MAC - Grand Duos Discussion
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allThingsGirl
Well-known member
Cross post from what I posted in the Women of Color section.
I checked these out today. I came home with Moon River -- but I'm still on the fence as to whether or not this was a good purchase. Here's what I thought of them:
I'm NC40. Asian. Yellow undertones. Black/Brown eyes and hair.
Moon River - I missed out on Lightscapade for I wanted this one just for the swirly side. The very sweet MA went to find one for me that had more of the swirly side for me! Anyway, on me, the color is very light. I *think* it is lighter than Dainty on me actually. I prefer Dainty rather that this one for blush but honestly, I find Dainty a bit too light too so I'll probably try and swap that now. The marbled side is a whitish neutral sheen on me -- if I remember trying on Lightscapade before, Lightscapade showed up more silvery cool on me.
Light over Dark - This one was very pretty! I didn't try this one on, just swatched on my hand. I wasn't really looking for a bronzer/highlighter but it's a great combo if you need one. I prefer my Metal Rock MSF and Shooting Star MSF. However, having the highlighter in there makes it a nice package. I would have bought this if I didn't have those other bronzing MSFs.
Intenso - I liked this one but when I tried it on, it looked alot like Gleeful and Merrily on me. If you don't have either of those, you should consider this. It's very pretty "intense" rose. The MA put way too much on at first because he didn't realize it was so pigmented. I passed on this because I had Merrily.
Earth to Earth - I wanted to like this one...but I just didn't in person. The blush side doesn't do much for me when I tried it on, it shimmers and sparkles, but the color is pretty close to my skintone and it's kinda flat and boring. The purple marble side was really pretty on my hand but when we put it on my cheek, it just looked muddy and messy with the blush side. I passed on this.
Grand Duo - This one was super gorgeous! But also super similar to Love Thing, which I had. If you don't have Love Thing, you should get this one! I liked the highlighting side too. I didn't both trying this one on.
Love Rock - This was another one that I wanted to love...but when I tried it on my face, it looked really ashy and fake and not good. The pink just didn't blend well with my skin and skintone and I love pinks! The MA even said it didn't really work for me and steered me away from it.
Hot Planet - This was so weird, the blush color looked purple plum in the pan but then when it was on my hand, it came out more deep rose. I didn't actually think this one was super unique, so I passed on this too.
Overall, alot of them are similar to the Sonic Chic ones and aren't that unique in my opinion. However, if you are looking for a certain color to round out your collection they are worth getting. My pics would be Grand Duo, Intenso, and Light Over Dark for anyone my skin tone.
As a bonus, the MA showed me what he had in testers in Sugar Sweet!! We tried on both MSFs and I love them both! They are pretty sheer, but it was a nice glow. Perfect topping is a bit cooler and Refined warmer -- but super super sheer. Bubbles lipstick is really pretty! I don't know if I'd wear it alone but he suggested mixing it in with other lipsticks. The lipglosses were really pretty in person but I didn't try them on. Swatched some of the shade sticks -- the cream one is pretty! Dear Cupcake seems like a hard color to wear, pigment, but seems like it would sit on top of your skin. Sugarshot was a nice cream with slight sparkle but a little chunky to work with. Aquavert was smooth, and pigmented minty green. I missed out on that one before, so I might pick that one up.
The MA was so nice, he kinda talked me out of buying more of the Grand Duos since I really liked the MSFs in Sugarsweet and I had alot of the Sonic Chic blushes. I ended up signing up for an event they are having next weekend for Sugarsweet.
Anyway, hope that helps you guys!
I checked these out today. I came home with Moon River -- but I'm still on the fence as to whether or not this was a good purchase. Here's what I thought of them:
I'm NC40. Asian. Yellow undertones. Black/Brown eyes and hair.
Moon River - I missed out on Lightscapade for I wanted this one just for the swirly side. The very sweet MA went to find one for me that had more of the swirly side for me! Anyway, on me, the color is very light. I *think* it is lighter than Dainty on me actually. I prefer Dainty rather that this one for blush but honestly, I find Dainty a bit too light too so I'll probably try and swap that now. The marbled side is a whitish neutral sheen on me -- if I remember trying on Lightscapade before, Lightscapade showed up more silvery cool on me.
Light over Dark - This one was very pretty! I didn't try this one on, just swatched on my hand. I wasn't really looking for a bronzer/highlighter but it's a great combo if you need one. I prefer my Metal Rock MSF and Shooting Star MSF. However, having the highlighter in there makes it a nice package. I would have bought this if I didn't have those other bronzing MSFs.
Intenso - I liked this one but when I tried it on, it looked alot like Gleeful and Merrily on me. If you don't have either of those, you should consider this. It's very pretty "intense" rose. The MA put way too much on at first because he didn't realize it was so pigmented. I passed on this because I had Merrily.
Earth to Earth - I wanted to like this one...but I just didn't in person. The blush side doesn't do much for me when I tried it on, it shimmers and sparkles, but the color is pretty close to my skintone and it's kinda flat and boring. The purple marble side was really pretty on my hand but when we put it on my cheek, it just looked muddy and messy with the blush side. I passed on this.
Grand Duo - This one was super gorgeous! But also super similar to Love Thing, which I had. If you don't have Love Thing, you should get this one! I liked the highlighting side too. I didn't both trying this one on.
Love Rock - This was another one that I wanted to love...but when I tried it on my face, it looked really ashy and fake and not good. The pink just didn't blend well with my skin and skintone and I love pinks! The MA even said it didn't really work for me and steered me away from it.
Hot Planet - This was so weird, the blush color looked purple plum in the pan but then when it was on my hand, it came out more deep rose. I didn't actually think this one was super unique, so I passed on this too.
Overall, alot of them are similar to the Sonic Chic ones and aren't that unique in my opinion. However, if you are looking for a certain color to round out your collection they are worth getting. My pics would be Grand Duo, Intenso, and Light Over Dark for anyone my skin tone.
As a bonus, the MA showed me what he had in testers in Sugar Sweet!! We tried on both MSFs and I love them both! They are pretty sheer, but it was a nice glow. Perfect topping is a bit cooler and Refined warmer -- but super super sheer. Bubbles lipstick is really pretty! I don't know if I'd wear it alone but he suggested mixing it in with other lipsticks. The lipglosses were really pretty in person but I didn't try them on. Swatched some of the shade sticks -- the cream one is pretty! Dear Cupcake seems like a hard color to wear, pigment, but seems like it would sit on top of your skin. Sugarshot was a nice cream with slight sparkle but a little chunky to work with. Aquavert was smooth, and pigmented minty green. I missed out on that one before, so I might pick that one up.
The MA was so nice, he kinda talked me out of buying more of the Grand Duos since I really liked the MSFs in Sugarsweet and I had alot of the Sonic Chic blushes. I ended up signing up for an event they are having next weekend for Sugarsweet.
Anyway, hope that helps you guys!
allThingsGirl
Well-known member
Quote:
I think if you love MSFs that much and Intenso is the ONLY one you are connsidering not getting, you should just get that one too. Get them all if you can afford it and swap Intenso or sell it here if you don't like it. I get like you sometimes being afraid to regret buying something, that one thing from the collection, and in the end, it always seems better for my mental state to just get it and decide over time.
Not sure if that is the best advice..
Originally Posted by Colorqueen
I am thinking of passing on Intenso, but I don't want to regret it forever more after this. Can you please help? I can never see these in person before I buy them so I have to order online only sight unseen. Thanks! 
|
I think if you love MSFs that much and Intenso is the ONLY one you are connsidering not getting, you should just get that one too. Get them all if you can afford it and swap Intenso or sell it here if you don't like it. I get like you sometimes being afraid to regret buying something, that one thing from the collection, and in the end, it always seems better for my mental state to just get it and decide over time.
TISH1124
Well-known member
Quote:
This was a great review and almost my thoughts exactly I am so excited that I will be getting the two MSF's from SS..I see them as being the best blush toppers as well!! Excited to see them in person on Monday!!
Not to mention for the price difference 10g sounds better than 3.2g
22.50 and 27.00
| Originally Posted by allThingsGirl
As a bonus, the MA showed me what he had in testers in Sugar Sweet!! We tried on both MSFs and I love them both! They are pretty sheer, but it was a nice glow. Perfect topping is a bit cooler and Refined warmer -- but super super sheer. The MA was so nice, he kinda talked me out of buying more of the Grand Duos since I really liked the MSFs in Sugarsweet and I had alot of the Sonic Chic blushes. I ended up signing up for an event they are having next weekend for Sugarsweet. Anyway, hope that helps you guys! |
This was a great review and almost my thoughts exactly I am so excited that I will be getting the two MSF's from SS..I see them as being the best blush toppers as well!! Excited to see them in person on Monday!!
22.50 and 27.00
snowflakelashes
Well-known member
I caved, and ordered moon river. So far I'm glad you guys swatched tippy vs love rock. Honestly if I could have not got tippy i like the love rock swatches better but I need to curb spending big time. So tippy + lucent as highlight will have to fill my 'love rock' void for now. I have MSF's from sugar sweet , and BP's from rose romance, and... so many more things to think about from other future collections... i'm sure much that I haven't even heard of yet. I DID order the brush as I don't have anything like it. So I think it will be a good addition to my brush arsenal!
BloodMittens
Well-known member
Pleasantry and Love Rock? Are they both that similar?
ashpardesi
Well-known member
Quote:
Yep you are right!Pls post swatches when you get back home with those MSF on monday
BTW i paid 21:00$/duo at mac in macys today..its 22.50$ online..so saved 6$ in all for 4 duos
| Originally Posted by TISH1127
This was a great review and almost my thoughts exactly I am so excited that I will be getting the two MSF's from SS..I see them as being the best blush toppers as well!! Excited to see them in person on Monday!!
22.50 and 27.00 |
Yep you are right!Pls post swatches when you get back home with those MSF on monday
BTW i paid 21:00$/duo at mac in macys today..its 22.50$ online..so saved 6$ in all for 4 duos
BloodMittens
Well-known member
Quote:
I saw this as well. But a bunch of them show the other side as being a bit brighter :O I guess all together they are pretty darned similar.
Originally Posted by TISH1127
|
I saw this as well. But a bunch of them show the other side as being a bit brighter :O I guess all together they are pretty darned similar.
allThingsGirl
Well-known member
Quote:
Wow, when you put it that way in terms of price per gram, I am more excited about them.
| Originally Posted by TISH1127
This was a great review and almost my thoughts exactly I am so excited that I will be getting the two MSF's from SS..I see them as being the best blush toppers as well!! Excited to see them in person on Monday!!
22.50 and 27.00 |
Wow, when you put it that way in terms of price per gram, I am more excited about them.
Hellokittyqt87
Well-known member
I bought love rock yesterday.I love this pink its soo pretty .I used to mix benefit showoff's in bambi and powder puff to get this color.Earth to earth was soo pretty swatched but on my skin not so much.I bought it for my kit anyway.I will get to admire it one someone else one day.I think I'm gonna go back for moon river and grand duo.
darkishstar
Well-known member
Hot Planet... I want youuuuuu.
Oh gosh, someone tell me otherwise!
Anyone with NC30 check out this color?
Oh gosh, someone tell me otherwise!
Anyone with NC30 check out this color?
bis
Well-known member
Quote:
Elegant, did the Mineralized Blushes fade on you? And if they did, are the Grand Duo blushes fading on you as well? TIA.
| Originally Posted by elegant-one
Just got my Blushes = 
They are soooo gorgeous on!!!! Love Rock is the prettiest soft true pink on & the marbled side just very lightly brushed over it gives a soft focus, slightly glowy look. If you love Raspberry pink blushes, you need Grand Duo. Its such a pretty pretty Raspberry pink shade! I didn't have any foundation on & these blushes made my skin look flawless & soft. I may have to get Hot Planet now
|
Elegant, did the Mineralized Blushes fade on you? And if they did, are the Grand Duo blushes fading on you as well? TIA.
NatalieMT
Well-known member
I have to say I think the Grand Duos have better staying power than that Mineralize blushes, I'm not really sure why but after a long day I find the Mineralize blushes do not look as good as when they first went on.
Especially Warm Soul, I love it but it's problematic! Whereas the other day I wore Intenso to a photoshoot = hot lights etc and I'd almost be tempted to say my makeup looked better worn for a little bit than it did straight on. Which might seem weird! It's a really pretty colour, vibrant but not too much, my new lover. I was wearing the new Studio Sculpt foundation line underneath and again no shineys, that stuff was sent from heaven I swear.
I'm going to attempt to beautify myself this afternoon with Moon River (not feeling so hot today though!) and go to my Nan's. Love my Nan's opinion on my face, it's hilarious. I'll report back! She's started making me buy her eyeshadows now on my lunch break at work! Then tells me which ones she's wearing then. It's so cute.
Especially Warm Soul, I love it but it's problematic! Whereas the other day I wore Intenso to a photoshoot = hot lights etc and I'd almost be tempted to say my makeup looked better worn for a little bit than it did straight on. Which might seem weird! It's a really pretty colour, vibrant but not too much, my new lover. I was wearing the new Studio Sculpt foundation line underneath and again no shineys, that stuff was sent from heaven I swear.
I'm going to attempt to beautify myself this afternoon with Moon River (not feeling so hot today though!) and go to my Nan's. Love my Nan's opinion on my face, it's hilarious. I'll report back! She's started making me buy her eyeshadows now on my lunch break at work! Then tells me which ones she's wearing then. It's so cute.
Mamalicious
Member
Quote:
Hi, it is €8.38 so that is in CAD 13.81
| Originally Posted by kiss
Out of curiousity, what is the minimum wage down there in CAD? |
Hi, it is €8.38 so that is in CAD 13.81
Colorqueen
Well-known member
Quote:
That is pretty much the conclusion I am coming to. Since I use MSFs constantly and they are literally the most important product I use, I think it is probably best for my stress level to just get them all and if I really hate one, I can swap or return it.
| Originally Posted by allThingsGirl
I think if you love MSFs that much and Intenso is the ONLY one you are connsidering not getting, you should just get that one too. Get them all if you can afford it and swap Intenso or sell it here if you don't like it. I get like you sometimes being afraid to regret buying something, that one thing from the collection, and in the end, it always seems better for my mental state to just get it and decide over time.
|
That is pretty much the conclusion I am coming to. Since I use MSFs constantly and they are literally the most important product I use, I think it is probably best for my stress level to just get them all and if I really hate one, I can swap or return it.
Colorqueen
Well-known member
Quote:
That helps a lot- thanks!
| Originally Posted by MrsMay
I have Intenso, and when swatched on my hand it reminds me of a darker version of Stereo Rose... I also have Merrily and to me, Intenso is more of a corally brick colour rather than the straight red that Merrily is. I tried to wear Intenso today but I was too heavy handed and took it off and applied Fun & Games instead lol... I have to try again when I have more time to see how I can get this to work! |
That helps a lot- thanks!
Colorqueen
Well-known member
Quote:
Because I am constantly doing images changes, I use all types of blush. I also am always trying to build up my kit for when I do more MU jobs in the future again, so that is always a consideration (or a problem depending on you how look at it- HAHAHA)
I am thinking that since MSF is the most important thing in my kit, I should probably get them all. Having blush colors that don't turn is my only drawback, but I am thinking that since they seem to be more like the MSF than the Mineralized blushes, perhaps they will be fine?
(says hopefully)
Thanks!
(BTW, I can not make the multi=quote button work for me- sorry for the multiple posts. If anyone is willing to teach me, I am willing to learn
)
| Originally Posted by ashpardesi
If you like bright blushes..then you might like love rock,intenso,grandduo and hot planet and on the lighter side -moon river( a corally peach pink) if you are of lighter skintone..If you want a bronzey look,you might like light over dark...If you are a msf addict i am sure you will want them all..lol
|
Because I am constantly doing images changes, I use all types of blush. I also am always trying to build up my kit for when I do more MU jobs in the future again, so that is always a consideration (or a problem depending on you how look at it- HAHAHA)
I am thinking that since MSF is the most important thing in my kit, I should probably get them all. Having blush colors that don't turn is my only drawback, but I am thinking that since they seem to be more like the MSF than the Mineralized blushes, perhaps they will be fine?
(says hopefully)
Thanks!
(BTW, I can not make the multi=quote button work for me- sorry for the multiple posts. If anyone is willing to teach me, I am willing to learn
Colorqueen
Well-known member
Quote:
Your experiences seem similar to mine, so I am thinking that I should probably get all of the Grand Duos. Mineralized blushes did not impress me either. I regretted buying them all. Only one or two of them seemed to work out REALLY well.
Thanks for the input- it helps a LOT
(again, sorry for the multiple separate posts- I just can not figure out how to make the multi-quote button to work
)
| Originally Posted by NatalieMT
I have to say I think the Grand Duos have better staying power than that Mineralize blushes, I'm not really sure why but after a long day I find the Mineralize blushes do not look as good as when they first went on. Especially Warm Soul, I love it but it's problematic! Whereas the other day I wore Intenso to a photoshoot = hot lights etc and I'd almost be tempted to say my makeup looked better worn for a little bit than it did straight on. Which might seem weird! It's a really pretty colour, vibrant but not too much, my new lover. I was wearing the new Studio Sculpt foundation line underneath and again no shineys, that stuff was sent from heaven I swear. I'm going to attempt to beautify myself this afternoon with Moon River (not feeling so hot today though!) and go to my Nan's. Love my Nan's opinion on my face, it's hilarious. I'll report back! She's started making me buy her eyeshadows now on my lunch break at work! Then tells me which ones she's wearing then. It's so cute. |
Your experiences seem similar to mine, so I am thinking that I should probably get all of the Grand Duos. Mineralized blushes did not impress me either. I regretted buying them all. Only one or two of them seemed to work out REALLY well.
Thanks for the input- it helps a LOT
(again, sorry for the multiple separate posts- I just can not figure out how to make the multi-quote button to work
elegant-one
Well-known member
Quote:
Nope! Really, none of my blushes fade on me. The GD blushes are really pigmented, so that may give them more staying power.
| Originally Posted by bis
Elegant, did the Mineralized Blushes fade on you? And if they did, are the Grand Duo blushes fading on you as well? TIA. |
Nope! Really, none of my blushes fade on me. The GD blushes are really pigmented, so that may give them more staying power.
