For bicoastal makeup artist Karina Milan—celebrated for her refined technique, versatility and commitment to inclusivity— inspiration comes in many forms. Known for crafting everything from fresh, radiant skin to bold, editorial looks, Milan has worked with the likes of Venus Williams, Yara Shahidi, Ice Spice, Jodie Turner-Smith and more. While Milan’s makeup portfolio speaks for itself, there’s one very simple product type kept on regular rotation in her kit this season—and it’s a bit of a throwback. “Lately, I’ve mostly been into lip glosses that have extra benefits like a plumper or ingredients like hyaluronic acid for extra hydration,” shares the MUA, who offers these four as absolute musts.
The Doc-Developed Treatment
Milan says she’s been reaching for Dr. Whitney Bowe’s Tri-Liptide Peptide Lip Enhancing Treatment ($34) because it doesn’t just plump the lips right away, it increases lip volume by 20 percent when used at least three times a day. “I’ve seen more definition in my Cupid’s bow, which has been super impressive.” Besides having a slew of good ingredients, the doctor-developed treatment also has a very targeted aesthetic benefit: It helps speed the recovery of—and enhances the results of— cosmetic procedures like lip fillers and lip flips.
Client’s Choice
A favorite for Milan’s clients is the high-shine, no-stick Refy Lip Gloss With Hyaluronic Acid ($20), specifically in the dark pink Dusk shade. “It leaves the lips so soft,” she says. “And the texture is quite slippery and comfortable.” Sephora shoppers, who call it a staple, are on the same page: “This is the best gloss I’ve ever used,” shares one reviewer. “It’s very shiny, thick but there is ZERO stickiness! I was shocked when I first tried it. Scent free & no shimmer!”
Design Do
The ultra-hydrating, super chic Glowing Lip Balm by Sulwhasoo ($38) is “not only so nurturing on the lips,” but also has one of Milan’s “favorite packaging” ever. “It just makes me happy when looking at it in my purse,” she says.
The Tinted Gloss
Milan says the best tinted lip gloss right now has to be the Make Up For Ever Booster Gloss ($26) because of the consistency, color and plumping effect. “The colors are sooooo good and truly compliment a lip liner.” Fans also praise the hyaluronic acid–infused, all-day moisturizing gloss for its mirror-like shine and cooling effect.
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