5 Must-Haves from Milani Cosmetics

I Purchased This

I've been doing a lot more makeup looks lately (which I'll eventually post on here) and realized that while I've done a lot of reviews, it'd be really handy to write about overall brand recommendations on the blog. One of the best and most consistent drugstore brands is Milani and I'll be talking about my personal 5 must-haves from them. I'll eventually be covering my picks from other drugstore, mid-end, and indie brands!

Milani is available at CVS and also MilaniCosmetics.com

Photos courtesy of Milani Cosmetics

Brow Shaping Clear Wax

When I was still using eyebrow powder for filling in my eyebrows, this brow shaping clear wax was a must-have as a primer. The powder and the wax would sort of mix together and form a light pomade onto my brows. I've switched over to a heavier brow gel so I am not using this as much but if you're searching for a product just to give hold to your brows or as a primer before using eyebrow powder, you'll like this! This is valued at $4.49. 

Easyliner for Lips

Although retractable liners don't come with as much product as liners that you can sharpen, I still tend to prefer them since they can be creamier to use. I happen to like these Easyliners for that purpose, creamy while still being pigmented and I don't have to deal with the mess of a sharpener. These are valued at $4.99

Color Statement Lipsticks 

Although these lipsticks are what I consider must-haves from the line, I will be honest and say that the smell gets to me (it's an artificial watermelon scent). If you can get over the scents, you'd be hard pressed to find any lipsticks in such a wide range of colors and textures in the drugstore. These are creamy and don't drag on the lips. They are valued at $5.49 each. 

Eyeshadow Primer

In my opinion, there's no better drugstore primer out there. The formula is similar to Too Faced Shadow Insurance in performance and feel but there's no separation problem like with the TF Shadow Insurance. It does a great job at preventing creasing on my eyelids and doesn't impair blending of pressed or loose eyeshadows. For only $6.49 it's worth a try (plus the packaging is an excellent squeeze tube that hasn't exploded on me).

Baked Blushes

The baked blushes have a wonderful texture with lots of payoff. Unfortunately my favorite shade by them is discontinued but there are other wonderful shades in the line. I will say that the downside to the line is that the colors are primarily shimmery but there are two mattes available if you're not into shimmer like I am. These are valued at $7.99 each.

Do you have any picks from Milani that I didn't list here? What do you like from the brand?

Disclaimer: I purchased the products mentioned in this post. All opinions are my own. I wasn't compensated for this post.

High Voltage Glamazon FOTD

Gift

About a month ago, I entered to win some Milani Cosmetics on Aprill/Glitter.Gloss.Garbage's blog in her Milani Cosmetics Beauty Stylist of the Month Giveaway. She styled a "High Voltage Glamazon" look around a red lip with a "less is more" mantra though the look in question can be worn with any bold lip color.

I won the giveaway and was one of ten who got an amazing box of goodies to recreate her look. Inside was a Milani eyeshadow primer, three eyeshadows in Pearl, Caramel Brown, and Brown Stone, an Easybrow Automatic Pencil in Dark Brown, a Liquid Eye Liquid-Like Pencil in Brown, a Runway Lashes Instant Volume Mascara in Black, a Baked Blush in Rose D'oro, a Easyliner for Lips Pencil in Cherry Pie, and Color Statement Lipstick in High Voltage. All of this retailed for about $60.00.

I recreated the High Voltage Glamazon look using all the products with the exception of the Runway Lashes Instant Volume Mascara and that's because I can't use nonwaterproof mascaras on my curled eyelashes. I substituted it with my Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Volumizing Mascara. I also modified the look slightly by blending Brown Stone over the eyeliner to soften the line. The foundation I was using is Wet n Wild's Coverall Foundation in Medium/Tan. Other than that, I followed the look to the t.

I didn't have the foresight to check if my closeup eye pictures were in focus so I've only got a closed eye picture. 

 I did have some trouble initially with the twistup mechanism for the Easybrow Automatic Pencil and Liquid Eye Liquid-Like Eyeliner Pencil where it wouldn't twist up but it eventually did. I had no problems with the twistup mechanism with the Easyliner for Lips Retractable Pencil.

If you want to recreate this look, you can purchase all the products and read the step by step information on Milani's website. Thank you Milani and Aprill for the giveaway!

I'd love to see you guys recreate this look!

Milani Flamingo Pose & Sangria Color Statement Lipstick Swatches and Review

I purchased this

I could easily be accused of getting on the bandwagon when it comes to these Milani Color Statement lipsticks and you'd be right to think so. Milani revamped their Color Statement Lipstick line and came out with all sorts of pinks, reds, and even a few purples and I got my hands on two, Flamingo Pose and Sangria.

Where to purchase: Milani Cosmetics, Drugstores

Price: $5.49 for .14 oz/3.97 grams

Do they test on animals? They do not test on animals.

Packaging: The lipsticks are packaged in a gold metal tube with a color swatch corresponding to the lipstick color at the bottom. Unfortunately, the packaging doesn't list which finish each lipstick is. If you're fastidious about fingerprints, you'll hate the packaging since it shows off fingerprints off like no other.

Product Description: Make a statement without saying a word! True Instant Color. One stroke, full coverage application. This next generation lipstick gives the ultimate in color, texture and finish. The lightweight creamy formula contains Vitamins A, C, & E to moisturize and nourish lips. Paraben-free. Available in Vinyl, Metallic, Cream, Shimmer, Pearl & Matte finish.

My Thoughts on the Formula:

I have mixed feelings on the lipsticks. First off, they've got a fruity synthetic scent that you can smell right off the bat when you open the tube. Thankfully it does dissipate some when you're wearing the lipsticks but if you're like me and picky about scents, it is a negative. In its favor, I adore the numerous colors and finishes available but I would like more info on some of the finishes and what differentiates them.

From what I can tell, the cream finish is shimmerless with some shine whereas the matte finish is also shimmerless with a flat finish; the matte is not a full on matte and has more of a satin finish. Flamingo Pose is the easier of the two to apply since it has more slip from the cream finish. Both colors actually look quite opaque on me but Sangria a little more so since it's a darker color. 

Wear time for both was about four hours+. I noticed that by the third hour, there was some feathering going on with Flamingo Pose though the color was still all there and strong. Sangria can be unforgiving; it's very persnickety so you have to have your lips perfectly exfoliated otherwise it sticks and darkens in any imperfections. Both colors stain badly, as in bright popsicle pink after only a few minutes.

If I had to pick a favorite, it'd be Sangria. It's definitely more particular about application but it is versatile since you can apply it lighter to get stain on your lips. Flamingo Pose isn't a bad color but I just prefer Sangria.

You can check out Rikki's post on the same two lipsticks (it was a coincidence I swear, I got Sangria first after mentioning purple lipsticks on Twitter and chatting with her about it and then I got Flamingo Pose after that).

Swatches

The lipstick was applied directly from the tube and the pictures were taken in natural daylight with no flash.

Flamingo Pose

Flamingo Pose is described as a "Flamingo Coral". A blazingly bright pink, verging on near neon. It's sure to grab anyone's attention.

Sangria

Sangria is described as a "Berry" and it's a deep rich berry purple, almost ranging on raisin. It applies more berry on your lips than the deep purple in the tube but it's even more purple in real life; it was a little difficult to capture the deeper tone on camera but this is fairly accurate. Lip pigmentation will play a large role in determining how deep it looks on you.

Final Thoughts

I'm willing to overlook the fruity synthetic scent for Sangria but I'm so-so on Flamingo Pose. It's not that Flamingo Pose isn't a beautiful color, it's just not doing it for me the way Sangria does though I'm liable to change my mind. I do urge you to check out the new Color Statement lipsticks as they seem to have been getting fairly universal praise. While Sangria requires perfectly exfoliated lips, the outcome is worth the effort in my opinion.

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Have you tried any of the Color Statement lipsticks from Milani? Are any catching your eye?

Disclaimer: I purchased these lipsticks myself. All opinions are my own and I'm not being compensated for the post. None of the links in this post are affilate links!

Milani Cosmetics Eyeshadow Primer - Review

Can I say it again how I've been so impressed with drugstore brands have really been stepping it up with their 2013 releases. The product lines really have been rivaling some of the more expensive mid to high end brands. It's so nice to find drugstore counterparts of some staple cosmetics so I'm happy to be reviewing the Milani Cosmetics Eyeshadow Primer. I also got the Ultrafine Liquid Eyeliner and Color Statement lipsticks to review in a bit (the shopping situation was a perfect storm for the Buy One Get One 50% off sale, $4 off $12 coupon, and my need for retail therapy!)

Where to purchase: Milani Cosmetics, CVS, Walgreens, Target, Kmart, Meijer, Fred Meyer, HEB, and Kroger

Price: $6.49 for .30 oz/ 9 milliliters 

Do they test on animals? They do not test on animals.

Packaging: The primer is in a gray squeeze tube with a nozzle tip and black cap. It's actually the same packaging as the OCC Lip Tars if you wanted to get an idea of the size.

Product Description: Intensifies and extends the wear of any shadow, over 8 hour wear. A lightweight invisible finish works on all skin tones. The primer helps provide a seamless canvas for eyeshadow application and minimizes creasing throughout the day. Makes any cream or powder eyeshadow long-wearing!

My Thoughts on the Formula/Performance

When it comes to eyeshadow primers, I'm looking for it to prevent creasing and the proof  of performance is really in the picture. The primer lived up to the 8 hour wear and beyond as I tested it for nearly 12 hours. I have naturally oily eyelids and I'm quite impressed with the results, there was a bit of fading on the inner corner and around the edges but there wasn't any creasing at all. The weather in SoCal has been heating up so I was able to put the eyeshadow through a little bit wear.

The texture of the eyeshadow primer actually reminds me of new Too Faced Shadow Insurance, it kind of has a thicker creamy, almost moussey consistency to it and does have an invisible finish on the lid. I specify new because after a few months, Too Faced Shadow Insurance separates and although you can shake it back together, it doesn't go back to the original texture. I haven't had the Milani primer long enough to report any consistency changes but I'll update the post if there ever is.

Compared to my Too Faced Shadow Insurance and Darling Girl Cosmetics Primped and Primed Eyelid Primer, the Milani primer doesn't grip the eyeshadow quite as well but it still intensifies the look of the eyeshadow. I'd say for loose eyeshadows, I still prefer my Primped and Primed Primer but for any other types or if I want to use a glitter fixative then the Milani Eyeshadow Primer works just as well. 

There are instructions on the back of the tube that suggests you wait 30 seconds for it to set before applying eyeshadows but I actually thought the primer got a better grip on the eyeshadows if I didn't wait.

Final Thoughts

If you're in the market for a drugstore eyeshadow primer that will prevent creasing, the Milani Eyeshadow Primer fits the bill. At CVS, they often have a Buy One Get One 50% deal or a Purchase $10 in Milani Cosmetics and get $3 Extrabucks deal so I'd probably hold out for one those deals before picking it up!

Disclaimer: I purchased this product myself. All opinions are my own and honest. None of the links in the post are affiliate links.

Milani Color Statement Lipstick and Lipliner Spring 2013 Launch

If you've scoped out CVS lately, you might have noticed that a lot of Milani's lip products went on clearance. Some of the colors had amazing and I was a little sad to see some go but I got this press release showing off some of the new colors that will be available in both the Color Statement Lipsticks and Color Statement Lipliners and my sadness dissipated after seeing some of the new colors (check out Violet Volt and D'Oro!).

Color Statement Lipstick



Make a statement without saying a word!  True Instant Color. One stroke, full coverage application. This next generation lipstick gives the ultimate in color, texture and finish.  The lightweight creamy formula contains Vitamins A, C, & E to moisturize and nourish lips. Paraben-free. Available in Vinyl, Metallic, Cream, Shimmer, Pearl & Matte finish.

Color Statement Lipliner


Make a statement without saying a word. True Instant Color. Satin color in one stroke application. This next generation lipliner is a long-wearing, easy-glide formula to line & fill-in your lips. Paraben-free.

If you're not following their instagram, you might want to since they've been previewing some of the new products. I'm especially looking forward to the Ultrafine Liquid Eye Liner and Eyeshadow Primer.

Anything catching your eye?

Milani HD Advanced Concealer in 02 Medium & 04 Medium Honey Swatches, Review, and Dupe Alert!

I've been eyeing these Milani HD Advanced Concealer Pens for quite some time but I didn't want to spend the $9.39 (8.49 on the Milani website) for each pen. Luckily Nouveau Cheap just posted about some Milani products on sale for 75% off at CVS so I managed to get each pen for $2.35. I actually only paid 99 cents since I had $4.00 in Extrabucks (You can combine extra bucks if you weren't aware of that, just ask your cashier first!) Each pen has .045 oz of product.

I've seen this compared to the YSL Touche Eclat but having never tried it, I can't attest to the similarities. Still though, they do look similar because both are encased in a gold metal tube with a brush dispenser and a click mechanism.

All pictures have been taken under an Ottlite!

02 Medium (the tube in the back) is more peachy/pink based whereas 04 Medium Honey (the tube closest to you) is much more yellow toned.

Closeup of the brush tip. The bristles are soft, they're not scratchy at all.

and Swatches! 02 Medium is on the left and 04 Medium Honey is on the right. Medium Honey really isn't that yellow toned, it's closer to the shade that's in the pen. Medium is actually pinker/peacher than in the pen!

The concealer "covers imperfections, dark circles, with a weightless, good-for-your-skin liquid formula that leaves a natural finish as it brightens with a soft focus for flawless skin" (From the Milani description)

Indeed, the concealers are liquidy and they don't get cakey on me. I don't have very dark circles under my eyes, just a light hint of blue discoloration and I feel like I get pretty decent coverage out of the concealer., maybe light/medium coverage? I like to use 02 Medium as a color corrector and 04 Medium Honey as a concealer over that. 04 Medium Honey is too yellow toned and dark for the rest of my face but when over 02 Medium, it works out perfectly. I didn't see any shimmer in the product. I feel like the peachy undertones in 02 do do a good job at brightening up the area, I'd say 04 Medium Honey is better as a light concealer.

I've read of people saying that it does have some longevity issues but personally I didn't experience that. I took some time lapse pictures and it lasted about 8 hours and there was still some residue after about 10 (but not enough to cover).

Here's a gif showing what my undereye area looks by itself, after an application of 02 Medium, and after an application of 02 Medium and 04 Medium Honey

The only caveat is the packaging, it's a little finicky. The first time you use it, you'll have to click quite a few times to get it to dispense. 60-80 clicks to be precise (I counted it out) and it rapidly dispenses all at once you've gotten it started the first time. When you go to use it after it's dispensed the first time, it tends to continue dispensing a little bit after you've stopped clicking. I usually do a few clicks, check to see if any has come out, and then click again. The pens do have a bit of weight to them which makes them feel a little more luxe and not cheap.

I should note that the name of the color is on the shrink wrap and there's only a small sticker on the end of the click mechanism that tells you which color number it is. There is a small window showing you which color you're using, but if you do like to have the color name on the product, you're out of luck.

Dupe alert time! I occasionally like to use the Benefit Erase Paste in No.2 Medium to help color correct the slight darkness around my eyes. I had a feeling that the Erase Paste and the Milani Concealer Pen were a little similar so I did swatches of the two.

Erase Paste is on the left, HD Concealer is on the right.

Erase Paste is a little lighter/brighter than the HD Concealer but it's a rather subtle difference. For me, I prefer the HD Concealer since I find that the Erase Paste can sometimes look cakey on my undereye. I'd say they're pretty on par with pigmentation and coverage, I couldn't really tell the difference. Also since Erase Paste is a cream, it took a little longer to dry down than the HD Concealer, which felt dryer faster. It's not a big deal but something to point out.

Would I repurchase? For $2.35 hell yes I would. In fact, I may just go to CVS to pick up a few more!

Milani HD Advanced Lip Color in Classy Nude: Swatch and Review

I won this lipstick in a giveaway that Milani held on their facebook. I asked to get a neutral shade and got it in the shade Classy Nude 102.

Milani describes it as a "3-in-1 lip color that nourishes, hydrates, and delivers a sheer wash of color with clarity and perfect radiant shine. It instantly comforts dry, chapped lips, and provides long-term moisturization"

Here's a swatch of the color.

I definitely agree about it being a sheer wash of color. Classy Nude is my perfect "my lips but better" color with shimmer. It's got a very balm-like texture and it smells a bit fruity, kind of like a mix between a lipstick smell and fruit. This is perfect for me if my lips were stained after a lip product or eating and I wanted a uniform nude look.

I found these to be average, it didn't take away moisture but I didn't think it added a whole lot of it.

It's packaged in a slim tube with a clicky twist at the end to twist up the product. The negative thing about it is how little product you get, 1.8 grams. It retails for $8.99 on the Milani website and I think I've seen it for $7 in CVS.

Darling Girl Cozy Nights and Falling Leaves FOTD

I thought I'd post a FOTD in between all of my reviews and such. You're going to get very sick of me talking and posting about Darling Girl Cosmetics I think.

I haven't gone out in a couple of days because I've been letting the sister borrow my car and I can't be bothered to actually walk outside. I'm a little sad because I just got internet on my G2 and I want to find some use for it!




Face:

Milani Baked Blush in Terra Sole

Eyes:

ELF Mineral Eye Primer

Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy

Darling Girl Cozy Nights in the inner and outer corner

Darling Girl Falling Leaves in the middle of the lid

Wet n Wild Mink Brown eyeliner for brows

Lips:

Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color in 902C Bare It All

Milani Baked Powder Blush in Terra Sole Swatch and Review

Some time ago Milani held a giveaway on their Facebook to the 1st 10000 people who liked and filled out the giveaway form. The 10000 blushes were given away fast and I was one of the lucky ones to win one!

Terra Sole is a gorgeous baked blush, described as a terra cotta color on the Milani site. You can only purchase Terra Sole online which is really unfortunate because it's the only matte blush in the line. The rest of the colors are all shimmery which I don't usually like because the shimmer sinks into my acne scars and large pores.

I don't agree with it being described as "terra cotta" because it makes me think of a more orangey hue when Terra Sole is more pinky. Online, it retails for $7.99 for 3.5 grams (the exact amount in MAC Mineralized blushes if you wanted a size comparison) There's a compartment underneath with a mirror and small brush but I found the brush worthless.

This is my first foray into the Milani blushes and I'm hoping that they come out with more matte blushes! Luminoso seems to be less shimmery than the other blushes from what I've seen in pictures but it also seems like it'd be light for my skin tone.

This is extremely pigmented by the way. You'll only need to gently tap the blush to get enough product on the brush!

The left is a swatch I did with my blush brush done heavily and the right is a finger swatch, also done heavily. It's a nice natural blush and something you can easily sheer out. I didn't feel like it was powdery or crumbly at all. Hopefully they'll decide to offer it in store!



Have you tried their Baked Blushes yet?

Goldilux Redux

Update: Everything from my giveaway is shipped! I apologize for how long it took for everything to get done but with school, the weather (ridiculous rain for California) and the holidays I got really sidetracked. International winners, it will take some time to get to you but for the domestic winners you should get it in a couple of days!

It's also my mummy's 58th birthday today :)

Anyway so you know how I said to expect more looks with Goldilux? Yeah I wasn't lying.

If you didn't get the hint, go buy this nowwww. Again there is some glitter fallout but it's worth it

Kat Von D primer
Sugarpill Goldilux
Milani Flare (This was discontinued a long time ago but MAC Coppering is similar or you can try to find it on the internet!)
NYX Sahara

I got lazy with my eyelashes and eyebrows haha