Y'all--I feel like it's been AGES since we've talked. I missed this space so much! Always do. I've been busy and I've not been busy. First up, lots of interviews happened--should be hearing answers this week! Crossing my fingers for my top pick. I had a fabulous time at Skyline Park at Ponce City Market, here in Atlanta. It's like a mini old-school carnival games space on the roof. I snapped (ellesees) it over the weekend. Amazing views and lots of fun. How have you been?
Now that we've gotten reacquainted, let's get into another fave subject of mine: DUPES! This is one of my most popular, and longest, series. I'm into dispelling dupe myths and save you some money, if possible! Today I'm comparing two blushes: Tarte Exposed and Milani Romantic Rose.
Tarte in Exposed is one of those blushes that looks good on so many people. It's a great natural-looking every day blush. I have talked about it on here numerous times as a must-have. But at $29, it might turn into a must NOT have for some of us! I decided to check the collection and that's where the gorgeous Milani blush in Romantic Rose comes in. Isn't it gorgeous? And it's only $7!
Swatch time! Milani is on top and Tarte is on the bottom. I had to really work for the Milani swatch, as it was a little chalkier and a bit patchy.
Tarte is on your left, Milani on your right. Tarte is more pigmented and lasted longer. I'm wearing a BB cream, blush, lip cream, and I'd just awakened from a nap. Naps on Sundays are the best, am I right?
The breakdown:
Appearance in containers: not a dupe (Tarte looks darker)
Ingredients: not a dupe (Milani has synthetic wax, carmine, et al)
Ingredients: not a dupe (Milani has synthetic wax, carmine, et al)
Finger swatches: not a dupe (Tarte looks darker)
Quality: not a dupe (Milani is a little chalky/patchy)
Pigmentation: not a dupe
Staying power: not a dupe (Tarte wins this easily)
Arm swatch: really close
Face application: not a dupe application-wise, but color wise, a dupe!
Do you own either of these blushes?
Do you think we have a dupe here?
I have the Tarte one and use is almost every day. I think I will stay with it because of the staying power. Thanks for comparing the two!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Love the shade! I have't tried either of these but it doesn't sound like the Milani is a dupe. Fingers crossed that you are offered the position you want!
ReplyDeleteJill
Doused in Pink
Tarte Exposed is my all-time favorite blush, but I also love the Milani for everyday and when I don't want something as pigmented. I also find it a little more pink than Tarte. Hope all is well!
ReplyDeleteI don't own either of these blushes but both look like really pretty shades and I love the rose details on the Milani one :) Good luck with your job interviews and I hope you get the one that you want the most! x
ReplyDeleteThis is such a pretty shade!!
ReplyDeleteJaymie
www.jaymieashcraft.com
Sounds like this is one of those times that you get what you pay for??
ReplyDeleteI love the shade--it's perfect for my complexion!!
XOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
I love my Tarte blushes, especially since they last all day long. I think that I might end up sticking with Tarte!
ReplyDeleteI love Tarte!! They have some great makeup!!
ReplyDeleteThat event on the roof looked like so much fun! Oh how I love Tarte, this is such a pretty shade <3
ReplyDeleteGreen Fashionista
It definitely looks like a dupe but I love that you broke it down and discovered it's not a true dupe lol. I do love milani blushes- their baked ones are my fave, but sometimes i've noticed some do not have as much pigmentation.
ReplyDeleteThe only Tarte blush I own is in an palette with some shadows. I like it well enough, but I never find myself reaching for it. My favorite is NARS Orgasm. I have the DOlce Pink Milani blush that I really love too. But I do feel like NARS lasts a lot longer than Milani does. That shade is pretty on you!
ReplyDeleteSending you best wishes for your interviews!!! I know the right thing will fall in to place for you.
i've read good things about Tarte so will definitely try it out now!
ReplyDeleteHi Elle glad you've been great. I dont really wear bush (read: at all) but these are nice shades and really does look like a dupe applied.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried Milani Romantic Rose blush but I know it has amazing reviews all across the beauty world. I only have one Tarte blush, honestly it's not a brand that I am interested in at all.
ReplyDeleteShireen⎜Reflection of Sanity
Such pretty shades! They look almost identically on and such a great steal!
ReplyDelete<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Tarte makes beautiful blushes, it's a shame this isn't an exact dupe!
ReplyDeletexx, The Makeup Feed
Exposed is one of my favorites. The Milani looks pretty too, though!
ReplyDeleteTarte in Exposed used to be my favorite blush until I switched to cream blushes. You're making me wistful for it now. Hope you get some good news this week girl :)
ReplyDeleteI love dupes! Color wise these are close enough for me!
ReplyDeleteMilani does blushes so well!
ReplyDeleteThey both look so lovely! I've always wanted the Tarte exposed blush. I might just get the tarte one because it's stunning x
ReplyDelete- Pallavi
www.wildfirecharm.com
i have the tarte blush and love it, got it as my birthday gift from sephora though, not sure I would pay that price again. But it has broken me out of my hot pink blush only policy!
ReplyDeleteI don't have either of these, but they look like a shade that would work with my skin tone. They def. look like dupes to me! Good luck on the job search!
ReplyDeleteCarrie
curlycraftymom.com
I think you can call it a dupe because the colours are so similar! xx
ReplyDeleteBeautylymin
Definitely not a dupe, love these reviews and welcome back!!
ReplyDeletexx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
Welcome back! I also agree that Sunday naps are the best :) I loved your lip cream color! As for the blushes, I thought that Milani's color was more beautiful, then I read that you had to work hard to get it as a swatch... but anyway, as a swatch I liked it better :)
ReplyDeleteDenisesPlanet.com
I don't own either but it's a beautiful color.
ReplyDeleteThat Tarte blush is one of my favs! Good to know the colors are almost spot on!
ReplyDeleteThe blushes look the same on you, but tarte is definitely my favorite :)
ReplyDeleteThe swatches are both very pretty and similar. I do know what you mean about the chalkiness though.
ReplyDeleteI do like how similar and subtle they look, but I'm not sure it's a dupe in other than looks. Yay for job interviews and Sunday naps! I can't wait to hear an update on the job front to hear if one you got is the one you wanted :)
ReplyDeleteBoth blushes are so pretty! They look very similar!
ReplyDeleteAs you've mentioned these aren't a dupe but they are so close that they could be.
ReplyDeleteCrossing my fingers that you get the position you want as well beautiful lady! That Tarte shade is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteThey are both pretty colors! Good to know that Tarte has better staying power though. I hate it when blushes wear off because I don't have much coloring in my cheeks and without blush I look sick!
ReplyDeleteI love these posts! Good to know that it's not really dupe. I need to try the Tarte blush, it's so pretty! Glad you had fun at Ponce Market, we need to go! Good luck with the interviews!
ReplyDeleteXoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
I love the tarte blush and I use it everyday! I will have to try this one out from Milani. Thanks for doing this review.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the week.
Julie
Prayers that you'll get some answers and peace soon! I just got my first tarte blush in the Sephora birthday gift. apparently I've been living under a rock because I feel I'm the last one to try them. I love it! Now I need other colors. I like the Milani blushes but they don't last on me. So glad you're back!
ReplyDeleteI've wanted to try tarte blushes for ages but they're difficult to get hold of the uk. I love milani blushes and have no issue with the wear time. So i'll definitely be adding this one to my collection xx
ReplyDeletewww.lpagebeauty.com
I know blogging in the summer can be quite challenging. I was in Sephora today trying out lots of stuff, there is one right across the street from the office I work in and I go in there all the time and "play" I tried that Tarte blusher it is fun!
ReplyDeleteAllie of
www.allienyc.com
Man...I must really get my hands on that Tarte one! And yay on all the job prospects, Elle:) Good luck! I know you did well on your interviews. XOXO
ReplyDeleteThe Tarte one looks so much nicer on you, actually! Though I think the packaging for the Milani one is somewhat cuter.
ReplyDeletevery pretty shades! perfect for daily nude look
ReplyDeleteLyosha
Inside and Outside Blog
I love Tarte blushes so much. I usually get the smaller sizes in a gift pack since they seem to last forever. Crossing my fingers for a good job opportunity for you!!
ReplyDeleteTarte just works with so little effort and I am pretty sure my little compact is going to last awhile lol!! The packaging for Milani is so cute though.
ReplyDelete