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The 15 Best Milk Makeup Products for All Your Cool Girl Makeup Needs

You deserve a treat.

By
milk makeup
Eli Schmidt

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Milk Makeup’s products are everywhere, so you may be surprised to hear that the company was founded eight short years ago. Conceived in Milk Studios, a photography and film studio in downtown New York City, the brand grew a cult following thanks to its fun packaging, user-friendly formulas, and inclusive branding. “Our community [has] been with us every step of the way. We’re never prescriptive when it comes to self-expression. Whether it’s a full face, fresh face, or something in between, you’re the artist of your own identity. We just provide the tools,” says Tim Coolican, the CEO of Milk Makeup.

The brand’s stick blushes, bronzers, and highlighters were stars right out the gate, but its hero product these days is a frequently duped makeup primer whose clear green bottle has probably graced your TikTok feed more than once. We here at ELLE beauty are big fans of the line and have put the products to the test. The products you see in the list below are what we’ve deemed the 15 best Milk Makeup products to date, including those aforementioned makeup sticks as well as a nourishing lip oil and a high-performing concealer for dark circles and imperfections. Scroll on to meet some Milk Makeup classics, both old and new.

1
Fan Favorite

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer

Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer

Pros

  • Hydrating

Cons

  • Some consumers complain that makeup does not apply evenly over this product

One of the most popular primers on TikTok, one of these silicone-free products is sold every 60 seconds. It provides a sticky base for your makeup, helping it stay on until you take it off in the evening. “With a 12-hour grip on makeup and hydrated dewy finish, this primer works across all skin types and tones,” says Sara Wren, the director of artistry at Milk Makeup.

Key ingredients: Blue agave extract, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, aloe water, hemp-derived cannabis seed extract

Size: 1.52 oz.

Sephora rating: 4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “There’s a reason this primer frequently goes viral. It works! This is great for humid and hot weather when makeup tends to slip. I always use it when I’m in the Caribbean—and because it helps my makeup withstand the Trinidadian heat, it gets five stars from me.” —Danielle James, digital beauty director

2
Best Cream Blush

Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick

Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick

Pros

  • Hydrating

Cons

  • Reviewers note small size

This blush is perhaps Milk Makeup’s second most recognizable product. Renowned for its flattering shades and creamy, buttery texture, it truly is a winner for both lips and cheeks.

Key ingredients: Mango butter, avocado oil, apricot oil

Size: o.21 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I originally tried Milk’s cream blush in Smirk because Hailey Bieber used it and I thought it was a pretty color (I guess I’m easily influenced?). It really is a gorgeous color, and it’s buildable and blendable on my skin.” —Katie Berohn, ELLE beauty editor

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3
Best Primer for Oily Skin

Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Makeup Primer

Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Makeup Primer

Pros

  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • May not be suitable for very dry skin

One of the best tricks for extending the longevity of a makeup look on oily skin is applying a mattifying primer underneath it. This non-comedogenic primer will not only prevent unwanted shine but also diminish the look of pores without clogging them.

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, bakuchiol, lentil extract

Size: 1.35 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “My plans this summer include a lot of outdoorsy adventures, from day parties to picnics to hot girl walks throughout the city. One thing my plans don’t include is makeup-stained clothing from the sweat dripping down my face. As a prerequisite to my sunny adventures, I put the Pore Eclipse primer to the test to see if it would accompany me this summer season, and it passed the test. After applying it every day during one of the hottest weekends in May, my makeup didn’t move an inch, even during the packed outdoor party and a very stressful Amtrak train ride with enough delays to make anyone sweat.” —Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

4
Best Bronzer

Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer Stick

Matte Bronzer Stick

Pros

  • Nourishing ingredients

Cons

  • Reviewers note small size

If bronzer has never really been your thing, this one will make you a convert. With a variety of shades to suit any skin tone, the product never looks obvious on the skin yet makes you look like you’ve been kissed by the sun (without exposing you to harmful UV rays).

Key ingredients: Mango extract, apricot extract

Size: 0.19 fl. oz.

Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Ever since I started doing my makeup, contouring has been the part that I dreaded the most. For so long, every time I tried it, my makeup would look muddy instead of the snatched, defined look I was going for. It wasn’t until recently that I tried to incorporate it into my routine again; this was the first formula I tried. I love how smoothly it glides on and how easily it blends into the skin, so I don’t have to worry about a cakey or muddy finish. When I want a more contoured look, I apply it directly to my face and blend it with a brush, and when I want a lighter bronzed look, I’ll apply it to a brush and tap it on my skin before going over it with a sponge. I get great results either way!” —Tasha Nicole Smith, ELLE beauty assistant

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5
Best Concealer

Milk Makeup Future Fluid All Over Medium Coverage Hydrating Concealer

Future Fluid All Over Medium Coverage Hydrating Concealer

Pros

  • Buildable coverage

Cons

  • Can feel thick

Milk Makeup’s Future Fluid concealer has buildable coverage that allows you to use it both under the eyes and all over the face—perfect for spot concealing. Plumping and brightening ingredients like hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and arnica work to nourish the skin underneath.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, caffeine, aloe Vera, arnica

Size: 0.28 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “The main two things I’m trying to conceal these days are my redness and my hyperpigmentation. But I also don’t want my concealer to look cakey on the skin. Although this one from Milk Makeup has a thicker texture, it passes with flying colors—it has enough coverage to camouflage everything I need it to, and it spreads out so seamlessly that it almost looks undetectable when I’m done blending.” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer

6
Best Highlighter

Milk Makeup Dewy Cream Highlighter Stick

Dewy Cream Highlighter Stick

Pros

  • Natural-looking

Cons

  • Reviewers note small size

Chock-full of hydrating oils and waxes, this highlighter imparts a subtle glow ideal for any clean-girl makeup routine. Plus, it’s small enough that you can slip it into your pocket for touch-ups when you’re on the go.

Key ingredients: Castor seed oil, avocado oil

Size: 0.24 oz.

Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I rarely apply highlighter, mainly because I want to avoid that tell-tale streak of glitter many of us sported in the 2010s. This cream formula won me over because it just melts into your skin, making my cheekbones gleam like a moonstone instead of a disco ball.” —Carol Lee

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7
Best Tinted Eyebrow Gel

Milk Makeup KUSH Fiber Eyebrow Gel

KUSH Fiber Eyebrow Gel

Pros

  • Thickening

Cons

  • May not have enough hold for stubborn brows

The KUSH Fiber Eyebrow Gel contains tiny heart-shaped fibers that help beef up your brows, adding thickness and definition. Those with thinner brows can use it to supplement their brow pencils, pens, or powders, while those with thicker brows could probably get away with one or two swipes of the tinted gel.

Key ingredients: Tinted fibers, hemp-derived cannabis seed oil

Size: 0.15 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Everyone is always debating whether thin brows are in or out, but I never really had a choice. My brows have been thin and sparse since the day I was born. Usually, I just fill them in with a brow pencil and call it a day, but this fiber brow gel is my secret weapon for days when I really want to fake the full brow look. I lightly run it through my brows, and voilà! It’s as close to Cara Delevingne brows as I’ll ever get.” —Carol Lee

8
Best Lip Oil

Milk Makeup KUSH Hydrating Sheer Lip Oil

KUSH Hydrating Sheer Lip Oil

Pros

  • Non-sticky

Cons

  • Some may dislike scent

Many products are billed as lip oils these days, but some aren’t as nourishing as the name suggests. Luckily, a blend of ingredients like hemp seed oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil lend their soothing and conditioning powers to this Milk Makeup pick.

Key ingredients: Hemp seed oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, camellia japonica seed oil

Size: 0.19 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars

An ELLE staffer says: “I think I found my new summer go-to product! I can picture myself throwing it in a summer tote with my beach essentials for a quick lip rehydration. If you want just the slightest tint and a lightweight feel, this lip oil is for you. Plus, it smells delightful!” —Selena Schorken, ELLE.com social video coordinator

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9
Best Contour Stick

Milk Makeup Sculpt Cream Contour Stick

Sculpt Cream Contour Stick

Pros

  • Blendable

Cons

  • Reviewers note small size

Defining your features has never been easier with this foolproof contour stick. Creams are notoriously prone to fading, but reviewers rave about how longwearing it is. The stick itself is small but mighty—you’ll get hundreds of uses out of each one.

Key ingredients: Thyme extract blend, sunflower seed oil

Size: 0.19 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.1/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Contouring is tricky. One wrong move, and you look like you’ve applied a streak of dirt to your face. I love Milk’s contour stick because it never does me dirty like that. First of all, the range includes a shade that is light and cool-toned enough for my ghostly complexion. Plus, the formula is so creamy that it blends right out without any harsh lines, whether with my fingers or a brush.” —Carol Lee

10
Best Lip Gloss

Milk Makeup Odyssey Hydrating Non-Sticky Lip Oil Gloss

Odyssey Hydrating Non-Sticky Lip Oil Gloss

Pros

  • Moisturizing

Cons

  • Some may dislike scent

Hate how sticky lip gloss can be? Give this one a whirl. The formula feels more like a thick, moisturizing balm than a gloopy gloss, and each color is sheer enough that they’re pretty much universally flattering.

Key ingredients: Jojoba oil, goji berry extract, cloudberry seed oil, crushed sapphire and ruby gemstones

Size: 0.27 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars

An ELLE staffer says: “Talk about underrated! I’m ready for this to have its TikTok viral moment. This lip oil gloss is pigmented and ultra shiny (but not sticky). I have the shade “Werk Trip,” and it’s one I love to throw in my work bag because it’s so easy to apply on-the-go.” —Selena Schorken

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11
Best Mascara

Milk Makeup KUSH High Volumizing Mascara

KUSH High Volumizing Mascara

Pros

  • Volumizing

Cons

  • May not be suitable for very short lashes

We all have our preferences when it comes to mascara. This one deserves the attention of anyone who wants maximum volume; the wide, fluffy brush coats the lashes in an ultra-black formula and fibers for a result that may just have people wondering if you’re wearing falsies.

Key ingredients: Hollow fibers, hemp-derived cannabis seed oil

Size: 0.27 oz.

Sephora rating: 3.8/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “A mainstay in my makeup bag, Milk Makeup’s Kush Mascara is one of the few formulas that make my little eyelash hairs look like I actually have something worth brushing product through. What sets it apart is its unique formula enriched with hemp seed oil, which not only provides volume but also nourishes my lashes. I’m recovering from back-to-back lash extensions, so this mascara is a game-changer for me.” —Nerisha Penrose

12
Best Clear Brow Gel

Milk Makeup KUSH Clear Eyebrow Lamination Gel

KUSH Clear Eyebrow Lamination Gel

Pros

  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • Can be too heavy for thin brows

Use the wrong brow gel, and your hairs will feel stiff—or worse, you’ll find yourself picking off pieces of hardened gel that have flaked off of your brows throughout the day. The KUSH Clear Eyebrow Lamination Gel employs cannabis seed oil to solve both issues and nourish your brow hairs in one go.

Key ingredients: Hemp-derived cannabis seed oil

Size: 0.17 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “The love of my life. Holds my stubborn brows where I want them without feeling like glue. I used to use [a] dupe of this, but the real deal is worth it. It has more hold, and the brush is perfect for picking up the right amount of product and brushing them out nicely.”

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13
Best Loose Powder

Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Matte Translucent Talc-Free Setting Powder

Pore Eclipse Matte Translucent Talc-Free Setting Powder

Pros

  • Doesn’t look cakey

Cons

  • May not be suitable for very dry skin

Whether you have oily or dry skin, setting your base and your under eyes with powder is a must if you want things to appear flawless for hours. This one blurs the look of fine lines and pores and provides a matte (but not flat) finish.

Key ingredients: Lentil extract, bakuchiol, niacinamide

Size: 0.55 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “As a 41-year-old woman, this is my new holy grail setting powder! This leaves my skin looking flawless and doesn’t run or cake when I sweat. I hope they never stop making this!”

14
Best Setting Spray

Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Setting Spray

Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Setting Spray

Pros

  • Alcohol-free

Cons

  • May not be suitable for dry skin

The setting spray counterpart to the Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Makeup Primer, this oil-free mist locks everything in place—no touch-ups required. Some reviewers noted that the mist isn’t as fine as they’d like, but just be sure to shake it before use and spray it about 10 inches away from your face for best results.

Key ingredients: Lentil extract, bakuchiol, niacinamide

Size: 2.87 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “Works really well, blurs pores, sets my makeup for the day, and works as advertised. Definitely recommend.”

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15
Best Cheek Stain

Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint

Cooling Water Jelly Tint

Pros

  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • Prone to melting

Milk Makeup’s latest social media darling is this jelly-like stick. Infused with firming and hydrating collagen, aloe, and seawater, it boasts skin care benefits in addition to the sheer, juicy stain it leaves behind.

Key ingredients: Vegan collagen, aloe, seawater

Size: 0.17 oz.

Milk Makeup rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Milk Makeup reviewer says: “I am so in love with these Jelly Tint cheek and lip stains. So much so that I’ve already purchased a few new shades! The formula is easy to use and great for travel, especially because it serves dual functions. Beautiful pigment and wears well for hours. I’m really loving it and recommend it.”

How would you recommend a Milk Makeup newbie start their journey with the brand?

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Wren suggests starting out with the makeup sticks. “They are great for travel, easy to blend and instantly add warmth, sculpt, highlight or pop of color for the lips and cheeks. Lip + Cheek sticks are a celebrity favorite, and the formula contains mango butter, avocado oil, and apricot oil for a hydrating finish that layers beautifully,” she says.

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16

How should you layer Milk Makeup products?

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According to Wren, you shouldn’t be afraid to break the rules. “I like playing with the order in which I apply setting sprays, powders, and creams to get different payoffs. I love doing layers of Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray with Pore Eclipse Setting Powder to create an airbrushed finish to the skin,” she explains.

Meet the Experts

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Tim Coolican is the CEO of Milk Makeup.

Sara Wren is the director of artistry at Milk Makeup.

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17

Why Trust ELLE Beauty

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As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee spoke with trusted Milk Makeup experts about Milk Makeup products. She also searched the internet for Milk Makeup products, perused reviews for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each on their features and customer reviews.

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