Conceal + Perfect Smooth Finish Cream to Powder Foundation by Milani: Comparing this drugstore foundation with high end.

If you’ve been following my Milabu YouTube channel, you probably know that I don’t typically reach for cream foundation. That’s because of my enduring affection for liquid foundation. From L’Oréal Infallible to Estée Lauder Double Wear to Armani Luminous Silk, I have a sweet spot for fluid formulas in every price range.

Still, cream foundation remains a popular choice because of its unique attributes. The balmy face base is considered the best foundation for dry skin by some. And others like its ease of use and portability. Swipe it on for great coverage when you’re in a hurry. When applied on the go, there’s no risk of spillage like you have with gloppy liquid. Cream foundation also lends itself to adaptable coverage: It’s buildable and easily layered if you have dark circles or spots to cover.

No matter what you’re looking to spend, there are some beautiful cream options out there. Recently, I tried Milani Conceal + Perfect Smooth Finish Cream to Powder Foundation, which is super affordable ($10.99). I compared it to a high end formula from Armani ($68). I think I made some interesting discoveries about how these products compare in every way but price.

Promises vs. Performance: Milani’s buildable, budge proof cream foundation.

Milani’s website lists promises about their Conceal + Perfect Smooth Finish Cream to Powder Foundation. The balmy formula should glide on in application, offering buildable full coverage that sets to a soft matte, powder finish. From there, the “camera-ready” results are long wearing, keeping sweat, oil, water, and shine at bay for up to 16 hours.

I was intrigued by these claims and the unique composition of Milani’s cream foundation. First, I used the applicator sponge included with the product to apply the foundation in the center of my face. Then I blended things outward. I instantly noticed the thick, balmy texture of the Milani foundation and how it set to a powdery matte finish. Starting with exfoliated and well moisturized skin gave me the smoothest results with this foundation. The coverage was buildable full, and I actually enjoyed the more natural matte finish I got as the foundation set over time. The coverage lasted all day, but I did notice shine on my forehead and some dryness around my nose and mouth. But overall, most of Milani’s claims held true for me.

For comparison, I had kept the Milani cream foundation on one side of my face. On the other side, I had applied Armani’s Power Fabric Foundation Balm. This high end product is said to have a similar balmy feel as Milani’s cream foundation. Like Milani, Armani provided full coverage and dried to a powder finish. In fact, of the two, the Armani foundation was even drier and more powdery once set. It applied easier than Milani, which required more prep work for a smooth finish. But at the end of the day, the side of my face that wore Milani foundation felt less dry and looked more even. I preferred the Milani cream foundation to Armani’s version.

Quick Rating Rundown

Industry Standard

Price

$10.99

Application

**** (4.5)

Coverage

**** (4.0)

Longevity (no creasing)

*** (3.0)

Feel/Finish/Texture (blurring, brightening…)

*** (3.0)

Shade Range

**** (4.0)

Extra Benefits

**** (4.0)

MILABU Recommended

Top 5 drugstore cream foundations

Price

$20 – $35

Application

**** (4.5)

Coverage

***** (5.0)

Longevity (no creasing)

***** (5.0)

Feel/Finish/Texture (blurring, brightening…)

*** (3.0)

Shade Range

***** (5.0)

Extra Benefits

***** (5.0)

How It Compares: The best cream foundation?

Milani Conceal + Perfect Smooth Finish Cream to Powder Foundation really impresses me. In side by side comparison, I actually find Milani’s cream foundation to maintain a more comfortable feel and natural finish than the much pricier Armani Power Fabric Balm. No wonder it has a nearly five star rating on Milani’s website. There, reviewers rave about its never cakey texture, buildable coverage, and flawless appearance. People of all ages and skin types have a lot of love for this product, myself included.

Beauty Lesson: How to get the smoothest finish from Milani Conceal + Perfect.

Milani recommends using the tool of your choice to apply this foundation. If you don’t have a foundation brush or Beautyblender on hand, not to worry! The sponge applicator provided with this product does a great job creating a smooth finish. But even more important for seamless application is skin prep. I learned this through trial and error.

This 3-step application worked best for me.

1. Exfoliate your skin. I used a chemical exfoliant toner that contains alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). You could also try a physical exfoliant, such as a face scrub.
2. Moisturize well. Very well! Make sure that you massage in your face cream and give it a moment to absorb.
3. Apply the foundation. Take some foundation onto your applicator and apply it first to the center of your face, working the product outward as you blend it in. Lightly dab additional product onto any areas that need extra coverage.

Tip: The foundation may feel a bit tacky at first, but watch as it sets. You’ll notice a natural looking, soft matte finish as the product has some time to settle on the skin.