KIKO Milano, often referred to as KIKO, is an Italian cosmetic brand born in 1997.
The brand was birthed by the Percassi family (a prominent Italian entrepreneur group), and its initial products were sold in the historic store Fiorucci of Piazza San Babila in Milan. KIKO’s products were initially priced and targeted for higher-end consumers. However, these price levels resulted in a lack of popularity for KIKO. Sales began not to meet expectations, and products were then removed from the store and sold at discounted prices in one of the city’s malls.
However, these discounted prices resulted in a rapid increase in sales and accumulated inventory flying off the shelves within days. Thus, KIKO developed a new business model: targeting consumers by providing high-quality products at low prices, which would appeal to all age groups. This decision resulted in the brand’s success, especially after gaining the support of Inditex (the Spanish multinational owner of brands such as Zara) in 2001.
Today, KIKO’s line has expanded from makeup to skincare, beauty accessories, and nail polish. KIKO has over 900 retail stores, entering the eCommerce market in 2009 and opening its first store in the United States in 2014. It currently has three retail stores in the USA: two in Florida and one in New York; and is also available for purchase at Ulta Beauty and on its online website.
Although KIKO is currently lesser known in the States, it’s a definite must-try brand. Often known as the MAC of Milan, the brand is loved by young girls and mature women alike in Italy. Below are some of my favourite products that I have been using since my high school years! (PS Everything is between $10-20)
KIKO Unlimited Double Touch
The KIKO Unlimited Double Touch offers a smooth liquid matte lipstick and a clear gloss, which can be applied over the lipstick to produce a glossy finish. The colors are beautiful and many, ranging from burgundies to nudes to hot pinks, definitely easy to find the perfect shade for oneself. Finally, they are ideal for travel as they are small, compact, and a two-in-one product.
KIKO Water Eyeshadow
Although a powder eyeshadow, the shadows have a wet, buttery feel to the touch. They can be applied either dry or wet (for more intensity) with a brush or with your fingertips to give a beautiful foiled look. The formula is very pigmented and easy to blend; an easy one-color eye looks perfect, ideal for makeup beginners! Definite recommendations are gold, copper, and bronze shades.
KIKO Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow
Another eyeshadow favourite is KIKO’s stick eyeshadow. It can be used as either a base for traditional powder shadows and or by itself. Once again, it is an excellent product for beginners or busy college students/workers trying to create beautiful eye looks within seconds. The stick eyeshadows also come in different finishes: matte, satin, and shimmery.
KIKO Tuscan Sunshine Radiant Bronzer
A recent favourite, this bronzer is part of KIKO’s latest collection. Inspired by the Tuscan countryside, the collection is a reminder of the beautiful Italian summer with the incoming colder weather. The Tuscan Sunshine Radiant Bronzer is a silky satin-finish bronzer that is easily blendable and provides warmth to the face, and gives that radiant sun-kissed look we all love. Shoutout to the packaging: the compact has a beautiful bronzy-orange color and a small mirror perfect for travel. (Note: the bronzer has a light lily scent for anyone who is sensitive or does not like added fragrances to their makeup products)
And that’s all for today! Let us know what your favorite KIKO products are, whether makeup, skincare, or even nail polishes!
Lovingly,
Gioia
