Looking for that perfect, everyday lip color that's comfortable, affordable, and delivers a beautiful finish? You've probably been on a quest for the holy grail of lip products. I certainly have. My journey led me to a surprising find: the Kiko Milano Smart Fusion Lip Crayon. Thanks to Amazon, I've finally been able to test this brand myself! This little gem has quickly become my go-to for a flawless, semi-glossy look that feels as good as it looks.
In this review, I'll break down not one, but two shades, and we shall see why this lip crayon has earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag and why it might just be the one you've been searching for.
About the Kiko Milano
Kiko Milano is an Italian beauty brand established in 1997. All of its products are designed and made in Milan, and 99% of the ingredients used in its formulas are made in Europe. Apart from classic Italian artistry, the brand brings trendy packaging and innovative textures to the table, which is why Kiko is so loved and cherished among makeup enthusiasts. Lovely bonus – democratic prices! It's always nice to know that you don't have to break your budget and can still look great.
Smart Fusion Lip Crayon by Kiko
Now, a few words about the Smart Fusion Lip Crayons. Brand describes these crayons as an ''on-the-go pencil/lip gloss''. They are easy and quick to apply, even when you are in a hurry. Additionally, the chunky shape of a crayon feels so comfortable in the hand, which makes the application even easier and faster. It contains nourishing ingredients and pure pigments for maximum shine, and its intense color payoff lasts for hours!
- Where to buy?
You can buy one of the 10 (from barely-there sheer finish to intense pigment) available color variations on Amazon or at the nearest Kiko store. One lip crayon costs around €5.99 for 1,6 g (0.05 oz) of the product.
Texture and Scent:
I'm the proud owner of two lip shades: 04 Intense Hazelnut and 08 Reddish Mauve. While they're very similar, I'll explain later why I chose this specific lip combo. So, the shade 04 Intense Hazelnut is a neutral, dark-brown shade with a creamy, saturated finish. 08 Reddish Mauve is a similar shade, but it's more intense and has a higher concentration of red pigments.
Both colors have a creamy, semi-gloss finish that applies evenly on the lips. The color intensity varies from shade to shade. For example, the color 01 Rose Nacre is a translucent, rosy-white with a subtle shimmer. When applied, it looks almost transparent, while 01 Cherry Red is a true, blue-based red with a versatile, classic feel.
When it comes to scent, these crayons smell like crayons. Slightly woody, a little oily, nothing surprising, and nothing delicious.
Ingredients:
I don't want to bore you with the large list of waxy components and glycerides that make Kiko Milano crayons the way they are. Still, I would love to mention two of my favorites: shea butter, lactic acid. Shea butter is currently one of the cosmetic must-haves! I swapped out all of my daily lip balms for pure shea butter for intense, non-irritating hydration. Apart from being a great emollient, shea butter is non-comedogenic, meaning it is less likely to clog pores. And those of you who are prone to the pesky blackheads around the lips (like me!) know how annoying they can be.
Lactic acid is a popular ingredient in skincare products for its exfoliating and hydrating properties. With regular usage, it will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation on the lips.
How to Use Lip Crayon by Kiko Milano: Doll-like Gradient for Every Day
The application process is easily the best thing about these lip crayons: it is fast, easy, and no fuss – everything the brand claims them to be! The soft, chunky tip of Kiko Milano crayons allows for a precise, neat application, so you don't even need a separate lip pencil to outline and fill in your lips. Of course, if you like the extra crisp line, you can always combine crayon with a matching liner, but for quick touch-ups, you won't find a better option.
And now, I'll share my special application method, which explains why I chose two shades that are so similar. As I have small and thin lips, I like to "plump" them up by creating a doll-like gradient, also known as BJD doll lips. Have you heard of this method? It is like painting a masterpiece, only with makeup!
- Start with clean, well-exfoliated lips and use a sharp nude color (the one that is close to the natural shade of your lips) to give them a plump shape. I fo right above the natural contour (not on the sides), but up to the colorless border of the natural lips.
- For the bottom lip, do the same and add a ''shade'' under it. It gives an illusion of more volume, visually increasing their size.
- Now it's time to fill in your lips with the lighter crayon. The softer the color and the closer it is to your natural lip shade, the more believable the final plump look will be.
- Finally, add a darker shade right in the center of the lips, blend with the finger or a small brush. This little accent will add dimension to the lip makeup. Here you can play with a color: little red, little pink, or a touch of purple.
Final Verdict…
Hydration: 👍👍👍👎(8/10)
Texture: 👍👍👍👎(5/10)
Overall: 👍👍👍👎 (6/10)
I loved everything about this product, from its affordable price to its comfortable formula. While the staying power could be better, I have no other complaints (maybe only the smell?). The semi-glossy finish is my personal go-to, and if you have thin lips and want to add a bit more volume, I highly recommend it. Plus, the combination of caring shea butter and exfoliating lactic acid is perfect for anyone with dry lips.
One distinctive feature makes these lip crayons superior (in my eyes): their versatile nature. The universally silky-smooth formula makes them a great alternative to blush or highlighter, depending on the color you choose. One product, many ways to apply it, everything I love about makeup! If you don`t mind reapplying it throughout the day, then you'll love it just as much as I do!
