Review & Swatches: Milani Cosmetics Color Statement Moisture Matte Lipsticks

Guys, you wont believe how good these lipsticks are. It seems like I'm constantly finding my new favorite drugstore lipstick formula but Milani slayed it. I'm falling in love with Milani more and more every time I try their lipsticks. I would even pay high end prices for their new matte Color Sensational Moisture Matte Lipsticks. 

Milani released 8 shades for their Color Statement Moisture Matte lipstick line. This line includes a variety of pinks, nudes, one purple, one orange and one but mighty red. They can be found in stores at Walgreens, Cvs, Walmart and Kmart.  I found the whole collection at Kmart and picked up all eight shades. Unfortunately, the purple shade was lost either at the store or on the way home ( what a tragedy, I know). Your bank account only has to surrender $4.99 for each lipstick. They are matte lipsticks. So if matte lipstick isn't your thing.... hang around anyways. These matte lippies are great for those who even hate matte formulas. I bet you'll love 'em. 

Now let's talk about each shade

Innocence (pinky flesh toned nude)- This shade is the lightest of the range. I had high hopes for Innocence but it's my least favorite of the lipstick range. It's pretty when I look at it from the distance but when I am up close and personal with the mirror I noticed how patchy it looks. But if I apply a good chap stick, it looks a lot better. Innocence isn't as moisturizing as the other lipsticks. On the bright side, it applies smoothly and the pigmentation is decent. Though, it looks better when it's not built up to full pigmentation. It's not as patchy as a sheer lipstick but it still looks beautiful as if full pigmentation was being worn. Another thing that impressed me is how it doesn't transfer. When I was doing the usual transfer test I waited a minute before I kissed my hand and it didn't transfer at all. I also think Innocence is a great shade to mute pigmented lips and to add a ombre effect to the center of the lips. Overall, I do think this lipstick can benefit everyone in some way. I'm glad that I picked it up.

Naked (brown nude with mauve tones)- Right off the bat I noticed how creamy this shade is. When it comes to matte nude shades I always hope they are creamy because if they're not then they can look chalky. Luckily, Milani nailed their Naked shade. It applies like it has a glossy finish but looks like a matte lipstick once applied. 

On my lips it looks very smooth and doesn't cling to my dry spots. Another thing that blew me away was the pigmentation. Usually nudes have to build up for opaque coverage but Naked is full color in one swipe. I'm really enjoying this shade! Anyone who is looking for a matte brown nude lipstick should pick up Naked. 

Blissful (cool bubblegum pink)- Most of the time I can't stand the way bubblegum pink lipstick looks on me. However, Blissful is such a beautiful and wearable shade. It's probably the shade I gravitate towards the most. I think it will be very pretty for spring and summer. I might even have to purchase a back up for it. It applies smoothly and doesn't look chalky, which is surprising for a matte lipstick in that shade. When I kiss my hand or drink my drink it doesn't transfer at all. Blissful even wears for hours on my lips. It doesn't feel Moisturzing but at the same time it doesn't dry out my lips. Blissful truly is a perfect matte lipstick. 

Diva (bright blue toned pink)- Need a dupe for Mac Candy Yum Yum? Well her Ya go. Diva is bright, pigmented and long lasting. I have a feeling it's going to be a very popular shade, just like Mac Candy Yum Yum. It's not as Moisturizing as the other shades and I recommend using a chap stick prior to application. I don't recommend Diva if you're shy when it comes to bright shades. It's an attention grabber and people will admire this lipstick. So just be aware of that. And if you are interested in Diva, just know that it is a great lipstick. But honestly I don't see myself wearing it. It's too bright for my taste but I do love the performance of Diva. 

Orchid (bright orchid)- I have always shied away from Orchid colored makeup, but I decided to give this shade a chance anway. Boy am I glad I did. Orchid is such a wearable orchid (I feel awkward saying orchid so much lol).  Not only that, but it's creamy, ultra pigmented, extra long wearing and hello, affordable. If you're someone who is afraid of bright lipsticks but slowly wants to adventure out into the majestic world of bright lippies, then this shade is for you. It's bright but at the same time deep enough to make it wearable. It also has blue tones to it that make your teeth look white. Go out on a limb and try it like I did. I can almost promise you won't regret it. 

Passion ( bright orange with red tones)- If orange lipstick is your passion, then Passion is your next perfect orange lipstick. Seriously, this lipstick is just wow. It's almost as if there wasn't orange lipstick before Milani released Passion. Passion is giving orange lipstick a whole other meaning and its being done right! When I picked up this tube I thought, "wow this is a beautiful shade". When I put it on... Gosh I don't even have words for it. All I can say is it is PIGMENTED. Holy cow it is pigmented. All that's needed is one swipe and boom your lips are orange and it will last forever. Even if you're not sure if you like orange lipstick, just try it. There's a reason why Milani named it passion. 

Confident ( warm deep red)- When I first swatched this shade it looked a little patchy but when I finally applied it to my lips it blew my socks off. Confident is very opaque/ extremely pigmented, you get the point. I have always said the phrase "it glides on like a dream", but my goodness I didn't know that a matte lipstick could feel that good. And I honestly think this gorgeous shade will look good on everyone!  I'm not the kind of girl that wears red lipstick when in doubt but Confident just makes me feel... well, confident. The name suites it really well. 

Overall review 

Application

Almost every shade applied smoothly and didn't give me any problem. The only shade I had a little trouble with is Innocence. It applied kind of chalky and looked pretty bad in the mirror up close. On the bright side, I did find other uses for it, which are mentioned earlier in this post. Other than Innocence every shade applies absolutely amazing. 

Pigmentation

The best part about this line of lipsticks is the pigmentation. If you googled pigmentation, Milani matte lipsticks might pop up. 

Scent

Ah, the scent. I'm sure many of you are wondering what they smell like. A lot of people have issues with Milani's regular line of lipsticks because of the smell. Well let me assure you that they do not have the sweet watermelon smell like the other lipsticks. They have a light vanilla scent. 

Longevity 

One, two, three, four...dang, I lost count. Just kidding, I took notes. The darker lipsticks obviously lasted a lot longer and actually left behind a stain. The light shades lasted for around 5 or more hours. 

Do they transfer?

Shockingly, no they did not. I kissed my hand and drank my drink, but didn't see any lipstick transfer. Maybe, this formula would be good for a date night? 

Are they drying?

No, their not drying but it wouldn't hurt to wear a Chapstick underneath them. I personally think it feels better but it's not a necessary step with this lipstick formula. I didn't get to a point in the day when I thought my lips felt dry. When I am wearing them it actually feels like I don't have anything on my lips! 

Overall Thoughts

Call the hotties at your local fire station because Milani is on fire! First they release a holy grail status lipstick formula last year, now they release a matte lipstick line that's even better? I just can't believe the drugstore has  matte lipsticks that are so affordable but posses such high quality. In my book, these are a must have. If I had to pick my top shades it would be Blissful, Orchid, Passion and Confident. If you can only get four start out with those, but I still say get them all! 

Photos & Swatches 

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Do you like matte lipsticks?

Are you going to try them?

Let me know in the comments below! 

Tutorial: Cranberry and Gold cut crease ( works on hooded or deep set eyes)

Hello, again!

I don't know about you, but I love the color cranberry. When I thought about a cranberry look the first thing that came to mind is an easy cut crease. The second thing that popped up in my head is gold. Cranberry and gold are gorgeous together. I love it so much that I might create another look soon with the same two shades. What do you think?

There are so many tutorials on the web for a simple cut crease but it's hard to come by a tutorial that includes tips for hooded / deep set eyes. Luckily, for you I am on the same boat. When I first started wearing eyeshadow I struggled applying makeup to my deep set eyes. Now I have learned a few tricks and I intend to share them with you. By the way, please ignore the bump beside my eye. I just cant get a break from my acne.

Now lets get started!
 

What you will need

Makeup
concealer- I used Mac's Pro Longwear concealer
dark brown, cranberry and transition shade- I used the Lorac Mega Pro palette
gold cream shadow- I used E.l.f's Smudge Pot in Gotta Glow

(Optional) White eyeshadow- optional for highlight
gold eyeshadow- I used the gold from the first Lorac Pro palette
black liner- I used E.l.f's $1 liquid liner
black pencil liner- I used Pixi's Silky Endless liner in Black Nior
Mascara- I used Loreal Voluminous mascara

Tools
your fingers!
fluffy blending brush
precise brush for cut crease- I used a stiff detail brush with a round shape but any brush will work
crease brush
small flat eyeshadow brush
pencil brush

1. Apply your transition shade all over the eye with fluffy brush. I used a light pinky shade..

2. Apply the cranberry shade to your designated crease area with a crease brush. By designated I mean the made up crease for your eye shape. To find it, look straight in the mirror and start blending on the area that looks like your crease head on.

3. Keep looking forward and use a precise brush to apply a dark brown shade to create a cut in the crease. Start out with a light line. That way if it doesn't look right it will just blend in later. Just follow the natural line of your crease but keep it above the actual crease. I hope that makes sense.

4. Look forward, then down and see if the cut looks ideal. If it does darken the line with more shadow. Try to be precise but don't worry too much if you mess up. You can fix that later.

5. Don't put down the precision brush yet. Go along the cut and flick up along that line. This step will help blend that shadow up instead of downwards. Just keep the flicks small. You dont want the brown shade up in your brow.

6. Now grab the crease brush and apply more of the cranberry shade to lightly blend out the dark brown. Do not go over the cut. blend out the shadow that is flicked up only. The goal is to have a cranberry cut crease. The brown is just to make the cut more apparent.

7. Use the same precision brush from earlier and carve out the cut with concealer. Concealer will help clean things up and sharpen the cut. If you apply too much, blend it out on the lid. I like to put the concealer on my brush and dab it on my lid then go up along the bottom of the cut and carve it. When that step is taken you don't have to worry about applying too much concealer along the cut. 

8. Apply a gold cream eyeshadow all over the eye lid. Apply the gold over the concealer. I find that using my finger is easier for the most of my lid, then when it is time for the application close to the cut I use a precision brush.  

9. Use a flat eyeshadow brush and apply a gold eyeshadow all over the lid. I used a lighter gold eyeshadow on the inner corner but that's not necessary. 

10. Apply your eyeliner. I went with a small wing for the look. 

11. For the bottom lashline apply a black liner and smudge it out. I used a rubber smudge brush but whatever works for you is fine. I tried to concentrate on the outer corner more so than the inner corner. 

12. Blend out the black smudged liner with a cranberry shade using a pencil brush. This will soften the look but at the same time make it more dramatic. 

13. Apply your mascara. I applied mascara to both the top and bottom lashes. Feel free to use falsies! 

14. Makeup sure everything is blended. This also applies to your bottom lashes! Remember not to blend the cut with a fluffy brush. 

15. Optional, highlight your brow bone with a white eyeshadow. 

Now take a picture and tag #taylorpiebeauty on Instagram! 

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Are you going to try this look? 

Do you have hooded or deep set eyes?

Let me know in the comments below! 

What to get your girlfriend for Valentine's Day

Hello! Don't know what to get your girlfriend for Valentine's Day? Well let me help you out! 

If your girl loves makeup, Jewelry or perfume, then you clicked on the right link! Every item I picked is made of great quality and I can guarantee you she'll feel loved. All of the gifts talked about have a link that will take you to the direct place for purchase. All you have to do is click, add to bag, pay and give it to your Valentine.

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Need something to go with the flowers you bought her? Any of the luxury powders above will surely make her feel loved. They also make a great gift alone!
If your girlfriend collects makeup, go with the Stila blush. It's a limited edition piece that releases every year. Maybe you can start a new tradition where you buy her Stila's blush every Valentines Day. 
If your girlfriend loves makeup but doesn't own much than any of them will do. The heart shaped blush on the top right corner is great for the ladies who love glowy skin. It comes in several different shades. If your Valentine has a darker complexion, then go with the darkest shade.The bronzer on the bottom left corner also comes in many shades. It's a new product this year and she'll love it! Personally, the bronzer is the gift that I would want the most. My next pick would be the gift in the bottom right corner. It is such a luxury product and any girl would be lucky to have a gem like it in her collection.

Prices and Product Descriptions

Stila Valentines Day Blush Palette $18 (top left)

Fall head over heels for stila's petal pink blush, curated with a blend of flattering pink hues to create the perfect just-pinched flush. Available exclusively for Valentine's Day.

Too Faced Sweethearts Blush $30 (top right)

Choose from three no-fail color palette blushes to take the guesswork out of creating a sweet, romantic flush. In each baked, heart shaped blush there are three individual color swatches. The baking process and multiple colors create dimensional color to provide the look of younger, brighter, healthier skin. It’s like having Hollywood lighting wherever you go. 

Blush is like dessert, you didn't know you loved it until you had a taste of it. Our blush was developed with easy application and a no-fail color palette in mind—to take the guesswork out of creating a sweet, romantic flush. It's the little black dress of blushes. 

Too Faced Soul Mates Blushing Bronzer $34 (bottom left)

Bronzer and Blush: the power couple of beauty. This duo made in makeup heaven adds warmth, contour and a pop of color for the radiant look of true love. 

Too Faced Sweetheart Beads Face Powder $32 (bottom right)

You'll totally heart our Sweetheart Beads. We've gathered a flattering color palette that any face will fall in love with. Romance yourself with a mix that ranges from flattering pinks to golden-light bronzers. Wear them alone, or layer them to build your own perfect match.

I know you're probably thinking $50 is too much for eyeshadow, but trust me this is one of the best gifts you can get her. This palette is very luxurious. The packaging is shaped like a chocolate bar and even smells like chocolate. It's way better than cheap chocolate from Walmart. Any girl would love to have it.

Prices and Product Descriptions 

Too Faced Semi-sweet Chocolate Bar Palette $49 (top)

Indulge your beauty craving with 16 antioxidant-rich, cocoa powder-infused matte and shimmer shades of warm caramels, deep mochas, bronze chocolate hues and a pop of sugared blueberry. 

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette $49 (bottom)

The chocolate Bar experience begins as soon as you open the palette and the smell of sweet chocolate envelopes you. The eye shadows are pigmented with pure, antioxidant-rich Cocoa powder and includes 16 matte and shimmer shades of natural Browns, delicate pinks and luscious plums. Includes our signature hot-to glamour guide with three looks to get you started.

Laura Geller Valentines Day gifts would be perfect with a bow tied around them and sat under a bouquet of roses. Any girl would sense the love in the air. If you don't know which one to get, pick Love and Laugh. It will be her favorite.

Price and Product Description

Laura Geller Love Is In The Air Kit $20 (left)

Fall head-over-heels for these sweet, colorful treats for cheeks and lips.

Baked Heart Blush & Highlighter —Pink Valentine

A sweet Baked highlighter heart is surrounded by a soft shade of Baked blush to give cheeks a beautiful kiss of color and glow.

Color Drenched Lip Gloss—Perked Up Pink

An irresistible full-coverage lip gloss that drenches lips in moisture, leaving them soft—never sticky.  

Laura Geller Love and Laugh Kit $28 (middle)

At Laura Geller Beauty, we believe happiness is the most beautiful thing a woman can wear! That’s why we created the Love & Laugh Collection to celebrate your inner beauty and outer glow. Give skin a soft radiance while priming it for perfection with Spackle® Tinted Make-Up Primer in Champagne. Our two neutral shades of Baked shadow flatter every eye color and the Baked blush adds a, luminous color to cheeks for a just-laughed flush. Infused with antioxidants Centella Asiatica and White Tea Extract, these Baked products begin as liquid pigments that are baked for 24 hours, then hand-finished in Italy into silky domes of powder. The result is creamy, vibrant color that feels weightless on the skin. For a finishing touch, Coconut Oil-infused Color Brilliance Lipstick glides on with weightless, vivid color and a slight shimmer for depth and dimension.  Go ahead—love, laugh, and live in full color! 

Laura Geller Baked With Love Kit $20 (right)

Baked best sellers in shades we can’t help but love! Our Baked formulas begin as liquid pigments that are baked and hand-finished in Italy to a vibrant, weightless finish. The low-glow highlighter adds luminosity, while the neutral blush gives cheeks a natural looking flush. Finish with our moisturizing lip crayon in a juicy, pinky coral.

Even if your girlfriend is not a makeup fanatic, she will still love this brush set from Too Faced. They are incredibly soft and sturdy. Every girl needs dependable makeup brushes and this set will give her just what she needs. So not only are you gifting something she'll love but she will more than likely use it everyday and when she does she will think of you.

Price and Product Description 

Too Faced Pro Essential Teddy Bear Hair Brush Set $65

Our all-in-one, portable set includes all the essential brushes you need to achieve any look you desire including: Powder Brush, Blending Fluff Brush, Angled Eye Shadow Brush, Small Crease Brush and Angled Liner/Brow Brush. Created using our luxurious “Teddy Bear Hair” that feels identical to the soft and silky smooth hair of real animals without the cruelty involved in making traditional “animal hair” brushes. 

Now seriously, you can not go wrong with a Prada perfume set. The heart shape box if gorgeous and the perfume is delicious. A girl would be crazy to not love this gift.

 Price and Product Description

Prada Candy Perfume Gift Set $88

Prada CANDY is instantly seductive—pure pleasure wrapped in impulsive charm. In an explosion of shocking pink and gold, Prada CANDY takes us on a walk on the wild side, showing us a new facet of Prada femininity where more is more and excess is everything. Magnified by white musks, noble benzoin comes together with a modern caramel accord to give the fragrance a truly unique signature.

If your girlfriend has everything and you're afraid to buy something she already has, then go with a Sephora gift card. Just don't be cheap and purchase the $10 option. At Sephora $10 is half of the price of a lipstick. Go with $50 or more. She will find something she loves and she will love doing it. There's nothing more exciting than going to Sephora with a gift card. 

Price and Product Description

Sephora Gift Card $10-250

Got a case of the hmm's? Not anymore. The Sephora Gift Card solves your every gift-giving indecision. The card, which comes in a sleek, black, dual-mirrored compact embossed with the Sephora logo, is available in denominations of $10 to $250 and can be redeemed in store, online, or through any of our catalogs. What's more, it doesn't expire, and both the balance and transaction history can be checked online or in any Sephora store.

Obviously this is a no brainer. Every girl loves jewelry but it's extra special when it is in the shape of a heart and has the both of your names written on it. I actually love makeup more than jewelry but I dont know there is just something about custom made jewelry from a man that screams romantic.This has to be the only time I would rather have jewelry over makeup and that's saying something. By the way the Stud earring set is totally adorbs(adorable) and on trend. I don't know a girl who wouldn't love those earrings! 

Price and Product Description

Baublebar 360 Earrings Stud Set $48

An ultra-popular silhouette in three feminine neutrals will be a cornerstone of your jewelry wardrobe--try mixing and matching the backs for a subtle change in hue.

Color Stone Couple's Heart Necklace from Kay Jewelers $95.92

This beautiful couple's necklace features your birthstones to symbolize your love for each other. You may engrave names or a special sentiment on the necklace

Now that you have an idea for the gifts, don't forget about the flowers. It might be kind of cheesy to you but flowers are a classic gift that every woman loves. To us they represent love, compassion and show us how much you love us. I know that sounds silly but I really cant explain it. Just know there is a reason why men have been giving roses to woman for a long time.

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What are you getting your girlfriend for Valentines Day?
Did this list help you?

Let me know in the comments below!