Written Reviews

Black lipstick is usually a pain to pull off but Milani got the formula as good as it can be for the price with this fierce cool-girl lippie that I hope inspires people to take a change and wear black lipstick outside of their usual Halloween and occasional daring big club night excusions. Black is, after all, a neutral shade, and with some tasteful choices and a little tough swagger, just purposeful, minimal makeup and accessories), it can look quite chic. Practice makes perfect, so maybe try wearing it on a night out with friends first—and watch some tutorials (I don’t care how 2016 you think they might be; you probably need some tips to help you balance your look with black lipstick and help build your confidence). Or consider a super dark vampy shade that is almost black and work your way up (down?). Just practice practice practice on getting your application immaculate (and check your teeth!), and do not overdo the rest of your face. Cool neutrals are still everywhere for spring, and if you are a 90s or Y2K stan, this look falls right in formation . Milani’s Liquid and Bullet formulas both work great for this look. If you want a little dimensionality, add a pop of metallic red where you pout goes but keep most of your face matte (sculpted yes, blush just a little of your lightest shade) , except for a touch of cream highlighter for day—add holo highlighter for evening if you want some drama and pop on your lashes. But the whole theme of this look is effortless, minimalist, tiny silver jewelry, black mini a line dress or shorts and tee, converse kicks, little cross body bag—immaculate and not fussed, a little intimidating at first but also the most chill. You got this. Don’t spend more because this lipstick is better than the high end dupes anyway, and cool kids don’t buy their every day lippie at the time Dior counter. Just be sure and exfoliate first. To quote the great Alyssa Edwards, “If you’re not exfoliating, you’re not wearing lipstick.” Especially the liquid 😉

Exactly what I want from a spring and early summer lipstick! I know my face and my complexion, and this also is my idea of a basic shade (I’m from Texas, so while I do wear nudes, pinks are also in my default options). I wanted a light-wearing, very high quality cool raspberry this year, and I chose this over Givenchy and Guerlain’s offerings (and even some of Chanel’s others, including L’Indomidomle) because I am on a shine kick and I also like the limited availability. I am still edging back into collecting Chanel after many years away, but the new very lightweight formulae are enjoyable after years of wearing heavy MAC mattes (love em but they have their place) and I look forward to wearing these more often as spring turns to summer. I think I see a few more Chanel purchases in my future, but I love mixing the high with the low, the big houses with indie makeup, so we’ll see where things take me. Updates aiming if I have any problems with the formula. . . Did I mention the color is gorgeous??!!