MAC Dainty Blush

I have been using Dainty Mineralize Blush from MAC for about a month now. I purchased it as a replacement for the blush that I had used for about 5 years—L’Oreal Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Blush in Soft Rose. While I loved the colour of the L’Oreal blush, I was tired of the mess that the loose powder always made. Also, I have heard mixed information regarding the company’s stance on animal testing so I wanted to find a blush that was mineralized, yet pressed, and made by a company that was cruelty free.
Many people suggested Dainty blush for me but I was hesitant to purchase it for two reasons: #1, in pictures it appeared to have a lot of shimmer which I do not like in a blush. #2, at $26.50 CAD for 3.5 g / 0.11 oz (non-mineralize blushes from MAC are only $23.50 CAD for 6 g / 0.21 oz) it seemed very expensive.
I first tried to find this blush for a discounted price in the sale section of certain beauty forums but ultimately had no luck. Then one day I took a trip to my MAC counter to return my tube of Syrup lipstick (I have a blog post here on why I did not like Syrup: http://putbeautytowords.blogspot.com/2011/02/mac-syrup-lipstick.html). I decided to check out Dainty while I was there.  It looked very vibrant and shimmery in the pan so I was not convinced. The sales associate handed me a duo fibre brush and told me to try it anyway because it would work really well with my skin tone (very pale and cool-toned).
I loved it! It gave my skin the prettiest pink flush and there was no visible shimmer. My complexion was radiant and glowy and before I knew it I was on my way out of the store with a brand new box of Dainty blush.
The next day I applied the blush and was no longer impressed—I looked sunburnt! I thought about returning it but decided to give it another try the next day. I used a much lighter hand and concentrated it on only the apples of my cheeks. It looked great again and I have worn it every day since with success. Ever since I started wearing Dainty I have been receiving compliments on my skin. I’m able to get the most flawless application when I apply Dainty using my Sigma F55 brush (http://www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/f55.htm?Click=62512).
MAC describes the colour of Dainty as a light yellow pink with gold pearl. While I agree that there is a gold pearl running through the product, I would call it more of a rosy pink rather than a yellow pink. Either way, it is a gorgeous colour that I will definitely repurchase.
My rating: 5/5
*click photos to enlarge*

My Favourite Blush Brush: Sigma Small Duo Fibre - F55

A few months ago I decided to make my first purchase from Sigma. I was looking for some new brushes and wanted some that were of MAC quality but that were more affordable.
Since I had never purchased from Sigma before I only bought a few individual brushes instead of buying a whole brush set in case I did not like them. Among the brushes that I purchased was the F55 Small Duo Fibre for $14 USD . It is comparable to MAC’s 188 brush which costs $41 CAD.
For much less than half the price of the MAC brush, the F55 has incredibly soft bristles that rarely shed. The brush’s handle is well made and the bristles are attached very securely to the ferrule.
This brush is perfect for applying and blending many different types of blush. I use it daily to apply my L’Oreal Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Blush in Soft Rose (which is a loose powder blush). The F55 gives this blush a very blended almost airbrushed look. On occasion I will use it to apply MAC’s Ladyblush cream blush or a pressed powder blush and the results are always flawless as well.
You can check out this brush as well as other brushes from Sigma by clicking here: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=62512
My rating: 5/5
*click photos to enlarge*