With over a thousand SKUs available in store and online, the arrival of Kiko Milano in our sunny shores has definitely created waves in the local beauty industry. Aside from its wide assortment of products and shades, it also comes in affordable price points making stocking up on your essentials—as well as your more "experimental" pre-shower makeup tools–guilt-free. And yes, they're totally cruelty-free, too!
Ahead, we run down the brief history of the cosmetics brand, their bestselling products, some celebrity lewks, and where to find them. Happy shopping!
A Brief History of Kiko Milano
Kiko Milano was born from the keen entrepreneurial intuition of the Percassi family, coupled with the assimilation of the business group's best practices. Playing in the retail sector since 1976, the Percassis would grow and manage Benetton and its brands locally, before developing and expanding other retail brands to international markets.
In 1997, their sights were set on creating their own original venture: a proudly Italian cosmetics line. Being from the same region where factories produce luxury makeup brands and having a deep commercial network afforded them a competitive advantage in mitigating costs.
Following the business model of their partner Inditex, a.k.a. the mother company of Zara, Kiko Milano focused on selling quality products at accessible price points. Leveraging quantity, they are able to control costs, churn out more types of units, and sell at a more reasonable rate. Their wide range of products, catering to different aesthetic preferences, skin tones and types, and endless hue spectrum went hand in hand with their mission to "satisfy the beauty requirements of women of any age."
SHOP: The Best Kiko Milano Products, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists
With a wide array of makeup offerings, we asked celebrity makeup artists which products they consider the best. After all, who better to share their recos than those who glammed up the country's finest faces?
Full Coverage 2-In-1 Foundation & Concealer
A staple in Muriel Vega Perez' makeup kit is the Full Coverage 2-In-1 Foundation & Concealer. "It covers everything that needs to be covered but sets very well in the skin, giving you that skin perfection we need especially during special occasions," he shares.
Need further proof? He used it on his recent muses Sunshine Cruz, Solenn Heussaff, Lorin Gutierrez-Bektas, Angel Aquino, and Jana Agoncillo. "Aside from the perfect skin finish, it also has a long-wearing capacity, which does not require touch-ups for photo shoots and events," he says.
Full Coverage 2-In-1 Foundation & Concealer, P1800, KIKO MILANO, Lazada
pH Glow Lipstick
The go-to of dashing male celebrities, Aimee Grey swears by the pH Reacting Glow Lipstick for that natural lip. "I love how lightweight and easy to apply it is—perfect for all of my clients!" she exclaims. "I also like how it gives my clients the right shade of pink because it reacts to their skin's pH level. Not to mention, it makes and leaves the lips super soft, too! Really a 10/10 product."
pH Glow Lipstick, P850, KIKO MILANO, Lazada
Glow Fusion Highlighting Drops
For the most natural-looking highlighter that is easy to apply, Denise Go Ochoa recommends the Glow Fusion Highlighting Drops. The variation Sweet Dreams is perfect for clients with lighter skin or for more pinkish or rosy hues. Meanwhile, Gold Mineis best suited for those with olive skin or for a peach-toned makeup look.
She loves the fine liquid consistency "because it's not sticky, sets quickly but at the same time is buildable. The longer it stays on the skin, the more natural-looking it becomes. Best for that Second Skin that I always like to go for."
Her application tip? "I like using them on the high points like the cheek and brow bones, nose bridge and tip, cupid's bow, on the center of the lips. I usually put them after the foundation, before any powder product. It really makes the overall look radiant and adds dimension." 
Glow Fusion Highlighting Drops, P800, KIKO MILANO, Lazada
3D Hydra Lipgloss
Denise also recommends the 3d Hydra Lipgloss for luscious yet natural-looking lips. "It really makes the lips look plumper without feeling heavy and thick," she shares. "The pearls really make the lips look more dimensional, making them appear fuller."
The shade Pearly Watermelon is also best for luscious puckers, according to Maja Salvador's go-to makeup artist. "I think it looks effortless since it resembles most of the natural color of the lips." Needless to say, this, as well as the glow drops, gets the actress' seal of approval. "Maja usually loves the look or the outcome when I use these products on her," Denise reveals.
3D Hydra Lip Gloss, P800, KIKO MILANO, Lazada
All Over Highlighter
A testament to the range of Kiko's products, Jake Galvez favorite is a different type of highlighter. "My top favorite is Kiko x Little Mermaid All Over Highlighter," he shares. "It's perfect for an all-over highlight for the face and body. I love it because it’s easy to use, and it blends perfectly."
He prefers this formulation "since it's a powder type product, it's not sticky and does not mess the dress and hair" when he applies it on his clients' chest and shoulders. It's such a thoughtful consideration when dolling up red carpet mainstays like Kim Chiu and Alexa Ilacad.
Kiko Milano x The Little Mermaid All Over Highlighter, P1950, KIKO MILANO, Lazada
Twistable Volume & Length Mascara
"The mascara never ever failed me," according to Justin Louise Soriano. A staunch supporter of the cosmetic brand's mascara line, he appreciates that "Kiko has many different mascara wand that caters to different eye shapes and lash lengths." Can't decide? We think you'll definitely get the best of both worlds with the Twistable Volume & Length option.
Twistable Volume & Length Mascara, P1150, KIKO MILANO, Lazada
Smart Fusion Lip Pencil
"The lip liners were created to glide smoothly to create a perfect line," Justin reveals. Pro-tip: "You can also smudge it for a feathered look." A fail-safe lipliner pick would be the Smart Fusion Lip Pencil as not only is it the most-reviewed on their global website, it's also their bestseller on Lazada!
Smart Fusion Lip Pencil, P400, KIKO MILANO, Lazada
Celebrities Wearing Kiko Milano
Marian Rivera
Alexa Ilacad
Ivana Alawi
Kaila Estrada
Angelina Cruz, Lorin Gutierrez, Siobhan Moylan, Erika Poturnak, and Pam Prinster
Where to Shop Kiko Milano in the Philippines
You can conveniently shop their products in the comforts of your home via Lazada, Shopee, and Zalora. You may also check out their boutiques located at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM Grand Central, SM San Lazaro, SM North EDSA, SM Department Store Megamall, SM Department Store Cebu, and SM Department Store Davao.
For more information, you may visit their official website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Products and services recommended on our websites are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, Summit Media may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Links are updated regularly and as much as possible but note that products can run out of stock, discounts can expire and listed prices can change without prior notice.
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
