When Milk Makeup landed at Cult Beauty in February I was more excited than I care to admit. While I had tried a few pieces that a friend had picked up for me in 2017, there was so many products in the range that piqued my interest. The brand are cruelty-free, paraben-free and 100% vegan. Their packaging is pretty unique – a lot of the products come in sticks, even the face masks) and they focus on having an epic colour-payoff while being super-nourishing. Because the brand was founded alongside Milk Studios in NY and LA, they know how to infuse creativity and promote inclusivity. It’s an all-round good brand. Here’s what I think of the products I’ve tried so far.
I was so excited to get my hands on this. The Lip + Cheek sticks are one of Milk Makeup’s most popular products and this shade, Werk, is the favourite. It has a creamy consistency that glides on smoothly. Pat it on lightly for a subtle flush and amp up the colour by applying a few layers. Super easy.
Eye Pigment in Hotel Lobby – 9
When I say this does not budge, I mean this truly does not budge. Even with my oily eyelids, this stuff stays on all day. It’s incredible. I like a light, champagne eyeshadow for days where I’m not trying too hard or want to spend too long on my makeup, and this ticks all my boxes. It has a subtle sheen and is easy to apply both with fingers and with a brush.
A simple primer than tones down shine? I’m sold. It gives a nice smooth surface to the skin and it great for prepping before make-up. It does feel quite thick, but all trace of shine is removed with one swipe.
I’m always on the hunt for a concealer that covers my imperfections and stays put on my oily skin but looks natural and doesn’t cake, and I think I may have found it here. The Flex Concealer is smooth, lightweight but still covers those monster spots I just can’t get rid of. This is new purchase for me so I haven’t fully tested it yet, but so far, I am incredibly impressed.
Blur + Set Matte Loose Setting Powder – 8
I’ve been searching for a powder that can control my oil for my whole life. This Blur + Set one does a pretty good job. It’s light on the skin, doesn’t feel cakey and gives a nice finish. I’m sure it’ll keep the average person matte all day, but I’m shiny within a few hours which is why it doesn’t quite reach a 10.
KUSH High Volume Mascara – 6(?)
I’m having a love-hate relationship with this one. The whole Milk Kush range is really interesting to me, and I couldn’t wait to test out this mascara. It’s not consistent with its results though, some days I have amazing, long, fanned-out lashes with no clumps and others I have the shortest lashes in the world and it’s 90% clumps.
I love a good cleanser, and while I liked the originality of the Matcha Cleanser, it doesn’t quite make the cut for me. I like that it’s got approval for air travel thanks to its tiny size, I found the exfoliants in it quite grating on the skin (but it’s great that they aren’t microbeads!), but I imagine if you like a physical exfoliant, you’d love this.
Matcha Detoxifying Face Mask – 8
Another new purchase that I haven’t fully tested out, but am already loving. It’s quite unique to have a face mask in a stick form, but it makes a lot of sense. There’s no mess and it slides easily across the skin. While it doesn’t completely clear up all my congestion and fix my pesky spots, I do feel like my skin in brighter and fresher afterwards.
This is the next step after the Matcha Cleanser, and again, I’m not crazy about it. It’s light and refreshing on the skin, but I didn’t notice it ~doing~ anything. But it looks cute and smells nice.
My brows are my life, and they’ve been through a lot. They deserve to have a nice brow pencil to make them pretty. After a lot of trial and error (including a love affair with the overpriced and overhyped Anastasia Brow Wiz) I found Gel Brow. It’s creamy. It’s pigmented. It sharpens to the perfect point. I love it.