Walgreens Haul + Swatches of the New Milani Highlighting Palettes

I've been stalking my local drugstores for new products the past couple of weeks and I haven't seen too many new products. Then I walked into Walgreens yesterday and boom! Tons of new Milani, plus a few Rimmel and Jordana products.

Everything was up on the top shelf, too high to get good photos of the displays so instead I decided to just post my haul and show you what I got!

Rimmel has three new eyeshadow palettes called Magnif'eyes Shadow ($7.99 each). I picked up two (the third one was heavy on dark, smoky shades) and will definitely be reviewing them in an upcoming post.

Milani has brand new Face and Eye Strobing Palettes $11.99, (three shades), Contour & Highlight Cream & Liquid Duos, Retouch & Erase Concealers $8.99, Make It Last Setting Spray, and Prime Light Strobing & Pore Minimizing Primer, $9.99.

I got two of the Strobing Palettes (the third one was way too dark for me), the Retouch & Erase Concealer in the shade Fair, and the Prime Light Primer. I'll definitely be reviewing everything in more detail but since I know you're probably all wondering about the Strobing Palettes so I wanted to post some close-ups and swatches for you...

Milani Eye & Face Strobing Palettes in Sun Light and Candle Light

The two shades I picked up are Candle Light (top, cooler toned shades) and Sun Light (bottom, warmer toned shades). They have very clearly defined blush, bronzer, and highlight shades but I'm sure they could also be swirled together to create new shades. They feel super creamy to the touch (just like the Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer) and have a refined pearly glow (no chunky glitter or crazy shimmer). I love them both...the only shade I'm not crazy about is the orangey bronzer in the Sun Light Palette (love the peachy blush and gold highlight in that one though!) The cooler-toned Candle Light version is perfect for my skin tone!

Also, my pal Heather (@hswerdy on Instagram) sent me some photos of new Milani and Jordana products she spotted at her local Walgreens. I didn't see these anywhere!

First up is the Milani Keep It Sweet Sugar Lip Scrub ($9.99). Based on the fact that this one is numbered 02, I'm guessing there's more than one flavor out there.

She also spotted new Jordana Cosmetics creamy contour and strobing sticks ($4.99). She said that this contour stick is in the shade Light (so there are a few different options) and the Strobing Stick is in the shade Pearl Glow.

What do you think of all the new products? Have you seen or tried any of these yet? What's on your list?

For more, please follow my new blog www.beauddiction.com

Milani Baked Blush Swatches

I love shopping my stash, so the other day, I pulled out one of my Milani Baked Blushes to use and forgot just how much I love them! So then I ended up pulling them all out and swatching them for fun. I posted my swatches to Instagram and it got tons of likes, comments and questions. So I thought I'd post them here too and talk about why I love them!

They remind me a lot of the Laura Geller baked blushes (which are $28 each), because they're so smooth, blendable and pigmented! They're also baked on Italian Terracotta tiles, just like the Laura Geller version...but they're only $7.49.

They come in 9 shades, 7 of which are shimmery and 2 of which are matte. They glide onto the skin so effortlessly and can be applied sheer or built up. When I swatch them with my finger, they go on pretty heavily but when you're using a brush, they end up applying pretty sheer (so don't worry that the swatches look dark!). Some of the shades (like Luminoso) are a single color, while others have a marbled effect with gold, bronze, or other shades swirled into the blush.

You can see in the swatches how smooth they look...they just glide across your skin and warm it up with such a beautiful glow!

Have you tried the Milani Baked Blushes yet? If so, what are your favorite shades?

Milani Lash Trifecta Mascara Review

Milani Lash Trifecta ($7.99 at drugstores) is a brand new mascara for Spring 2016 and I've been wanting to get this review posted since a few of you have asked me if I've tried this and the other new Milani mascara, Big & Bigger Mascara (review coming soon on that one). So I've been using this for about a month now, I'm definitely ready to share my thoughts...keep on reading after the jump!

Milani Everyday Eyes Earthy Elements | Review & Swatches

Hey guys, I hope you had a good Monday! I finally found the new Milani Everyday Eyes Palette in Earthy Elements ($9.99 at Milanicosmetics.com) today at CVS and I wanted to share my review and swatches with you since this has highly requested the past few weeks. I posted a full review on these new palettes a few days ago, and swatched the Bare Necessities shade, so I won't go too in-depth with the formula today. I just mainly wanted to swatch this Earthy Elements shade since it seems to be the one everyone is most curious about. I can definitely see why...you really don't see beautiful warm shades like this  in most drugstore palettes, and can we talk about that matte orange shade for a second?! Stunning. Let's take a look...

Milani Everyday Eyes Eyeshadow Palette Review

The Milani Everyday Eyes Eyeshadow Palette ($9.99 at Milanicosmetics.com) is brand new for Spring 2016 and comes in six beautiful color combinations. I recently spotted them at CVS and grabbed one to review and swatch for you guys, although it was really hard to pick just one. I was torn between all of the shades and a few of them were calling my name, but in the end, I had to hold back because I wanted to test out the formula first before buying more. The one I really wanted, Earthy Elements was out of stock, so I picked up Bare Necessities, which is described as "warm neutrals". Let's take a look...

MORE New Drugstore Releases!

I have so many new drugstore releases to share with you guys today! Thanks so much to Danielle and Madison (@everythingglittersintx on Instagram) for all of these photos!). These were taken at a Walgreens in San Antonio...I haven't seen them up here in CT yet, but I want to try almost everything here so I'll keep checking back. 

First up are several new products from Milani.  Big & Badder Lashes Mascara is a volumizing formula with a really interesting-looking brush. On the same display is the Length in Seconds lash extension fibers. I wonder if these are dry fibers like some of those dual-step mascaras have or if it's a wet formula, more like a primer? Going by the picture of the brush on the package, it looks like dry fibers to me...if anyone knows, please comment below! 

Sneak Peek of the New Milani Spring 2016 Line!

I have a ton of sneak peeks for you guys tonight! I got the scoop on Milani's Spring 2016 line that's coming out in January from Milly Almodovar Thompson (senior beauty editor of Cosmo for Latinas) on her Instagram and Snapchat accounts that I follow religiously. So let's dive right in! 

First, this is the one you've all been waiting for! Milani is launching 10 new shades of the Amore Matte Lip Creams in addition to the original 8! They'll be $8.99...see any shades you like? 

Milani Amore Matte Lip Creme Swatches and Review First Impression

Milani Amore Matte Lip Creme ($6.99 at Walgreens) is a brand new, limited edition line of matte liquid lipsticks that just arrived at Walgreens stores. I posted about these on Instagram the other day, and based on the reaction, it's safe to say that everyone is going crazy looking for these. I did check CVS also but I haven't seen them there yet. I had a really hard time finding these because out of the 6 Walgreens in my area, only one of them carries Milani. It's weird because the other locations used to carry Milani but seem to have recently stopped. Anyway, I wanted to give you my first impressions and swatches of the three shades I purchased, so let's take a look! 

Milani Fierce Foil Lip Gloss Review and Swatches

Last week, I spotted the new Milani Fierce Foil Lip Glosses at CVS ($6.49) and they were BOGO 50% off...so I picked up a few to try.  I'm sad to say I wasn't a fan of their Fierce Foil Eyeshine palettes, but these lip glosses looked too pretty to pass up! 

They come in 6 shades, all named after places in Italy. Here's the photo I took at CVS and shared on Instagram last week...right away, I noticed that the burgundy shade the model is wearing (03 Florence) is much less glittery than the rest of the shades. Still, I'm not really a fan of dark lip colors on me, so I chose Rome, a light pink and Capri, a gorgeous violet mauve.

Milani Rose Blush Review and Swatches

Back in 2013, Milani released a limited edition Rose Blush ($7.99) that I was never able to find in stores near me. I was so disappointed, but...they're back and no longer limited edition!  These have recently been added to the permanent Milani displays at my local CVS and Walgreens, so I had to pick up a few to try! Take a look...

These blushes are just incredibly gorgeous to look at!  I actually didn't want to use them and ruin the rose design, but when I finally decided to bite the bullet, I realized that the design isn't going anywhere fast. After several uses, they still look like a rose and I think they will for a long time. They come in three shades: Romantic Rose (a soft dusty pink), Tea Rose (a dusty rose), and Coral Cove (bright coral).

Here are the shades up close.  They're super pigmented so the swatches I'm showing are at full pigment strength when applied with my finger.  They're a lot less intense when used with a blush brush, but I just wanted to show how pigmented they are!

Milani Fierce Foil Eyeshine Review and Swatches

Milani Fierce Foil Eyeshine is a new product for Spring 2015 that comes in 4 different color quads. I paid $11.49 for each of them at CVS, which I thought was really expensive for a drugstore eyeshadow palette (especially since they're not that large). 

The packaging is beautiful, shiny, and gold- it's definitely eye-catching. I picked up 2 of the 4 quads, 01 Milan and 02 Rome.

These are described as "groundbreaking gloss technology formulated especially for your eyes".

Milani Fierce Foil Eye Shine and Liners Spotted at CVS

Milani Fierce Foil Eyeshine and Eyeliners are new for Spring 2015 and I just spotted them at my local CVS. The Eyeshines were $11.49 each which is really expensive for drugstore eyeshadows, especially since these palettes aren't really that big. I've seen other bloggers posting that they got them for $9.99, so I don't know if my CVS is charging more for some reason...they should be the same across the board. Hmm...

The Palettes come in four shade combinations- Milan (cool nudes), Rome (pinks & purples), Florence (warm nudes) and Venice (blues).  The Fierce Foil Eyeliners come in a pot with a brush and also come in four shades- Black Gold Foil, Purple Foil, Brown Foil, and Navy Foil.

These are actually cream eyeshadows, not powder so it'll be interesting to see how well they hold up.  Other than Maybelline Color Tattoo's, I haven't had great luck with drugstore cream eyeshadows staying put and not creasing. I purchased a few of these for review so I'll be sure to let you know what I think.  In the meantime, if any of you have tried these out, I'd love to hear what you thought of them! 

New Milani Fierce Foils and Matte Lipsticks Coming Soon!

The past few weeks, Milani has been showing us sneak peeks on Instagram of their Spring 2015 line called Fierce Foils as well as a line of matte lipsticks!

First, they posted this photo of their new Fierce Foil Eyeshine and said that it's ground-breaking gloss technology formulated for your eyes.

Then today, they posted this photo from Cosmo for Latinas magazine of the same Fierce Foil Eyeshine as well as Fierce Foil Lipshines. I can also see a bottle of nail polish in the background that says Fierce Foil on it, as well as a Kohl Kajal liner in the front of the photo.

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow Review and Swatches

I recently spotted a display of new Milani Gel Powder eye shadows at CVS and at $4.59 each they seemed like a bargain. Also I was intrigued by the name "gel powder" and interested to see what the texture is like. Take a look! 

Right to left: Bella Ivory, Bella Champagne, Bella Silver, Bella Espresso

Milani Rose Blushes are Back in New Shades for 2014!

I'm so excited! Milani's Rose Blushes are back in 4 new bright Spring shades for 2014. 

These matte blushes have incredible pigment and even contain rose petals micro-milled into the powder to bring out natural rosy tones. They'll be available at Walgreens in March, but you can get them at Milani's Website now for $7.99!  I can't wait until next month, I might have to order a couple now.

Milani Total Lash Cover Mascara Review

Milani Total Lash Cover Mascara was just launched as a part of their new Spring 2013 line and I spotted it at Walgreens yesterday for $4.99.  Let's take a look!

The brush is really unique- it's made from both nylon and plastic bristles.  The nylon ones plump the lashes and give volume, while the harder, plastic bristles separate the lashes. 

I loved this brush, because I didn't need a separate lash comb after applying the mascara- I just turned the brush slightly, and used the plastic bristles, which allowed me to comb through any lashes that were stuck together.  The bristles aren't as close together as my normal lash comb, so it didn't work quite as well, but it still got the job done, and it was really convenient. 

One note though...be careful when using the spiked side, as those plastic bristles are a bit sharp.  

So here are my before/afters which I'll post to the Wall of Mascara for reference.  I think this does a good job of volumizing and lengthening without clumping or flaking.  It didn't give me the biggest lashes ever, but for everyday I like the convenience of having one brush that does it all.  I might keep this one in my purse for on-the-go applications.  

What do you guys think?  What's your favorite Milani mascara?

New Milani Products for Spring 2013

Milani has launched some great new products for Spring 2013.  Check 'em out!

Ultrafine Liquid Liner- $7.49 

Sparkling intense color, long-lasting, waterproof formula.   The ultrafine felt-tip applicator makes it easy to apply a thick or thin line and dries down to a sparkling finish. Black also available in a vinyl finish!

Grandissimo Lashes Mascara- $5.49

Bigger is better! The mega volume brush creates a false lash effect. Dramatically enhances and thickens even the littlest lashes. Long-lasting, smear-proof, and non-clumping formula. Paraben-free. 

Eyeshadow Primer- $6.49

Intensifies and extends the wear of any shadow, over 8 hour wear. A lightweight invisible finish works on all skin tones. The primer helps provide a seamless canvas for eyeshadow application and minimizes creasing throughout the day.   Makes any cream or powder eyeshadow long-wearing!

Color Statement Lipstick- $5.49

Make a statement without saying a word!  True Instant Color. One stroke, full coverage application. This next generation lipstick gives the ultimate in color, texture and finish.  The lightweight creamy formula contains Vitamins A, C, & E to moisturize and nourish lips.       Paraben-free. 

Available in Vinyl, Metallic, Cream, Shimmer, Pearl & Matte finish.

Eye Tech Bold- $7.49

The next installment of our best-selling Eye Tech series goes BOLD! The bold felt-tip point creates a variety of dramatic winged looks in one stroke application.  Smear & smudge-proof, this liner lasts all day. Paraben-free. 

Color Statement Lip Liner- $3.99

Make a statement without saying a word. True Instant Color. Satin color in one stroke application. This next generation lipliner is a long-wearing, easy-glide formula to line & fill-in your lips. Paraben free.

So what do you think?  See stuff you like?  Do share!

Milani Bronzer XL Review

Recenly I spotted Milani's Bronzer XL at CVS, and I just couldn't resist the ginormous packaging (it's bigger than my hand!). I tend to use a giant brush and blend bronzer down my neck and chest, so having a lot of product to work with is a good thing.  This one comes with a matte bronzer on one side, and a lighter shimmer powder on the other.  
You can use each one individually, or swirl them together to get shimmer-bronzer.  

I chose the lighter of the two shades that were at the store- 01A. 

First, I swatched the matte side heavily on my arm so that you could see the color better- it doesn't actually come out this dark with regular use. You can see the bronze section in the middle, and my pale skin on the sides.  

Below is the shimmer swatched over the matte bronzer.  When I swatched the shimmer alone, it didn't show up on camera.  But you can see how it gives the bronzer a nice sheen- it's not sparkly at all, definitely more of a shimmer.

I really like this bronzer- it gives you 3 different options, and tons of product for $7.  The powder itself is soft and pigmented- a kabuki brush really picks it up nicely.  

Have you tried this bronzer?  What did you think?

Spotted in Store- New Milani Shadow Eyez sticks

At CVS yesterday, I stumbled upon some Milani Shadow Eyez pencils.  These can be used as shadows or liners, and remind me of NYX's shadow sticks.  

They come in six shades- 3 are more neutral, while the other 3 are bold.  I'm really liking the white one for brightening the inner corners of the eyes- liners are often too thin for that purpose and white powder eyeshadows don't last. 

These say they last 12 hours, which I'm always skeptical of when it's a cream eyeshadow.  Most crease and fade quickly, which was my experience with the NYX ones.  A Google search didn't come up with much info, since these are really new- they're not even on Milani's site yet, as of this posting.  But I did come up with this Makeup Alley review which was posted yesterday, and the reviewer says these have great lasting power. Makes me want to try them out! 

Here are the colors up close: 

What do you think?  Are you going to try these, or better yet, have you already? 

New Milani Products spotted at CVS- Baked Blush and Bronzer XL

Some new Milani products showed up at my local CVS this week! 
First up were some baked blushes. The description says, "A luxurious powder blush that features a mélange infusion of colors baked on Italian terracotta tiles. Easy to use, sensorial in texture, the nuances of color become extraordinarily luminous. Silky smooth application leaves your face looking healthy and radiant all day."
 I thought these had been around a while, but the display said "New" so maybe they've been reformulated? Or added new shades?

Some close ups:

Next up, is Bronzer XL- these compacts are huge, and definitely have enough product to be considered a body bronzer as well.  

The description says," A 2-in-1 bronzer, matte and shimmer, perfect for all-over color! First, sweep matte bronzer all over face, neck and body to create instant, healthy, sun-kissed radiance. Second, dab the pearlescent shimmer bronzer to add touches of luminosity! The oil-free, silky-soft powder formula feels luxurious on skin, with a fresh and light fragrance."  I actually bought one of these, so a review is coming soon!

Have you tried these?  What did you think?