In the ever-evolving world of beauty, few brands have managed to capture the zeitgeist quite like Milk Makeup. Emerging from the creative energy of Milk Studios in downtown Manhattan, this brand has built its identity around fostering self-expression and inclusive beauty. What started as an extension of the brand’s creative studio has transformed into a powerhouse that’s reshaping how we think about makeup.
Milk Makeup is a New York-based cosmetics company that launched in 2016, quickly becoming a standout in the clean beauty space with their commitment to cruelty-free and 100% vegan formulations. But calling it just another clean beauty brand would be selling it short. Milk Makeup has carved out its own lane by creating products that feel more like art supplies than traditional cosmetics—intentionally approachable, refreshingly unisex, and designed for real life rather than Instagram perfection.
The brand’s meteoric rise isn’t just about savvy marketing or trendy packaging (though that sleek, minimalist aesthetic doesn’t hurt). It’s built on a foundation of genuinely innovative formulations that deliver on their promises. Their products prioritize clean ingredients (vegan, non-toxic formulations), intuitive application, and deliver impressive results that speak for themselves. From the viral TikTok-famous Hydro Grip Primer to the cult-status KUSH Mascara, Milk Makeup has consistently proven that clean doesn’t have to mean compromise when it comes to performance.
What makes Milk Makeup stand out in a crowded market is its commitment to versatility and inclusivity. These aren’t products that demand perfection or hours of application time. Instead, they’re designed for the modern beauty enthusiast who values efficiency, quality ingredients, and products that work seamlessly whether you’re going for a no-makeup makeup look or full glam. The brand’s stick format for many of its products has become a signature—making application foolproof and touch-ups effortless.
Here are ten standout products that showcase exactly why this brand has earned such a devoted following and critical acclaim across the beauty industry. Each of these products represents what makes Milk Makeup special: innovative formulations, user-friendly application, and that distinctly effortless aesthetic that has made the brand a favorite among beauty enthusiasts and makeup artists alike.
The 10 Best Milk Makeup Products
Hydro Grip Primer
The product that launched a thousand dupes and probably graces your FYP more than you’d care to admit. This clear, gel-based primer has achieved legendary status for good reason—it creates a grippy base that keeps makeup in place for hours while delivering a boost of hydration. The unique gel texture contains blue agave extract and hyaluronic acid, delivering hydration that feels more like a skincare treatment than conventional primer.
KUSH Mascara
This cannabis oil-infused mascara put Milk Makeup on the map and continues to be a fan favorite. The hollow fiber brush creates dramatic volume and length without clumping, while the formula stays put without flaking. It’s the kind of mascara that makes you look like you have naturally incredible lashes.
Lip + Cheek Stick
The ultimate multitasker that embodies everything Milk Makeup stands for. This creamy stick delivers buildable color that works beautifully on both lips and cheeks, creating a natural, lived-in flush. Available in a range of shades from subtle nudes to bold berries, it’s perfect for touch-ups on the go.
Cooling Water Jelly Tint
A breakthrough in lip color technology, this water-based tint provides a burst of cooling sensation while delivering long-lasting, buildable color. The innovative jelly texture feels weightless on lips while providing the kind of staying power you’d expect from a traditional liquid lipstick.
Bronzer Stick
Contouring made simple. This cream bronzer blends effortlessly into skin for natural-looking warmth and dimension. The stick format makes application foolproof—no brushes required—and the buildable formula means you can go from subtle to sculpted with ease.
Highlighter Stick
Glow that looks like it’s coming from within. This cream highlighter delivers a natural, dewy finish that can be applied with fingers for an effortless luminosity. The formula melts into skin rather than sitting on top, creating that coveted “lit from within” effect.
Blush Stick
Another stick format winner that makes achieving the perfect flush incredibly easy. The creamy formula blends seamlessly into skin and builds beautifully, whether you want a subtle hint of color or a more dramatic pop. The range of shades ensures there’s a perfect match for every skin tone.
Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer
The perfect counterpart to the Hydro Grip Primer for those who prefer a matte finish. This lightweight, oil-free primer instantly minimizes the appearance of pores while controlling shine throughout the day. The silky formula creates a smooth, velvety base that helps makeup stay put while keeping excess oil at bay. It’s particularly beloved by those with oily or combination skin who want long-lasting, shine-free coverage.
KUSH Fiber Brow Gel
Tinted brow gel that adds both color and hold to create naturally fuller-looking brows. The precision brush makes application easy, while the long-wearing formula keeps brows looking groomed all day. It’s the kind of product that makes good brow days effortless.
Hydro Grip Hydrating Gel Skin Tint with Hyaluronic Acid
The newest evolution in Milk Makeup’s complexion family, combining the brand’s iconic Hydro Grip technology with lightweight coverage. This gel-based skin tint delivers buildable, natural-looking coverage while providing all-day hydration thanks to hyaluronic acid. The unique formula grips makeup for extended wear while evening out skin tone with a dewy, healthy finish that looks like your skin but better.