Is Milani Baked Blush Better Than NARS?

Milani Baked Blush is my favorite drugstore shimmer cheek color.

We all know and love the iconic NARS Blush, specifically the risqué Orgasm shade. Its peachy pink hue is universally flattering on just about all skin tones and gives the complexion a warm, luminous glow. But, this blush comes at a higher price tag – $32 to be exact – which isn’t in everyone’s budget. Luckily, there are some bomb drugstore blush powders that can achieve the same effect. Milani Baked Blush is one that I have loved for years, and it’s a great NARS Orgasm dupe.

Promises vs. Performance: Buildable, high intensity color.

Say hello to a warm glow with this unique blush that’s baked (yes, baked!) on Italian terracotta tiles. Milani Baked Blush is highly pigmented and buildable for custom color payoff. There’s 11 shades (including the famous luminoso shade) of satin and shimmer finishes to choose from that suit any skin tone. Swirl on Baked Blush to your cheek bones for a warm finish and natural radiance that’s perfect for all seasons.

I love this blush, especially the stunning shimmer shades that give my cheeks the perfect glow. These pigmented baked blush powders offer buildable color that allows me to achieve a soft wash of color to a more bold cheek look. Dip a fluffy brush into the compact and swirl onto cheeks for a healthy flush of color. Or, try the new blush draping method and swipe across the bridge of your nose, too.

I have to agree with the beauty community – Milani baked blush shades, Dolce Pink and Luminoso are near exact dupes for the iconic NARS Orgasm Blush. And dare I say they are better? I much prefer the texture and formulation of the pinky peach Milani blush over NARS. In my opinion, the shimmer is more evenly dispersed, the glitter looks less chunky, and the texture is much smoother. Plus, Milani Baked Blush lasts all day on the cheeks, leaving you with a warm complexion from morning to night.

Quick Rating Rundown

This Product

(4.3)

:Milani Baked Powder Blush

Price: $10.99

0.12 oz

Value

(3.7)

Application

(4.8)

Finish (powder)

(4.6)

Longevity

(4.8)

Extra Benefits

(3.5)

Industry Standard

(4.6)

:e.l.f. Primer Infused Powder Blush

Price: $7.00

0.35 oz

Value

(5)

Application

(4.6)

Finish (powder)

(4.5)

Longevity

(5)

Extra Benefits

(4)

MILABU PICKS

(4.5+)

:The Best Powder Blush At The Drugstore

Price: $4 – $12

various

Value

(4.5+)

Application

(4.5+)

Finish (powder)

(4.5+)

Longevity

(4.5+)

Extra Benefits

(4.5+)

^{Our Rating Criteria}

How It Compares: Milani Baked Blush Review Thoughts

When it comes to a luminous glow, Milani Baked Blush delivers. The baked pigments warm up the complexion for a beautiful, sun-kissed cheek look. The 11 shades span a range of satin and shimmer finishes for the perfect cheek pop, no matter the season or your skin tone (this includes the fan favorites: luminoso, dolce pink, rose d’oro, and berry amore). Baked Blush is highly pigmented, yet buildable for a wash of color to a vivid pop. This powder blush has an all day wear without fading, settling, or clinging to imperfections. If you want NARS Orgasm on a budget, try the shades Luminoso or Dolce Pink – they give off the same iconic shimmery peachy pink hue.

If you’re not looking for a shimmery, glowy blush, e.l.f. Primer-Infused is my favorite at the drugstore. This matte powder blush is by far the longest lasting at the drugstore thanks to its primer-infused formula. It has a buttery soft texture that glides over imperfections, never settling or clinging. There are fewer shades to choose from, though, so if shade range is what you’re after I’d look to Milani.

And the high performing drugstore powder blush formulas don’t stop there. In fact, there are several others that I love, from brands like Colourpop, NYX, and Burt’s Bees. To see how these, along with Milani and e.l.f., rank among each other, check out picks for The Best Powder Blush At The Drugstore.