MAC Trace Gold Blush ($21.00 for 0.21 oz.) is described as a “gold with shimmer [with a Sheertone Shimmer finish].” It’s a warm-toned, gold and copper-shimmered, medium orange-brown. It has a rather frosted finish. Wet ‘n’ Wild Bikini Contest is darker, browner, less shimmery. Physicians Formula Light Bronzer is more orange, lighter. Urban Decay Baked is slightly darker. NARS Luster is more orange, warmer. MAC Center of the Universe is darker. See comparison swatches.

It had good color payoff, though not a particularly intense blush, that can easily be sheered out for a soft wash of color. On my medium complexion, Trace Gold added warmth and shimmer to my cheeks but not strong color. On fairer skin tones, I would expect to see much more color added to the cheeks, and then on deeper complexions, it will be more of a warming highlighter. The texture is soft, finely-milled, and smooth overall. When I wore it, the blush wore well for seven hours and looked somewhat faded after eight hours of wear. As this is a permanent shade, it is also available in pan-form for $17.

MAC Trace Gold Blush

MAC Trace Gold Blush

MAC Trace Gold Blush

MAC Trace Gold Blush

MAC Trace Gold Blush