled. Stereo Rose is also nicely pigmented, so there’s no danger of it not showing up on darker complexions, but it can easily be used and blended on even pale skin tones. I can see why this was a huge hit when it initially launched; I think we have a few options available nowadays, so it’s not the holy grail of corals for all any more.

MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish

MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish

MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish

MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish

MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish

MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish

MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish

MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish

MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish