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 of liquid eyeshadows is 0.1 oz.

Stick eyeshadows average 0.05 oz of product.

The average amount of cream shadows (pots/tubes) is 0.1oz.

Standard pressed shadows average 0.05oz of product.

Loose shadows, glitter, eye pigments average 0.05oz.

* (1.0 – 3.0)

Outrageous price for performance and volume. Wasteful packaging

Value (single): >$15 Value (palette): >$10

Pro & luxury (Single): >$50 Pro & luxury (palette): >$25

*** (3.0 – 4.0)

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

Value (single): $15 – $10 Value (palette): $10 – $5

Pro & luxury (Single): $45 – $30 Pro & luxury (palette): $25 – $15

***** (4.0 – 5.0)

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

Value (single): $10 – $5 Value (palette): $5 – $1

Pro & luxury (single): $30 – $15 Pro & luxury (palette): $15 – $5


APPLICATION ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

Is it patchy? How easy is it to blend? What application tools work best (fingers vs brush)? Is it buildable or can it be layered? Can the formula be used wet or dry?

* (1 – 2.0)

Virtually un-blendable; Cannot work in any way; Lots of fallout; Patchy; Cannot be layered/built; Can only be used wet or dry

** (2.0 – 4.0)

Blends, but needs some TLC; Works with one tool; Can be tricky to build/layer; Minimal fallout; Can be used wet or dry

*** (4.0 – 5.0)

Not patchy; Blendable; Can be applied with fingers or brush; Builds and layers; Little to no fallout; Can be used wet or dry


PIGMENT ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

Can you achieve sheer to bold color? Is it patchy? Is it true to color (do cool tones stay cool/warm tones stay warm)?

* (1.0 – 2.0)

Cannot build; Not versatile; Patchy; Not true to color

** (2.0 – 4.0)

Stays true to color; Can be tricky to build; Swatches better than applies; Need an eyeshadow primer for best color payoff

*** (4.0 – 5.0)

Doesn’t require eyeshadow primer; Sheer to bold color; True to color; Versatile


LONGEVITY ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

How does it wear? Does the eyeshadow require a primer for best wear? Does it crease quickly or smudge?

* (1.0 – 2.0)

Immediate creasing; Fades quickly even with primer; Transfer; Continuous fallout

** (2.0 – 4.0)

Wears at least 8 hours with eyeshadow primer; Minimal transfer; Minimal fading

*** (4.0 – 5.0)

Smudge-proof, budge-proof, creaseproof wear with or without a primer


EXTRA BENEFITS ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

This includes things like primer infused, SPF/blue light protection, waterproof, sweat/humidity resistant, clean formulated, sustainability practices, dermatologist tested, ophthalmologist tested, safe for contact lens wearers, formulated for sensitive skin.

* (1.0 – 3.0)

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

*** (3.0 – 4.0)

Waterproof; Contains SPF; Sweat/humidity resistant; Fragrance free; Oil free; Ophthalmologist tested; Dermatologist tested

**** (4.0 – 5.0)

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

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