Milani Merlot Moment Cheek Kiss Cream Blush Review & Swatches

Merlot Moment

Milani Merlot Moment Cheek Kiss Cream Blush ($8.99 for 0.21 oz.) is a brighter, medium plum with strong, warm undertones and a natural finish that wasn’t dewy but wasn’t fully matte or set either. The texture was lightweight, thin, and fairly emollient, so it had a tendency to slide/glide readily across my bare skin, which was good for getting a sheerer layer of product but made it harder to keep it in place for more precise application. It also impacted the overall wear as it definitely moved noticeably after six hours of wear.

It had semi-sheer, buildable pigmentation that was best over bare skin, as it applied evenly and blended out well, but over foundation or more matte base products, it was less foolproof and could lift up base products. As a lip product, it lasted two hours and felt clingier, as it was thin, but it was non-drying over time.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Top Dupes

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NARS Dolce Vita (PiP, $30.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
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NARS Out There (LE, $30.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar).
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Bobbi Brown Sand Pink (DC, $30.00) is lighter, cooler, less glossy (85% similar).
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Formula Overview

$8.99/0.21 oz. - $42.81 Per Ounce

It's supposed to be "lightweight, buildable and never greasy" that gives a "luminous wash of color." Though the formula name and actual packaging don't make mention of it, the brand's description online says it's a "multitasking cheek and lip balm-to-gel" product.

The texture was lightweight, emollient, and thin with a touch of tackiness. I found it applied better over bare skin than over foundation, as it lifted my base up a bit--not every single time without fail but often enough that it wasn't foolproof. It was worse over more matte/drier bases (or a set base).

It had semi-sheer to medium, buildable pigmentation that applied evenly and blended out well over bare skin. The product stayed on well for six hours before migrating/moving around noticeably. The finish was more natural-matte--not overly dewy but set slightly. I preferred to pat it on with fingertips and use a separate brush to diffuse the edges, which helped keep it in place better.

As a lip product, it had similar coverage and lasted about two hours or less as it didn't really leave a stain behind, so the thin, more emollient formula didn't offer much in the way of longevity. The formula was more prone to emphasizing lip texture, as it was thin, but it was neither drying nor hydrating as a lip product.

Browse all of our Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Blush swatches.

Ingredients

Triethylhexanoin, Octyldodecanol, Silica, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Synthetic Wax, Synthetic Beeswax, Polyethylene, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499)

Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.