Milani Nude Kiss Cheek Kiss Cream Blush ($8.99 for 0.21 oz.) is a darker, peachy coral with strong, warm undertones and a natural finish–not really glossy but more than matte. The texture was very lightweight, emollient, and thin with a fair amount of slip, which made it a better product for applying over bare skin rather than a heavier set of base products.
The issue I had was that it was more likely to lift up base products–especially if they were powdery or more matte in finish–so it wasn’t as effortless or as versatile as other cream blushes on the market. It had semi-sheer, buildable pigmentation, which was in line with the marketing, that worked well on bare skin but was quick to spread so some care was needed to keep the application precise.
It seemed to slide a bit down my cheeks after six hours of wear. As a lip product, there was slight emphasis of my lip texture due to the thinness of the formula, while the product lasted for two hours and felt non-drying.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Formula Overview
$8.99/0.21 oz. – $42.81 Per Ounce
It’s supposed to be “lightweight, buildable and never greasy” that gives a “luminous wash of color.” Though the formula name and actual packaging don’t make mention of it, the brand’s description online says it’s a “multitasking cheek and lip balm-to-gel” product.
The texture was lightweight, emollient, and thin with a touch of tackiness. I found it applied better over bare skin than over foundation, as it lifted my base up a bit–not every single time without fail but often enough that it wasn’t foolproof. It was worse over more matte/drier bases (or a set base).
It had semi-sheer to medium, buildable pigmentation that applied evenly and blended out well over bare skin. The product stayed on well for six hours before migrating/moving around noticeably. The finish was more natural-matte–not overly dewy but set slightly. I preferred to pat it on with fingertips and use a separate brush to diffuse the edges, which helped keep it in place better.
As a lip product, it had similar coverage and lasted about two hours or less as it didn’t really leave a stain behind, so the thin, more emollient formula didn’t offer much in the way of longevity. The formula was more prone to emphasizing lip texture, as it was thin, but it was neither drying nor hydrating as a lip product.
Browse all of our Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Blush swatches.
Ingredients
Triethylhexanoin, Octyldodecanol, Silica, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Synthetic Wax, Synthetic Beeswax, Polyethylene, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Calcium Titanium Borosilicate, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499)
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer)
at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable
to the product you’re purchasing, or the brand or retailer’s website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.