Offshore beauty - gorgeous MAC-a-like blush from Kiko cosmetics, Italy

Sarah Fisher writes...

This morning I was thrilled to receive a package from a wonderful makeupalley.com swapper in Italy, who sent me some products from the Italian brand Kiko. I 've fallen for one item in particular - the Kiko Bling Blush. For it's gorgeous shiny chrome-like packaging, funky design and its similarity to a long-time favourite of mine, MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish.

Bling Blush in Bejewelled Beige is a domed cake of powder with a swirling, multi-hued design. I'm seeing bronze, beige, cream and teal blue in mine. Marbled powders like these were pioneered by MAC with their Mineralize blushes, eyeshadows and Skinfinishes, but have since been duped in the likes of Too Faced's Galaxy Glam Baked Eyeshadow and Laura Geller's Marble Eyeshadow ranges. It's an effect I love not just for it's intriguing look in the pan, but for the multi-dimensional effect it gives when applied.

So - Bling Blush lives in a highly reflective gunmetal-coloured compact embossed with the "Bling" logo in shimmery letters. The compact comes with a mirror and has a chunky, satisfying feel to it. I have to say it's much better build quality than the compact of MAC's MSF. I would be happy to sling this in a handbag without fearing shattering or other calamities.

Applied, the fine-milled powder creates a subtle shimmering bronzer effect - perfect timing for this weather we're having. It gives a subtle sun-kissed look, even to my very pasty skin.

You can browse Kiko cosmetics online at www.kiko.it, although there is no direct way to buy them in the UK at present. If you happen to be travelling to Italy over the summer, make sure to check this gem of a product out at one of Kiko's many regional stockists.

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