For spring, there are four new and limited shades of Milani Rose Powder Blush ($7.99 for 0.60 oz.) available. The formula is supposed to be a “luxurious matte blush” that has a “micro-milled … powder.” I reviewed Coral Cove yesterday, and today’s review is for:

Milani Lady Rouge (06) Rose Powder Blush ($7.99 for 0.17 oz.) is described as a “hot red.” It’s a vibrant pop of pink-coral with subtle, warm undertones and an ultra matte finish. NARS Laos (P, $39.00) is a cream product, slightly more muted. NARS Realm of the Senses (Together) (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery. MAC Simmer (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery. NARS Amour (P, $29.00) is slightly more muted. See comparison swatches.

It had a moderate amount of pigmentation; seemingly good until you actually touch it, because of the incredibly dry, powdery, and chalky texture, it tends to sheer out quickly. If you have normal-to-dry skin or drier, the powder has great difficulty adhering to the skin. To keep the swatch visible, I had to pat on, and I couldn’t really blend it in or even the color out much or else a lot of it disappeared. Of the four shades released, this one was also the most difficult to blend, even when applied over foundation (which helps the powder adhere better, at least), and it took some doing to even out the color so it did not look patchy. One of the things you really want to look for when a blush is intensely pigmented in a richer hue is blendability, and this blush is lacking that. I find that most blushes are versatile and can work on different skin types, over bare skin, under or over foundation (liquid, powder, etc.), but Milani’s recently released Rose Powder Blushes are much pickier about what they require to be decent. It wore well for seven and a half hours on me. I was definitely surprised that the blush did not look at all powdery on the skin, over foundation, but otherwise, I was pretty disappointed–especially after seeing the brand put out a stellar product like Bella Rosa (a bold, bright, pigmented blush that applied well too!).

See more photos & swatches!

Milani Lady Rouge (06) Rose Powder Blush

Milani Lady Rouge (06) Rose Powder Blush

Milani Lady Rouge (06) Rose Powder Blush

Milani Lady Rouge (06) Rose Powder Blush

Milani Lady Rouge (06) Rose Powder Blush

Milani Lady Rouge (06) Rose Powder Blush