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


SETTING LOOSE POWDER 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 setting loose powder is 0.58 oz.

*** (1 – 3)

Doesn’t meet claims; 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


SETTING PRESSED POWDER 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 setting pressed powder is 0.32 oz.

*** (1 – 3)

Doesn’t meet claims; 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


SETTING SPRAY 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 setting spray is 2.78 oz.

*** (1 – 3)

Doesn’t meet claims; Outrageous price for performance and volume. Wasteful packaging

Value

>$25

Pro & luxury

$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


APPLICATION ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

How easy is it to set makeup with powder or spray? What application tools work best for setting powder? Does the spray spit or have an even spritz?

*** (1 – 3)

lifts other makeup upon application; hard to apply; messy packaging; spray spits and leaves droplets behind

**** (3 – 4)

Needs some TLC to apply; may need multiple tools to apply; spray can spit but can blend out; looks even upon application

***** (4 – 5)

Can set with any tool; spray is even and soft; even and precise application for powder; doesn’t lift any makeup


FINISH ***** (1.0 – 5.0)

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

*** (1 – 3)

Accentuates texture; patchy finish; clings to dry spots

**** (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? Does the powder or setting spray refresh makeup without lifting makeup underneath or result with cakey makeup?

*** (1 – 3)

< 4 Hours

**** (3 – 4)

4-6 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

***** (4 – 5)

Inclusive shade range if applicable; Cruelty free, vegan, and clean ingredients + sustainability practices; Skincare benefits; Plus other benefits

Back to top