About Stila Cosmetics
Stila Cosmetics was founded in 1994 by Jeanine Lobell, a former model and makeup artist who derived the company‘s name from the Swedish word for style, "stil." Over the past 28 years, Stila has developed a following and reputation centered on long-wearing and versatile makeup.
The brand is especially known for its eyeliners – including cult favorites like the Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner – as well as lip glosses, eyeshadows and face products. Stila carries over 700 individual products spanning color cosmetics and skin care.
In the 2000s after Stila‘s acquisition by Estée Lauder, the brand attracted celebrity fans and expanded distribution. Today, Stila reports over 3 million Instagram followers and retail availability in over 20 countries.
The company changed ownership again in 2014 when private equity firm Patriarch Partners acquired Stila. CEO Lynn Tilton currently heads the brand alongside other executives like Chief Creative Officer Sarah Lucero.
Stila Pros
- Cruelty-free status since 2016 (PETA-certified)
- Hundreds of products to choose from
- Virtual "try on" tool for sampling shades
- Positive reviews for long-wear formulas
- Free standard shipping at $50+ in U.S.
Stila Cons
- No clean beauty designation
- Not vegan; some animal-derived ingredients
- Quality and staying power varies by product
- Limited global shipping options
Overall, Stila fills an accessible price point between mass market and luxury cosmetics. While its "real life glamour" positioning may not appeal to minimalists, Stila allows experimentation with makeup for casual to dramatic looks.
Shoppers on budgets may find better value compared to prestige brands. However, Stila trails clean beauty competitors in ethical standards and vegan-friendly assortment.
Critical Review of Top Stila Products
Drawing on in-depth customer feedback and third-party rating data, the following provides a critical look at some of Stila‘s best selling makeup.
#1: Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick
Stila‘s Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick earns widespread acclaim as a long-lasting matte formula available in 22 shades. The lip color features avocado oil and vitamin E to condition lips while providing opaque, transfer-proof color with a suede matte finish.
At $22 each, the lipsticks score positively across makeup sites:
- Influenster: 4.4 stars based on 29K+ reviews
- Sephora: 4.1 stars from 5K+ reviews
- Ulta: 4.5 stars across 3.7K reviews
Positive reviews praise the liquid lipstick‘s staying power of 8 to 12 hours as well as its lightweight feel. critical feedback focuses on occasional bleeding, feathering or drying out lips.
Overall, BeatyStat Universal Suede Matte Lip Mousse rates better for a smooth application and hydration. But the Stila lipstick still beats most drugstore brands in longevity while keeping to an affordable price point.
#2: Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
As Stila‘s top-rated eyeliner, the Stay All Day formula earns similar applause across beauty retailers for its intense color payoff and 12+ hour wear. The liquid liner glides on smoothly and sets quickly with a matte finish.
It continues to rate strongly from over 6,000 Ulta reviews and 7,000 Sephora reviews:
- Influenster: 4.4 stars
- Sephora: 4.2 stars
- Ulta: 4.4 stars
Beauty enthusiasts compliment the eyeliner‘s saturated jet black pigment and thin precision brush for control. Critical reviews cite trouble removing the eyeliner, flaking or need for frequent shaking in the pen tip.
For a slightly easier application and removal, the brand‘s Micro Tip Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner comes recommended. Overall, Stila eyeliners compete with the well-loved brands like Kat Von D and Tarte for their dramatic effect.
#3: One Step Correct Primer
Developed to color-correct and perfect skin, this silicone-based primer also contains Stila‘s "moisture-binding" ingredient to smooth and brighten dull complexions.
The $36 primer earns mainly positive marks as an essential first makeup step:
- Influenster: 4.3 stars across 6.7K reviews
- Sephora: 4 stars from 1.2K+ reviews
Many praise noticeable improvements evening skin tone, reducing redness from acne scars or large pores. Critical reviews argue the silicone formula exacerbates dryness or pills up during makeup application.
For a comparable color-correcting primer with cleaner ingredients, BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner makes an impressive alternative.
#4: Heaven‘s Hue Highlighter
Offering a luminous strobed effect, Stila‘s powder highlighter features ultra-fine, lightweight pigments in four buildable shades. It applies smoothly to mix with foundation or highlight cheekbones and collarbones.
The $32 highlighter earns positive marks:
- Sephora: 4.1 stars across 550+ reviews
- Influenster: 4.1 stars
Fans praise the soft, blendable texture and radiant – not glittery – sheen. Critical reviews report difficulty showing up on deeper skin tones or lasting a full day.
For a cleaner, non-nano formulation, Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Jelly Lip Glosses bring comparable dewy highlighter hues. But the Stila powder still beats most conventional highlighters for sheer luminosity.
#5: Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow
If sparkling metallics speak to you, these liquid eyeshadows with a felt tip applicator allow quick, crease-resistant application. The $24 shimmers claim up to 8 hours of stay with a veil-like finish.
Beauty sites give strong marks for long wear:
- Influenster: 4.3 stars across 29K+ reviews
- Sephora: 4.2 stars from 3.7K+ reviews
Glitter & Glow eyeshadows draw consistent praise for their foiled effect and limited fall out. Critical reviews cite some shades apply patchy or fade over time into fine glitter.
For maximum ethics, Kjaer Weis Cream Eye Shadows deliver comparable payoff and adheres well. Overall, the Stila glitter eyeshadows perform better than most for an accessible price.
Are Stila Cosmetics Worth The Cost?
Based on this comprehensive evaluation of Stila‘s top-ranked makeup, their products generally live up to marketing claims on application, color quality and wear time.
Positive customer feedback aligned with my assessment of Stila outperforming other conventional mass market brands. For budget buyers not ready to pay premium prices, Stila products meet needs on durability and fashion-forward colors.
However, those wanting cleaner ingredients or vegan friendly formulas can find better options elsewhere. I suggest comparing Stila to green brands like BeautyStat, Ilia or Lawless before deciding if their makeup aligns with your ethical standards.
Additionally, certain Stila products like foundations, concealers and mascaras rate below their staple eyeliners and lipsticks. So I recommend selectively shopping best-reviewed items only.
In terms of affordability, Stila prices align with other specialty cosmetics brands carried at Sephora or Ulta. Yet during sales or with influencer promo codes, costs dip to drugstore level. This allows budget room to try bolder items like glitter shadows or liquid lipsticks.
Overall, I suggest Stila for makeup experimentation on a budget. Just check online reviews carefully upfront to manage expectations on quality. And compare ingredient labels if you follow a vegan or clean beauty routine.
Where To Buy Stila Cosmetics
Stila retails through their own ecommerce site StilaCosmetics.com with free U.S. shipping over $50.
Third party online stockists include:
- Sephora
- Ulta
- Nordstrom
- Revolve
- Amazon
- Macy‘s
Brick-and-mortar locations carrying Stila makeup include Sephora, Ulta, Macy’s and select beauty supply stores.
I suggest buying directly from Stila or authorized retailers over third-party sellers on Amazon and eBay. This ensures authentic, unexpired and untouched products. Compare prices across retailers for the best deal.
Also, scout the Stila website directly for promotions like gifting specials or sitewide sales up to 30% off. Signing up for their email newsletter may provide future exclusive discounts too.
Stila Return Policy and Customer Service
Stila allows returns of unused products within 30 days of purchase. To start a return, check stilacosmetics.com for specific instructions based on channel bought.
I tried contacting customer service via email at [email protected] and received a response within 48 hours. Phone support is also available Monday through Friday.
From reviews, interactions with Stila’s customer service resolve most issues like damaged, defective or wrongly shipped items. Just prepare order information and visual documentation when starting your inquiry.
Is Stila Cruelty-Free and Vegan?
Stila obtained cruelty-free accreditation from PETA in 2016 after pulling distribution from China. So you can purchase Stila cosmetics knowing they don‘t test on animals.
However, Stila products are NOT considered vegan due to certain animal-derived ingredients like:
- Beeswax
- Carmine
- Lanolin
So double check labels if you follow a vegan diet. Stila also does not market itself as a clean beauty brand.
Critical Stila Brand Review Conclusions
To conclude this exhaustive Stila cosmetics analysis, I suggest discerning shoppers selectively purchase only top-rated items backed by reviews confirming quality and value.
For those on a budget not demanding vegan or clean standards, Stila makeup performs reasonably well above most mass retailers. And frequent sales allow even more access to test trendy products.
Just don‘t expect Stila to match prestige lines like Pat McGrath and Charlotte Tilbury on texture, blendability and skincare benefits.
Finally, make sure to buy Stila only from authorized sellers instead of third party ecommerce sites. This guarantees fresh, non-expired stock directly from the brand or official retail partners.
So in summary: yes to Stila for playful self-expression on a budget. But set realistic expectations based on best seller feedback before adding items to your cart.
