KIKO Milano Foundation & Concealer Is An Italian Drugstore Favorite

I’m rather impressed by KIKO Milano 2-in-1 Foundation & Concealer.

According to Byrdie, KIKO Milano is like the MAC of Milan. Their prices put them right on the edge of drugstore and prograde beauty, making them affordable for many. Of course, I’m always intrigued by anything beauty and discovering new brands always tickles my fancy. KIKO Milano is a beloved Italian brand with affordable, pigmented products. I had no real expectations going into testing their Full Coverage 2-in-1 Foundation & Concealer that offers 29 shades, but, honestly, I was really impressed by how it wore. I tested it so you don’t have to, but after reading my thoughts, you may want to add this to your cart!

Promises vs. Performance: KIKO Milano claims long wear and buildable coverage.

2-in-1 Foundation & Concealer works overtime so you don’t have to, providing all over or spot coverage. It hides and minimizes blemishes, to include dark circles, discoloration, and fine lines, leaving behind a “second skin-effect veil on the face.” The finish of this product is said to be a matte satin and work as a base for all types of makeup. However, they do say it is best suited for normal to oily skin. It is said to be a creamy, fluid formula that is comfortable to wear and easy to apply plus build coverage. The formula has an even distribution of pigments in the formula for an even coverage. And, KIKO Milano promises a long wear of up to 24 hours.

One product, three uses: foundation, concealer, eyeshadow base.

I was really impressed how this foundation and concealer duo wore, especially paired with the primer from KIKO Milano. Though it was a thicker texture, it blended into my skin really easily with a brush. I got a solid medium coverage without using too much product and a really pretty semi-matte finish. As a concealer, it brightened my under eyes, but it wasn’t giving me as much coverage as I preferred. Something I really liked for the application was the doe foot applicator: it made it quick and easy to apply and mix shades. I even tested it as an eyeshadow base and it prevented my shadows from creasing.

I do want to mention that the shade range isn’t the best, especially with buying online. There are 29 shades available. To get a good shade match, I ended up needing to mix all three shades I purchased. For the most part though, I am impressed with this base. It wore pretty evenly all day long, with very little excess oil (and nothing that couldn’t be solved with a quick blot!). Although, I wouldn’t say it is resistant to facial movements, as it did crack and break apart around my mouth area. I love the versatility of this product and am excited to keep playing with it.

Quick Rating Rundown

This Product

(3.7)

:KIKO Milano Full Coverage 2 in 1 Foundation

Price: $24.99

1.0 oz

Value

(2.5)

Application

(4)

Coverage

(3.9)

Texture

(4)

Longevity

(3.5)

Shade Range

(3.8)

Extra Benefits

(4.5)

Industry Standard

(4.4)

:L’Oreal Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear

Price: $15.99

1.0 oz

Value

(5)

Application

(4.5)

Coverage

(4)

Texture

(4.3)

Longevity

(4.5)

Shade Range

(4.3)

Extra Benefits

(3.5)

MILABU PICKS

(4+)

:Best Rated Full Coverage Foundations Under $25

Price: $11 – $22

various sizes

Value

(4+)

Application

(4+)

Coverage

(4+)

Texture

(4+)

Longevity

(4+)

Shade Range

(4+)

Extra Benefits

(4+)

MILABU PICKS

(4.5+)

:12 Best Foundations You Need To Try

Price: $15 – $70

various sizes

Value

(4.5+)

Application

(4.5+)

Coverage

(4.5+)

Texture

(4.5+)

Longevity

(4.5+)

Shade Range

(4.5+)

Extra Benefits

(4.5+)

^{Our Rating Criteria}

How It Compares: In terms of versatility, KIKO Milano makes a solid product. But is it the best?

I’ll be honest with you: I am impressed with this product. It was easy to apply just enough product with the doe foot applicator, and it blended out really nicely with a brush. I was able to get a solid medium coverage with a semi-matte finish as both a foundation and concealer. It brightened my under eyes without making the rest of my face too luminous, giving me a natural finish. And, it even works as an eyeshadow base and kept my eye look crease free all day! As far as wear goes, this one has a decent long wear with very little creasing, cracking, or excess oil. Though, if your skin does lean on the oiler side, you may find you need to blot midway through the day. The only areas I found the foundation cracking was around my mouth from normal daily activities like eating, drinking, and talking.

How does it stack up to the industry standards?

Although, L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear (rated **** 4.4) is my holy grail, drugstore standard that I compare everything to. When I’m testing a new drugstore foundation, I always use it as the baseline. Infallible Fresh Wear isn’t as versatile as it is just a foundation, but it’s wear always impresses me. It provides a decent buildable medium to full coverage with a natural finish. On my skin, it lasts even longer than the KIKO Milano foundation without needing a touch-up or starting to separate. For the price of $15.99, L’Oreal outperforms many of its competitors.

In terms of a concealer, I prefer more coverage than this product offered. One of my holy grails is the iconic Maybelline Instant Age Rewind. It effortless conceals my dark circles while brightening and still feeling lightweight. It’s one I gravitate towards often and find pairs really well with just about any base product.

Milabu Beauty Method: Conceal imperfections with this multi use makeup product.

I really enjoyed how the KIKO Milano 2-in-1 Foundation & Concealer paired with their Matte Face Base ($16.99). My recommendation is using the two together.

1. First apply primer all over. Allow this to dry down for a few minutes before applying foundation.
2. Using the doe foot applicator, dot foundation across your face. If you need to mix shades like I do, apply both shades the same way.
3. Taking a buffing brush, blend in the foundation using circular motions.
4. To layer coverage, dot more foundation and use a tapping motion to blend out.
5. As a concealer, I use the lightest shade I have to brighten my under eyes.

I don’t feel that I need to set this product. If anything, I would just set my under eye area with a loose powder to prevent any creasing and mascara transfer.