HOW WE RATE FOUNDATION
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 usual amount of foundation is 1 fl oz. For a cream in a pot or stick/pressed powder foundation, the average amount of product is 0.32 oz.
| * (1 – 3) Outrageous price for performance and volume. Wasteful packaging | *** (3 – 4) Meets some claims; Priced right for its performance; Average amount of product. | ***** (4 – 5) Meets all claims; Excellent performance for its price; Functional packaging |
| Value: >$25 Pro & luxury: $70+ | Value: $25 – $15 Pro & luxury: $70 – $50 | Value: $15 – $5 Pro & luxury: $50-$30 |
APPLICATION ***** (1.0 – 5.0)
How easy is it to blend? What application tools work best?
| * (1 – 1.5) Virtually un-blendable; Cannot work in any way | ** (2 – 2.5) Lifts other makeup; Pilling; Patchy; Needs some TLC to apply | *** (2.5 – 3) Patchy; Clings to imperfections; Need multiple tools |
| *** (3 – 4) Can be hard to blend; Can make it work with at least one tool | **** (4 – 4.5) Applies easily with brush, sponge, or fingers | ***** (5) Foolproof; Can apply with any tool; Blends with ease |
COVERAGE ***** (1.0 – 5.0)
Is it buildable, light, medium, or full?
| * (1 – 1.5) Cannot Build; No coverage; Clings to imperfections. | ** (2 – 2.5) Patchy; Uneven application; Clings to imperfections. | *** (2.5 – 3) Can make it work, but has limitations; Looks heavy and cakey |
| *** (3.5 – 4) Buildable; Can make it work with multiple tools | **** (4 – 4.5) Buildable with the right tools to conceal imperfections | ***** (5) Buildable; Conceals imperfections with ease |
TEXTURE ***** (1.0 – 5.0)
Is it lightweight or heavy? Does the product exaggerate imperfections, such as: settle into pores, fine lines, wrinkles, or exaggerate dryness, bumps, and uneven texture?
| * (1 – 3) Looks heavy, cakey, or crepey on the skin; Immediate creasing and settling; Exaggerates imperfections | *** (3 – 4) Doesn’t look cakey; At least 6 hours of wear with minimal settling, creasing, or exaggerating imperfections | ***** (4 – 5) Minimal settling, creasing, exaggerating imperfections, and virtually undetectable after 8+ hours of wear |
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 formula oxidize or does it stay true to color?
| * (1 – 1.5) > 4 Hours | ** (1.5 – 2.5) 4-6 Hours | *** (2.5 – 3.5) 6-8 Hours |
| *** (3.5 – 4.5) 8-10 Hours | **** (4.5 – 5) 10-12 Hours | ***** (5) 12+ Hours |
SHADE RANGE ***** (1.0 – 5.0)
Is it inclusive for skin color and undertones? A variety of warm, cool, and neutral should be present. Is there enough of a range for your perfect shade, or will you need multiples to mix? Here’s how we decide a star rating based on number of shades.
| * (1 – 1.5) > 10 Shades | ** (1.5 – 2.5) 10-15 Shades | *** (2.5 – 3.5) 15-25 Shades |
| *** (3.5 – 4) 25-35 Shades | **** (4.0 – 5) 35-50 Shades | ***** (5) 50+ Shades |
EXTRA BENEFITS ***** (1.0 – 5.0)
This includes things like SPF/blue light protection, waterproof, sweat/humidity resistant, creaseproof, clean formulated, sustainability practices, oil controlling properties, dermatologist tested, formulated for sensitive skin.
| * (>3) 3 benefits or less; Obscure claims such as specific, patented technologies | *** (3 – 4) Waterproof; Transfer resistant; Contains SPF; Creaseproof; Sweat/humidity resistant; Fragrance free; Oil free; Noncomedogenic; Dermatologist tested | **** (4 – 5) Cruelty free, vegan, and clean ingredients + sustainability practices; Skincare benefits; Plus other benefits |