In January I shared my first What’s New at the Drugstore post and since then I’ve found a lot of other new items continuing to pop up. So here’s part two! These three brands — Milani, NYX, and Maybelline — really stood out to me as the one releasing really neat and intriguing products at the drugstore, so I grabbed a couple of things from each brand. I’ve been testing them out for weeks now and am finally ready to give you my thoughts on these products!
Maybelline Master Prime Long-Lasting Eyeshadow Base
Retail: $7.99 | Click for Ingredient List & More Information
There are a few different formulas in this line and the one I got was in Prime & Matte. I liked it — it wasn’t a very thick formula, but it gave me a little coverage for the veins in my eyes. And, as expected, it helped the eyeshadows I used to apply more vibrantly. But the deal breaker for me is that it would start to crease by the end of the day. Not major creasing, but definitely noticeable to me. And since it says it’s “long-lasting”, I was very disappointed. However, I have oily eyelids, so if your eyelids are more dry, this might be an awesome and affordable option for you at the drugstore.
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
Retail: $9.99 | Click for Ingredient List & More Information
This foundation is a very thick, mousy consistency. When you pump it out (yes, this foundation has a pump!) it doesn’t slide anywhere. As you can probably guess, this is a very heavy foundation with heavy coverage. Which, honestly, is what I like — I prefer full-coverage foundations. But for the days when I don’t want full coverage, I found that I could use my damp Beauty Blender to get lighter coverage and feel on the skin. It holds up really well — when I wash off my makeup at the end of the day, it still looks great. Strangely, though, I get a little oily halfway through the day. When I blot, though, the foundation doesn’t budge at all, which is good to know.
The one big downside to this foundation is the shade selection. Well, I should say, downside depending on your skintone. I am pretty light, but I have yellow undertones and it’s always hard for me to find a light shade that doesn’t have pinky undertones. So, for ME, this line is great, as it caters to the yellow-toned gals in the world. This is the lightest shade in the line, and it is perfect for my skintone. Maybe even just a touch too yellow, if anything! But that means if you are fair and cool toned, this line won’t work for you. At all.
NYX Ombre Lip Duo in Ginger & Nutmeg
Retail: $11.99 | Click for Ingredient List & More Information
I was really intrigued by this product — ombre lips were a big trend last year, and now this year I’ve been seeing lip products that make getting that ombre look easier. The formula of the lipstick and liner is very creamy and matte and it glides onto the lips effortlessly. As you can see from the picture above, I was able to create an ombre lip very easily. My only drawback with this product is that it’s rather expensive for what you get. The lipliner side has o.oo4 oz of product while the lipstick side has 0.015 oz. So, if that bothers you, you’ll probably want to pass on this. If you don’t mind the pricetag, than give it a try. Especially if you’re a fan of matte lipsticks.
Maybelline Master Precise Skinny Gel Pencil in Defining Black
Retail: $7.99 | Click for Ingredient List & More Information
First off, I’m pretty sure that my pencil tip broke off inside the packaging because the first time I opened it after purchasing it at the drugstore, it was flat. Which made it difficult to apply on my eyes. I didn’t like it for winging out my lash line — it wasn’t precise or black enough for how I like my wings. It showed up fine in my water line, but wasn’t the easiest to apply there. I felt like I had to run it back and forth a few times to get it to show up. It doesn’t last the longest in my waterline, but it does a decent job and I plan to use it up. Which shouldn’t take that long since there is only 0.004 oz of product in here (compared to a regular eye liner like the Rimmel ScandalEyes Kohl liner that has 0.04 oz of product.)
NYX First Base Primer Spray
Retail: $7.99 | Click for Ingredient List & More Information
I’ve seen primer sprays before, but never in the drugstore so I had to give this a try. It’s always hard for me to tell if setting sprays work or not, since it’s such a subtle thing, and so I found it was the same with the primer spray. I will say, though, that the claims for this primer spray is only that it has skin-loving ingredients and will give you a smooth foundation to start your makeup off on. And I found it did this just fine. It doesn’t fill pores, but any means, but there is a very subtle difference that I could notice when I applied this to only half of my face. So the way I like to use this is to spray it on, let it set, and then go over top of it with a pore filling primer before starting my foundation. I’ve really been enjoying the results I get using this method.
Milani Everyday Eyes Eyeshadow Palette in Earthy Elements
Retail: $9.99 | Click for Ingredients & More Information
As you know, good eyeshadow palettes at the drugstore (that have more than a quad) are hard to come by, so I of course wanted to try out Milani’s new palettes. They have six in the collection, but I just picked up one to see how it does. And, in short, I am pretty impressed. There are four shadows in this palette that are great, one that is okay, and one that is just a total dud in my book. The two mattes in the palette are very creamy, soft, and blend well. As does the two darker shimmer colors. These are the four colors that I used to make the eye looks below with.
The two light shimmer colors I didn’t even try to work with. As you can see from the swatches, one barely shows up and the other one looks like a sad excuse for a shimmer eyeshadow. They don’t feel as creamy or pigmented as the others in this palette, either. So to sum up my thoughts on this palette…I think it’s worth the purchase. The four colors that I mentioned I liked are really beautiful. The mattes are lovely (which is hard to pull off, especially for drugstore palettes) and the two darker shimmer shades remind me of my favorite LORAC formula.
Maybelline Color Sensation Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color in Berry Boost
Retail: $7.99 | Click for Ingredient List & More Information
After loving L’Oreal’s version of the matte gloss, I was curious to try this one. This formula is actually a lot farther from a matte, in my opinion. It’s way shinier than the L’Oreal one, so it’s really hard for me to consider this matte, even when I blot it. As expected, the colors are extremely vibrant, which is nice. I found, though, that because of the intense color and glossiness of this formula, it very easily made a mess on my face. It got on my teeth a few times, smudge outside of my lip line, and after a couple hours of wear I would notice some feathering. So when it comes to matte glosses, I like the L’Oreal ones. But if you want vivid colors, this line has them!
Have you tried any of the new drugstore products I’ve mentioned? If you’ve tried something new that I haven’t picked up yet, let me know! I always love hearing your recommendations!
Pin to Read Later
All products were purchased with my own funds. I was not compensated to write this post. Some affiliate links used. 🙂
Erika says
I have to pick up a couple of those Milani shadow palettes. They intrigue me.
Nikki says
I’ve been eyeing that Milani palette. Since the mattes are good, I’ll probably pick it up! I didn’t even know about the Nyx
Primer spray but now I need to try that too!
Emily Draher says
I love me some Milani! The eye looks you created with that palette are beautiful 🙂
Never Say Die Beauty says
I love the feel and coverage of the new Milani foundation, but like you, the shade range is lacking. Way too yellow for me. I’ve got two shades, and they’re both off. But I have one of the new palettes too, and I love it. I need to pull it out more often. You really got my attention with the NYX Ombre Lip. I want one!
Melissa says
I love the look of that ombre lip. I will check out that product for sure.
Katie Garvin says
It’s definitely something fun and different 🙂
Kristi V Beginnails says
ooooooh, that Milani palette is lovely! I love burnt brown/red shades. They are like the spicy nudes! 🙂 Beautiful swatches!
Katie Garvin says
Spicy nudes, I love it! So true! Definitely pick this palette up, then!
Paol Trenny says
I was really curious about MAYBELLINE COLOR SENSATION VIVID MATTE LIQUID LIP COLOR so your review on it convince me to try the Loreal ones instead. Thanks!
Katie Garvin says
Yes, I love the L’Oreal matte glosses and wear them frequently. The Maybelline one…not so much. Too high maintenance
Angela says
I love NYX lip products, but I don’t think the ombré lip product is worth it. I do my own ombré lips with the products I have already.
Katie Garvin says
Yeah, that was my struggle — you can create it at home without paying so much for so little product. But I can see it being useful for people who aren’t as good with matching shades, maybe.
Alona Y says
I haven’t tried any of these yet, I love the look of the NYX Ombre Lip Duo!
Katie Garvin says
Ombre lips were all the rage not too long ago, it’s fun to play around with different trends!
Beth says
I always enjoy this type of review. I like seeing what is new and your opinion of the products. Your work is appreciated! Thanks
Katie Garvin says
Aww, thank you so much, Beth! That means a lot — glad you found it helpful!
Kristin Bassett says
Despite not being matte, this Maybelline lippie is such a gorgeous shade!
Katie Garvin says
It is a stunning shade, very striking and gorgeous
Julie says
You make me want to run to the drugstore to try all these! lol I actually have that Maybelline eye base and skinny liner, but have yet to open the package. I wonder if my liner is flat too, what a bummer that would be!
Katie Garvin says
Yeah, I hope not! I thought that’s how they were made until I saw someone else have the same liner and a nice tip. Such a bummer, but oh well!
samantha schreiner says
I really want to try the milani pallets! It looks so pretty and pretty awesome coming from the drugstore!
Katie Garvin says
I highly recommend them — especially if you can wait to get it when the drugstore has the line on sale for 40% off or something (CVS often does). Then they’re so affordable!
Christine Wagner Miller says
It appears that I now have a few new items to look for when I go to one of my drugstores. Especially the NYX setting spray and Milani eye shadow palette!
Katie Garvin says
I hope you enjoy whatever you pick up! 😉
Jenne says
Well, I now know which ones I’ll be skipping out on trying! I like the milani palette, but I know it won’t work for my skin tone. Thanks for helping out my wallet! 😉 Great post!
Katie Garvin says
Any time, girl! Glad to help. They have other shade selections for the palettes, maybe they’ll work better for ya 🙂
Nichole C says
these are testing my no-buy!
Katie Garvin says
Hahaha, sorry…but not really sorry! Some of these are just too good to pass up 😉
Jess says
So many awesome drugstore items out right now! Gotta catch em all! ha
Katie Garvin says
I know, I love it when the drugstore starts getting all the new launches — I want to go to the drugstore every day 😛
Amanda P says
Thanks for the review! I am glad to know that I don’t want those bright lipglosses and I really need to pick up the milani palette!
Katie Garvin says
Glad it helped you make some decisions! 😀 Enjoy the new makeup you pick up!
Michelle Macaluso says
I definitely agree with you about the Maybelline matte gloss. I just got the same color you reviewed, and it was a mess whenever I took a drink of anything. I just felt it was not a great matte gloss.
Katie Garvin says
I know, it is VERY high maintenance, haha!
Cindi says
I really love reading these reviews on new makeup. I’ve seen that shadow by Milani and almost picked it up several times. This is soo helpful in letting me know what is worth my time and money to pick up. Thanks!
Katie Garvin says
So glad it’s helped you out, Cindi! So much new makeup, it’s hard to figure out what’s worth the spend!
Starla B says
So many awesome new goodies! The Milani palettes look very interesting! Also, love the NYX combo!
Katie Garvin says
I really love the unique orange in the Milani palette, such fun!
Dawn says
Love that you are reviewing products most of us can find at the drugstore! It’s so hard to invest money in a product when you don’t know what the shade will really look like or if the product has good quality. Thanks for making it so much easier to plan my shopping!
Katie Garvin says
You’re very, very welcome, Dawn! I am so glad to help you make that decision! I know, it’s hard for me to decide what to get to review, can’t afford all the new items that are flooding the drugstores!
Andrea Darst says
The NYX FIRST BASE PRIMER SPRAY sounds interesting – I may give it a try!
Katie Garvin says
If you like primer waters, I think you’ll like this affordable option 🙂
An says
I like that eyeshadow palette, not surprised by nyx’s spray, they make amazing setting sprays
Katie Garvin says
Yes, I’ve gotten their setting sprays in the past and enjoyed them 😀
Shilpa Shetty says
I have tried Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Fuschia Ecstasy.. The shade is very nice,.. But its not matte and very messy and you said,..
Katie Marie says
Yes, I wish it wasn’t so slip-slidy! Very hard to keep it looking nice, especially since it’s so vivid…bleeding is obvious!