You know that feeling when you fall so madly in love with someone that you wonder how you survived for so long without them? Well, it’s the exact same feeling I had when I recently tried MADINA Milano’s makeup for the first time!
The products that have stolen my heart include Pat McGrath’s favorite highlighter and a lipstick that looks good enough to eat…
Are you intrigued?
Just keep reading, then! 😉
MADINA Exact Color Bronzer (€10/$11.37)
OK, I don’t know how it does it, but the MADINA Exact Color Bronzer makes my complexion look so much better without having any actual coverage. When I apply it all over my face and neck, it gives me the most gorgeous sunkissed glow that doesn’t pull orange AT ALL, while it makes my skin look smoother and keeps it shine-free longer.
As if that weren’t enough, it also acts as some sort of tinted primer by making my foundation go on so much more easily.
I’m telling you, gurl, this is Holy Grail status.
MADINA Crystal Glass Powder (€16/$18.20)
The MADINA Crystal Glass Powder is actually not a powder, but I guess it’s called that because you can use it on top of your makeup like you would a finishing powder.
It’s basically just pure silicone that you can either use as a primer or on top of your base to minimize the look of pores and fine lines. I personally like to pat it on after foundation using the flat side of my dry Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. I don’t use it on a daily basis, but for special occasions it really works wonders!
MADINA Crystal Glass Bronzer (€16/$18.20)
The MADINA Crystal Glass Bronzer is pretty much like the tinted version of the Crystal Glass Powder, and it reminds me of my beloved YSL Les Sahariennes Sun-Kissed Blur Perfector (although I’m pretty sure the MADINA one has been around longer).
It comes in only one shade, which is perfect for warming up my skin tone without any orange in sight. I target the areas that would naturally tan first, and it gives me a pretty healthy glow, while also perfecting the skin’s texture.
I may even go so far as to say it’s become my new favorite bronzer… Sorry, Chanel Les Beiges. I still love you, though!
MADINA Chic & Shine Highlighting Stick (€15/$17.06)
Apparently, this is Pat McGrath’s favorite highlighter… Need I say more?
Probably not, but I will anyway!
MADINA Chic & Shine is a champagne highlighting stick with very fine shimmer particles running through it. I love how it melts into my skin and makes my cheekbones look all sheeny, but if you’re one for intense highlighters, this is not the product for you.
MADINA Exact Color Lipstick (€12/$13.65)
Not only does the MADINA Exact Color Lipstick look like candy, it also smells like it. I really have to restrain myself to not give it a bite. Seriously!
It’s not meant for eating, though, but for enhancing your natural lip color. It does so by reacting with your skin’s pH level and giving your lips a custom pink tint. Perfect for no makeup days, especially if you, like me, have zero pigmentation in your lips!
MADINA Prisma Blushes in 03 & 05 (€11/$12.51)
Everything you’ve ever wanted from a blush? You may find it in MADINA’s Prisma Blushes!
They’re pigmented, easy to blend, long-wearing, and luminous without being shimmery. So, what else could you want?
Oh, yeah, I almost forgot the best part… They have that amazing type of texture that releases color onto the brush without any detectable powderyness!
Unfortunately, at the moment MADINA’s website only ships to Italian addresses, and there are just four stores in Italy (you may find their store locator here), but if you ever find yourself in the vicinity of one, I highly, highly recommend paying it a visit.
Chris25 says
I wish we had some kind of store in NYC that sold all the international brands.
Karen says
I wish we had the same thing here in SF! I’d be there all the time. 🙂
Carolina Braina says
What a cool idea!
Becky says
Oh goodness these products look amazing! Particularly the YSL-like bronzer and skin-finish “powder” – beautiful! I’ll need to start a petition for UK shipping!
Beekeyper – Latest post – Aztec Secret – worth the hype?
Karen says
Good idea, Becky! Maybe I’ll do one too for US shipping, LOL!
Carolina Braina says
Those two products are pretty unique!
Karen says
A makeup artist friend of mine who works backstage at Fashion Week in Milan introduced me to this brand. I went to the store in Milan and had so much fun shopping there. Glad to see it getting some love in your wonderful series!
P.S. Um, can I have some gummy bears now, please? I’ll take the red ones. LOL!
Carolina Braina says
Haha, sure, I like the green ones, oddly enough!
I think Madina is more popular among makeup artists than it is with the general public. I am SOOO impressed with the quality of their products!
Karen says
I bought a black pan of eyeshadow when I was there and it was AWESOME. I lost it though, waaah!
Carolina Braina says
Time to get a new one! 😉
Erin says
I’ve been wanting to try the highlighter for years and I always forgot to look for it specifically when I went to Italy.
Carolina Braina says
That happens to me all the time!
Kiss & Make-up says
I keep on discovering new brands here! Those blushes…man!
Karen says
Yay, glad you’re finding new things!
Carolina Braina says
Those blushes are amazing!!! So vibrant!
LindaLibraLoca says
Carolina, I really need to come visit you. So many amazing brands!
Carolina Braina says
Yes, Anne, YOU DO!