Here at Milabu Co., we take a lot of consideration when testing products, past the simple “is it good or not?” We’ve developed our own rating systems to reflect what we think are the most important elements when considering if a product is good or not. The most important element is if a product meets its claims. Brands can claim what they want, but will the product actually deliver? We strive to be unbiased in our ratings and test products thoroughly to get a full picture of the performance. Do keep in mind what works or doesn’t work for us, might be a bit different for you. That’s why we keep our ratings based on performance and state our opinions clearly.

Because the makeup world is full of so many different products, we have developed rating charts for different categories, to include Face Bases, Complexion Enhancers, Mascara, Eye Color, Lips, and more. Our ratings are subject to change as new products enter the beauty market and as technology develops.

At the end of the day, makeup is meant to be fun! The beauty community is always growing and there is an overwhelming amount of products going viral. We’re here to get straight to the point with you (and your dollars) in mind.

RATING CATEGORIES


BLUSH VALUE ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

This is the price for the amount of product. Is it worth it’s price tag?

The average amount of liquid formula is 0.37 fl oz; cream in a pot/compact is 0.18 oz; cream stick packaging is 0.25 oz; cream in a squeeze tube 0.35 fl oz; pressed powder blush 0.20 oz.

*** (1 – 3)

Outrageous price for performance and volume. Wasteful packaging

Value:

>$25

Pro & luxury

$70+

**** (3 – 4)

Meets some claims; Priced right for its performance; Average amount of product

Value:

$25 – $15

Pro & luxury

$70 – $45

***** (4 – 5)

Meets all claims; Excellent performance for its price; Functional packaging

Value:

$15 – $5

Pro & luxury

$45 – $20


BRONZER/CONTOUR VALUE ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

This is the price for the amount of product. Is it worth it’s price tag?

The average amount of liquid formula is 0.37 fl oz; cream in a pot/compact is 0.30 oz; cream stick packaging is 0.25 oz; pressed powder bronzer 0.34 oz.

*** (1 – 3)

Outrageous price for performance and volume; Wasteful packaging

Value

>$25

Pro & luxury

$70+

**** (3 – 4)

Meets some claims; Priced right for its performance; Average amount of product

Value

$25 – $15

Pro & luxury

$70 – $45

***** (4 – 5)

Meets all claims; Excellent performance for its price; Functional packaging

Value

$15 – $5

Pro & luxury

$45 – $20


HIGHLIGHT VALUE ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

This is the price for the amount of product. Is it worth it’s price tag?

The average amount of liquid formula is 0.5 fl; cream in a pot/compact is 0.17 oz; cream stick packaging is 0.25 oz; pressed powder highlight 0.31 oz.

*** (1 – 3)

Outrageous price for performance and volume; Wasteful packaging

Value

>$25

Pro & luxury

$70+

**** (3 – 4)

Meets some claims; Priced right for its performance; Average amount of product

Value

$25 – $15

Pro & luxury

$70 – $45

***** (4 – 5)

Meets all claims; Excellent performance for its price; Functional packaging

Value

$15 – $5

Pro & luxury

$45 – $20


APPLICATION ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

How easy is it to blend and build pigment? What application tools work best?

*** (1 – 3)

Virtually un-blendable; Hard to build pigment; Lifts other makeup

**** (3 – 4)

Needs some TLC to apply; May need multiple tools; Easy to build pigment

***** (4 – 5)

Can blend with any tool; Extremely buildable and blendable


FINISH ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

How pigmented? Is the texture smooth, skin-like, airbrushed, accentuate pores, etc?

*** (1 – 3)

Accentuates texture; Patchy finish; Clings to dry spots & texture

**** (3 – 4)

Minimal texture exaggeration; Not patchy

***** (4 – 5)

Doesn’t accentuate texture; Airbrushed finish; Skin-like; Smooth finish


LONGEVITY ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

Does it meet product wear time? If it’s a long wear promise, does it wear for at least 8 hours? Free of touch-ups, blotting, extra setting powder/spray, or added hydration. Does the pigment fade, does the formula move around?

*** (1 – 3)

< 4 Hours

**** (3 – 4)

4-8 Hours

***** (4 – 5)

8+ Hours


EXTRA BENEFITS ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

This includes things like waterproof, sweat/humidity resistant, creaseproof, clean formulated, sustainability practices, oil controlling properties, dermatologist tested, formulated for sensitive skin.

*** (1 – 3)

3 benefits or less; Obscure claims, such as specific patented technologies

**** (3 – 4)

Waterproof; Transfer resistant; Creaseproof; Sweat/humidity resistant; Fragrance free; Oil free; Noncomedogenic; Dermatologist tested; Cruelty free; Vegan

***** (4 – 5)

Inclusive shade range; Cruelty free; Vegan; Clean ingredients; Sustainability practices; Skincare benefits; Plus other benefits

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