An Honest Review of Ilia Beauty's New Base Face Milk

I have notoriously sensitive skin, which means that whenever I find a brand with products that don't cause breakouts — and ones that actually work to improve my skin's health — I become fervently loyal, buying anything under the sun from the label, regardless of whether or not my budget (or beauty cabinet) can actually manage it. Ilia Beauty is one of those brands. I first became a fan after I was introduced to the line's cult-favourite Super Serum Skin Tint about a year or so ago. Since then, I've added a number of Ilia Beauty products to my arsenal — like the Bright Start Eye Cream and Full-Volume Mascara. Naturally, when I learned that the brand was set to debut another skin-boosting weapon — this time in the form of the Ilia Beauty The Base Face Milk (£28-£58) — I knew immediately that I had to try it.

Ahead, I break down everything to know about Ilia Beauty's newest moisturising product and why I'd argue it might just be the brand's best launch to date. From its easy-to-use design and lightweight nature to the formula's diverse ingredient list and clean composition, here's all of the information you need — including how you can best incorporate it into your winter skin-care routine.

About the Ilia Beauty The Base Face Milk

• The formula is vegan, cruelty-, and fragrance-free.
• Per the brand, it's designed to smooth the skin's overall texture with hydrating benefits, reduce redness, and improve the skin's barrier.
• This moisturiser is formulated with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, prickly pear flower extract, microalgae extract, lipids, and fatty acids.
• It works for all skin types, particularly those with sensitive or dry skin.

What I Like About the Ilia Beauty The Base Face Milk

I love that this face milk feels like four different products rolled into one, thanks to its diverse ingredient list and versatility of use. The formula is infused with hyaluronic acid, which helps to strengthen the skin and elevate it with a plumper, fuller look, eliminating the need for a traditional hyaluronic acid serum. It also reduces redness and works to even out the skin's complexion with its toner-like qualities. The product goes on smooth like a moisturiser and locks in hydration for an all-day glow. And because it leaves my skin with such a noticeable radiance, it almost mirrors the effects of a primer. I can team the concentrate with other Ilia Beauty products, like the Super Serum Skin Tint (£48), or jump straight into my makeup routine and follow it up with a hydrating concealer. This face milk is a welcomed addition in my daily skin-care routine, and it's proven to be even more useful during the winter months when my skin becomes drier and more flaky.

How to Use the Ilia Beauty The Base Face Milk

The Base Face Milk is designed to be used morning and night. Because of its lightweight nature, I prefer using the concentrate as my go-to moisturiser in the morning and switching to a heavier cream in my nighttime routine. The product is super easy to use daily. I'll start by washing my face with a gentle cleanser and then follow with a couple staple products, like a vitamin C serum and eye cream. I've designated the face milk as the final step in my routine since it doubles as the perfect base for my makeup. With direction from the brand, I start by shaking the bottle a few times, then pour a couple drops of the formula into the palm of my hand. From there, I rub my hands together to get the moisturiser more evenly dispersed, and then gently pat the product into my skin; I'll start with my cheeks and then work my way across the rest of my face, ensuring that the formula evenly coats my skin.

The Base Face Milk is remarkably lightweight, yet it still feels like it covers my skin with a thick protective barrier. Beyond its hydrating benefits, the dewy formula also doubles as the perfect transitional product into my makeup routine and I love following it up with a primer or concealer immediately after applying.

What to Consider About the Ilia Beauty The Base Face Milk

As with any new skin-care or cosmetic product, it's recommended that you do a patch test with the formula first before immediately incorporating it into your skin-care routine. Some reviewers on Ilia Beauty's website reported issues with skin irritation and in the worst instances, even rashes, after using the Base Face Milk on their skin. While I personally haven't found this to be the case, it's important to remember that everyone's skin is different and what works for one person might not work for another. Try applying the serum to a designated test spot on your body for at least a week; I personally like using my left hand as a testing spot. Then monitor it over the course of several days to see if you notice any difference in your skin's colouring or texture.

Who Is the Ilia Beauty The Base Face Milk Best For?

If you're looking for an easy way to upgrade the look and feel of your skin (whether it's because of texture, complexion, or dryness), Ilia Beauty's new Face Milk is bound to be a worthwhile addition to your daily skin-care regimen. I've noticed a significant difference in my skin's complexion — not only has its overall tone evened out, but usual red spots have diminished. Despite struggling with dryness, my skin also feels (and looks) healthier and maintains a more hydrated glow throughout the day — even after I've applied my makeup. The product might be on the pricier side compared to other moisturisers, but because it combines so many different skin-boosting benefits into one single formula, it's a must-try for anyone wanting to streamline their skin-care routine.

Where Can I Buy the Ilia Beauty The Base Face Milk?

Ilia's new moisturiser is available to shop at Naturismo, Ilia Beauty, and Revolve.

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