January 29, 2013

Milani Color Statement Lipstick Review & Swatches

PR Sample
This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

Milani Color Statement Lipstick Spring 2013

Milani’s new Color Statement Lipstick is a beauty budgeter’s dream come true. Available in a massive selection of shades this newly launched lipstick features a super low price tag and a fabulously pigmented formula!

I’m impressed.

You MUST own these.

Available in 30 shades for as little as $5.49 each (possibly cheaper depending the drugstore you purchase from) these have full coverage formula with a lightweight, creamy texture, and a high sheen finish that’s simply stunning.

Milani Color Statement Lipstick Reds

Color Statement Lipstick is the type of product you want to own in EVERY single shade. The texture has a creamy easy glide formula with an intensely saturated formula so a single stroke yields full color onto lips. The pigmentation is outstanding at such a small price tag.

I found the texture creamy, moisturizing and very comfortable to wear. With this much pigment I worried they’d have a heavier feel on lips bit they are virtually weightless and lend not only gorgeous color to my lips but a nice shine as well. They do have a sweet watermelon-like taste and scent that MIGHT not be everyone’s bag. I wasn’t bothered by it and it seemed to fade a few seconds after application. Milani offers the lipsticks in Vinyl, Metallic, Cream, Shimmer, Pearl & Matte finishes.

I tried all the reds available in the range (and some oranges which I’ll tell you about soon) and although they swatch and look very similiar on my lips each one did have individual characteristics to set them apart from the other.

Shades:

  • High Voltage (Vinyl)
  • Red Label (Cream)
  • Cherry Crave (Metallic)
  • Ruby Valentine (Vinyl)
  • Best Red (Matte)

Milani Color Statement Lipstick

Milani Color Statement Lipsticks

High Voltage, Red Label, Cherry Crave, Best Red, Ruby Valentine

Milani Color Statement Lipstick Swatches

High Voltage, Red Label, Cherry Crave, Best Red, Ruby Valentine

The Vinyl Finish has the highest sheen among the finishes I tried. This is creamy with a certain glossiness and of course, full color coverage. Cherry Crave was the only metallic I tried and interestingly enough very comparable to Bobbi Brown’s own Metallic Lipstick Formula. The Metallic finish isn’t overwhelming and just produces a certain gleam. The Matte Finish is the drier of the formulas however, not as dry as you’d expect from a matte. It wears quite comfortably and has a buttery glide on lips with more of a semi-matte finish in my opinion. And finally the Cream, also very flattering with a hint of a sheen (unusual for a cream) and an easy glide on lips.

I definitely loved the Vinyl and Metallic finishes best but I have no complaints about the matte or cream, finishes I typically dislike, as both performed just as well.

The lipstick formula has a long wear of around 5 to 6 hours untouched, sans food and drink. It begins to fade almost exactly at the six hour mark and shows some minor wear but doesn’t look flaky, dry, or as if you’re wearing it as long as you have been. I did have migration issues. I’m blaming this on the bold red shades, I don’t believe it’s the formula, with red lipstick you def need a lip liner to keep it from moving around your mouth and up onto your face or at least I do.

Overall, Milani Statement Liptick is a win. Muse Approved! You NEED to check these out. I was surprised, delighted, and quite happy with the formula and excellent pigmentation. If you’re looking for a cheap, full coverage lipstick I’d highly suggest these.

Note: I do look like Ronald McDonald in some of these reds but I had so MUCH fun with these so I’m not really caring haha! I know the swatches and lip swatches look similiar, sorry, I found it challenging to capture the differences between the shades in images.

Milani Color Statement Lipstick Best Red

Best Red

Milani Color Statement Lipstick Cherry Crave

Cherry Crave

Milani Color Statement Lipstick Red Label

Red Label

Milani Color Statement Lipstick Ruby Valentine

Ruby Valentine

Milani High Voltage Color Statement Lipstick

High Voltage

Great!

Launching at drugstores soon and available now at milanicosmetics.com

Tried ’em?

Would love to hear!

PR Sample
This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  • Makeup Morsels

    omg red label! I can’t believe that’s a lipstick, it’s so shiny it looks like a gloss. Are these replacing Milani’s old lipstick formula? I actually quite like those, but not gonna complain if we’re getting this new awesomeness at the same price 🙂

  • Alex

    Red is a very, very lovely colour on you, Muse. Unfortunately though I don’t see any huge sort of difference between any of those shades. I see the different finishes but holy canole are those colours similar.

    • the Muse

      thanks so much alex! yeah there are all really small differences between the shades imho!

  • Spooki

    I want every single one but I can’t find these anywhere yet. They’re so glossy and bright, I need them!

  • shellypea

    Every one of those reds looks great on you Muse! I can’t wait to check these out!

  • Icequeen81

    I feel you I don’t like the Ronald Mc Donald look either on me or on you heheh.
    Those shades look pretty similar, I saw the promos and I am for a shade i saw a berry shade matte, Just need to see swatches of it . Don’t want to look kaway either

    • the Muse

      i concur queen ;D oh well it was fun trying! they do indeed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! spot on dupes pratically ;-D

      • Icequeen81

        Indeed, I cant barely stand a bright red like that wont look good on me i can assure you , yeah
        dupes can be a solution. looking actually for a berry or wine shade

  • Victoria

    I love the glossiness. I might have to get them online, my Walgreens carry very limited items.

  • Robin

    Pretty! I was at Ulta playing with Too Faceod lip creme in Cinnamon something. They were out of stock, but I bet I can find a dupe in this line!!

    FYI.. Did not love Too Faced BB Whipped foundation. I played with it for about 20 minutes, but Urban Decay provides better coverage and finish. Still on the lookout for the new .escada.

    • the Muse

      love those lip cremes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! aw damn sorry to hear! ps I am too, my ulta didn’t get it and didn’t want to order online :-/

  • Shadia L.

    These look amazing! I like the idea of the full-coverage-sans-heavy-and-drying-feeling vibe that you say these have. I know I said that I have enough lip products, but these are so cheap and easily accessible….!!!!!

  • AisforAmy

    beautiful!! i particularly love the cherry crave on you.. so pretty 🙂 i’ll be keeping an eye out for sure..

  • BLee

    Oh girl, you rock that color (all those reds/berry) !!!! Im so glad Milani changed the lipsticks. Ive been eyeing them when they sent me the email on them.

      • katie

        I think they are really flattering with your dark hair and eyes. I think you should wear it around the house and see if they grow on you. I think red lipsticks sometimes take some getting used to.

        • the Muse

          thanks katie ;D I had fun with it inside it’s going outside that I def need to get used too ;D

  • Ash

    You look absolutely lovely in every single one of those shades, particularly Best Red! For my deeper skin tone, I am really leaning towards Ruby Val.

    • the Muse

      aw thanks ash you’re too kind! ruby valentine is perfect for deeper skin!

  • NursePatti

    The colors are beautiful on you Muse, eapeciall the Ruby Valentine! I will definitely be picking some of these up STAT! U haven’t seen them u. CVS yet though . What are you wearing on your ees in these pics? I love it too . Thanks for the fabulous review.

    • the Muse

      thanks so much nurse 🙂 appreciate it. I haven’t seen them at cvs yet, no, I believe in Feb they will launch in store. On my eyes I’m using the Urban Decay Thedora palette 🙂 Thank YOU!

  • Tonya

    Wow lasts for 5 hours and are only ~ $5.50?! I’ll be headed to my drugstore soon

  • Quinctia

    Hmm…I wonder how I’ll feel about these compared to the HD Advanced line. I love those, I can’t even really explain my affection for them, haha.

  • Christy

    You look so pretty in red! I’m off to CVS or KMart (maybe both) tomorrow to check these out! Thanks for the review!!

    • the Muse

      thanks christy 🙂 I’m not so sure to be honest! I hope they have them! I believe they are launching later next month.

  • Ruby

    From the images, the colors almost look identical??
    Are they mostly neutral reds, or leaning more towards the warm/cool side?
    Or possible dupes for and MAC red lippies??
    Sorry for so many questions, but I won’t be able to see them in person since I do order them online.
    Thank you!

    • the Muse

      yup they are very similiar ruby, mentioned it in my review 🙂 not sure on mac dupes, I don’t own a ton of mac reds to be honest, most of the shades. most of these are a more traditional true blue based red the warmer ones would be cherry and ruby in my opinion. they are launching in store soon if that helps, so you can see them in person 🙂

      • Ru

        Thank you so much! My Walgreen and Target don’t carry Milani, so I have to order online unless I want to drive out for 50 min 🙁
        The lippies look extra gorgeous on you!

        • the Muse

          hi ru! ugh sorry to hear it girl! cherryculture.com also carries milani!

  • Dea

    Hmmm… The consistency looks great but I see very little difference between the colors. Or is it just me??

  • Melissa

    Ok, now I must try these!! I’ve never purchased Milani before but you’ve sold me!

  • Christina

    I received an e-mail from Milani about these lipsticks just minutes before I logged on to your site and — voila! You have a review with swatches. I think that is what Jung called synchronicity (waaay before The Police). I digress…

    They look great (I love reds but like you, feel clownish unless it is the “right” red for me) but I an wondering if there is any smell. I’ve used Milani’s lipsticks before since they were some great colors at a good price but in every case, I threw them out because I couldn’t stand the cheap, old lady perfume-y smell.

    My other concern is where they are manufactured. It’s weird but some Milani products are made in the US, and some are made in China and as I’ve mentioned, I will not use any cosmetics made in China. Does the label indicate place of manufacture?

    • the Muse

      hehe christina ;-D I feel specialssssssssss! there’s a strong watermelon-ish flavor and scent. I don’t really love it but it doesn’t bother me that much. unfortunately the label doesn’t seem to say? you can tweet them but I dunno if they’ll reply to the question (some brands are so uptight about ?’s like this). these are press samples so it is possible when they launch in store the label will say where they are made.

  • Ruth

    Sweetie, your too hard on yourself. Red lippies look great on you, maybe it’s just a comfort factor. I feel the same way about pink lippies and polish. I feel that it looks off on me. These colors are really pretty and when they launch one or two may make their way into my shopping basket.

  • ZG

    I AM ON IT LIKE A HORNET!!! THANKS MUSE!!! THIS IS WHY I AM ALWAYS BROKE LOL!!!

  • Audrey

    WOW! You are a siren in these reds! I haven’t quite ventured away from my nudes and pinks, but these Milani lipsticks are making me want to leave my safety zone. 😉 I think I love Red Label and Best Red the most!

  • Amy Amethyst

    I think you look great in red! I like the Cherry Crave on you the best I think, but they all look lovely on you. I want to try this formula but not sure what color yet.

    • the Muse

      thanks amy! how are you? long time no speak! been kinda absent on blog lately, been a little swamped ;-D <3!

  • Amy Amethyst

    I’ve been good. Just spent a few days visiting with a friend. She likes me to come over cuz i cook for her. haha I can understand being busy! Hope you get to relax soon.

    • the Muse

      can you come over and cook for me? i burn boiling water. need help? 😀 def hope so too kinda tucked out ;D

      • Amy Amethyst

        haha Sure! I like to cook for people. You have to clean the dishes, though! Cooking in a slow cooker is really easy, so if you have problems cooking then that’s a good way to start.

  • Rebecca

    I’m not sure if this is news or not, but I saw a brand new shelf for Milani at Walmart the other day. It wasn’t stocked yet, but it seems the brand will be sold there.

  • lily

    I looked at these at my local drugstore but most of them were sold out and I didnt like any of the shades that were left (all brown-nude type colors and I like PINK). But I did pop off the top (they arent sealed) just to see the color and they look so glossy and smell fantastic. I didnt even lean in to smell it, when I popped off the top the smell just came out at me, very fruity! Its been awhile since I’ve used drugstore lipsticks, but I love Milani and I cant wait to try one of these!

  • StellaDiva

    Just a heads up – when I look at the individual shades on the Milani site on my iPhone, by clicking on the color of interest, there is a description of each color. But when I do that on my laptop, no description. It helps to tell the difference with a written description (i.e. Red Voltage is orange red, Best Red is true red, etc.). Love the smell. My Walgreens had every color along the wall. I was looking for a display out front bec they are new.

  • cat

    Because I’m a crazy person I skipped all the reds and went straight for Black Cherry. I’m still testing it but I was immediately impressed by how creamy it applies. I think I’ll be checking out Best Red and Ruby Valentine if Black Cherry works out for me.

  • Cat G

    Thanks to this review I’m wearing the Best Red one right now, just to test at my house. It looks way more matte than in your photo but I actually love how it looks!! It is absolutely the perfect red for me and I can’t wait to wear it out!