HOW WE RATE LIP PRODUCTS (LIPSTICK, LIP GLOSS, LIP CRAYON, LIP LINER, ETC.)
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
LIPSTICK 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 a bullet lipstick is 0.12 oz.
*** (1 – 3)
Outrageous price for performance and volume. Wasteful packaging
Value:
>$25
Pro & luxury
$70 – $50
**** (3 – 4)
Meets some claims; Priced right for its performance; Average amount of product.
Value:
$25 – $15
Pro & luxury
$50 – $35
***** (4 – 5)
Meets all claims; Excellent performance for its price; Functional packaging
Value:
$15 – $5
Pro & luxury
$35 – $20
LIQUID LIPSTICK 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 lipstick is 0.24 oz.
*** (1 – 3)
Outrageous price for performance and volume. Wasteful packaging
Value
>$25
Pro & luxury
$70 – $50
**** (3 – 4)
Meets some claims; Priced right for its performance; Average amount of product.
Value
$25 – $15
Pro & luxury
$50 – $35
***** (4 – 5)
Meets all claims; Excellent performance for its price; Functional packaging
Value
$15 – $5
Pro & luxury
$35 – $20
LIP CRAYON 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 lip crayon is 0.07 oz.
*** (1 – 3)
Outrageous price for performance and volume. Wasteful packaging
Value
>$25
Pro & luxury
$70 – $50
**** (3 – 4)
Meets some claims; Priced right for its performance; Average amount of product.
Value
$25 – $15
Pro & luxury
$50 – $35
***** (4 – 5)
Meets all claims; Excellent performance for its price; Functional packaging
Value
$15 – $5
Pro & luxury
$35 – $20
LIP LINER 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 a pencil lip liner is 0.04 oz. The average amount of retractable lip liner is 0.012 oz.
*** (1 – 3)
Outrageous price for performance and volume. Wasteful packaging
Value:
>$25
Pro & luxury
$70 – $50
**** (3 – 4)
Meets some claims; Priced right for its performance; Average amount of product.
Value:
$25 – $15
Pro & luxury
$50 – $35
***** (4 – 5)
Meets all claims; Excellent performance for its price; Functional packaging
Value:
$15 – $5
Pro & luxury
$35 – $20
LIP GLOSS/LIP OIL 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 lip gloss & lip oil is 0.16 oz.
*** (1 – 3)
Outrageous price for performance and volume. Wasteful packaging
Value
>$25
Pro & luxury
$70 – $50
**** (3 – 4)
Meets some claims; Priced right for its performance; Average amount of product.
Value
$25 – $15
Pro & luxury
$50 – $35
***** (4 – 5)
Meets all claims; Excellent performance for its price; Functional packaging
Value
$15 – $5
Pro & luxury
$35 – $20
LIP BALM 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 retractable lip balm is 0.12 oz. The average amount of Lip balm in squeeze tube is 0.48 oz. The average amount of lip balm in gloss is 0.17 oz. The average amount of Lip balm/mask in a pot is 0.37 oz.
*** (1 – 3)
Outrageous price for performance and volume. Wasteful packaging
Value
>$25
Pro & luxury
$70 – $50
**** (3 – 4)
Meets some claims; Priced right for its performance; Average amount of product.
Value
$25 – $15
Pro & luxury
$50 – $35
***** (4 – 5)
Meets all claims; Excellent performance for its price; Functional packaging
Value
$15 – $5
Pro & luxury
$35 – $20
FINISH ***** (1.0 – 5.0)
If applicable, how pigmented and blendable? Is the formula smooth and even? Does is lift product underneath? Is applicator foolproof or useless?
*** (1 – 3)
hard to build pigment and not blendable; patchy results; applicator is useless
**** (3 – 4)
can build pigment with multiple layers to create even result; can be patchy application; applicator is average
***** (4 – 5)
Smooth and even application with one layer; one swipe finish with bold pigment; applicator is foolproof
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? If formula is transfer-proof, long-wearing, budge-free, etc. do you need to touch up? Does the pigment fade? Does the formula dry out lips?
*** (1 – 3)
< 4 Hours
**** (3 – 4)
4-6 Hours
***** (4 – 5)
8+ Hours
EXTRA BENEFITS ***** (1.0 – 5.0)
This includes things like transfer resistant, waterproof, creaseproof, clean formulated, sustainability practices, 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; etc.
***** (4 – 5)
Inclusive shade range; Cruelty free, vegan, and clean ingredients + sustainability practices; Skincare benefits; Plus other benefits