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


VALUE ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

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

The average amount for brow retractable pencil is 0.003 oz. The average amount for brow retractable pencil (oblong, triangle, rectangle shape) is 0.015 oz. The average amount for brow sharpen-able pencil is 0.035 oz. The average amount for brow pomade (pot) is 0.12 oz. The average amount for brow pen is 0.02 oz. The average amount for brow powder is 0.07 oz. The average amount for tinted brow gel is 0.12 oz. The average amount for brow gel (clear) is 0.17 oz. The average amount for brow wax (pot, liquid) is 0.20 oz. For a brow wax (pencil) is 0.044 oz.

* (1 – 2)

Outrageous price for performance and volume. Wasteful packaging

Value

$25+

Pro & luxury

$50+

*** (2 – 4)

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

Value

$25 – $15

Pro & luxury

$50 – $30

***** (4 – 5)

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

Value

$15 – $5

Pro & luxury

$30 – $15


APPLICATION ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

Is the formula easy to apply? Is the applicator user friendly, precise? Is the formula blendable?

*** (1 – 3)

Formula is hard to work with; applicator is not precise or user friendly; cannot build or layer or blend

**** (3 – 4)

Formula is workable with TLC; applicator is user friendly and somewhat precise; formula is blendable

***** (4 – 5)

Formula is creamy and blendable; applicator is foolproof; applicator stays precise


PIGMENT ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

How pigmented and opaque is eyebrow formula? With one swipe can you achieve full pigmented shade? *Not applicable to clear brow products.

*** (1 – 3)

Hard to achieve pigment with multiple strokes; patching results

**** (3 – 4)

Can achieve pigment with 2 strokes or less;

***** (4 – 5)

Achieve full pigment with one stroke; not patchy

TEXTURE/FINISH ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

*Applicable to brow gel and brow wax. Does the brow gel/wax look flakey or crusty on the brows? Are brow hair lifted if applicable?

*** (1 – 3)

brow gel/wax flakes; brow hairs look crusty; hard to lift brow hairs

**** (3 – 4)

minimal flaking with brow gel/wax; can achieve minimal lifting

***** (4 – 5)

no flaking with brow gel/wax; brows are lifted without looking harsh


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 smudging, transferring, drying out, flaking, etc.

* (1 – 2)

< 4 Hours:

** (2 – 3)

4-6 Hours:

*** (3 – 4)

6-10 Hours:

**** (4 – 5)

10+ Hours:


EXTRA BENEFITS ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

This includes claims such as water resistant and/or waterproof, sweat/humidity resistant, transfer proof, flake free, clean formulation, sustainability practices, Ophthalmologist tested, suitable for sensitive eyes & contact lens wearers.

*** (>3)

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

**** (3 – 4)

Water Resistant; Transfer resistant; Smudge Proof; Flake Free; Sweat/humidity resistant; Unique or specific applicator; Ophthalmologist tested; cruelty free; vegan

***** (4 – 5)

Cruelty free, vegan, and clean ingredients + sustainability practices; Skincare benefits; Plus other benefits

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