Stila Cosmetics: Brand Review and 7 Must-Have Products

Stila products on a mirror and a white background — @stilacosmetics / Instagram

Stila Cosmetics has been making beauty fun and approachable for more than 25 years. One of the reasons why the brand’s reputation continues to flourish is its approach to formulating products with makeup artistry in mind—its ethos is that every person deserves to celebrate themselves and enhance their natural beauty with high-quality, affordable makeup. From dual-ended eyeliners to long-lasting liquid lipsticks, Stila's products aim to help novices and pros alike feel like the best version of themselves.

Stila’s founder Jeanine Lobell had years of experience as a makeup artist before deciding to launch the brand in 1994. Her inspiration ‘’was to create high-quality products that [would stand] the test of time," says Desiree Tordecilla, chief marketing officer at Stila.

Stila Cosmetics

Founded: Jeanine Lobell, 1994

Location: Los Angeles

Pricing: $$

Best known for: Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

Hero product: Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

Fun fact: One of the brand’s best sellers, Convertible Color, was inspired by Lobell using her lipstick on her cheeks and lips to quickly look presentable when she would drop her kids off at school. In the early days, everyone at the brand’s HQ referred to it as “car makeup.”

Other brands you’ll love: Urban Decay, BareMinerals, Benefit Cosmetics

The brand has a long-standing commitment to developing innovative and multi-functional products. ‘’We were cruelty-free before it was trendy and have always strived to create quality products with consumers and animals in mind,’’ Tordecilla says. In addition to being mindful of consumers’ ever-changing needs, Stila also takes inspiration from the runway during the formulation process.

The name Stila comes from the Italian word "stilare," which means "to write" or "to pen." Stila’s range of high-performing products is perfect for people who want to embrace their individuality and have fun telling stories through makeup. Staying true to these artistic origins, the brand has dedicated an entire page of its website to makeup looks, each one accompanied by a set of detailed and easy-to-follow instructions. You’ll be a pro in no time.

If you want to take your makeup game to the next level, read on for the best of what Stila Cosmetics has to offer.

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Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner $23.00

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It’s easy to see why the Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner is so popular with Stila’s fans. It has a fine marker-like tip that allows users to create a variety of eye-opening effects with ease, dries down super quickly, and doesn’t smudge. According to one Byrdie contributor, "it truly holds up to its promise of being smudge-free and waterproof." And on top of all that, it’s available in eight shades and a Dual-Ended ($30) option.

For best results, shake well before use, and before lining, pull gently on the upper corner of the eye to stretch and smooth the area. Then, apply the liner as close to the lashes as possible. To avoid any gaps, paint the liner into the lashes using small, feathering strokes.

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Huge Extreme Lash Mascara

Stila Cosmetics Huge Extreme Lash Mascara $25.00

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The Huge Extreme Lash Mascara promises to lengthen, curl, and lift lashes with just one coat. I definitely saw a difference in the way my lashes looked. They were bolder, longer, and clump-free—everything one looks for in a mascara. With a flexible and buildable formula that softens lashes, the mascara also features a curved brush that mimics the shape of the eyes, making it perfectly easy to catch every lash. A huge bonus is that it’s been clinically tested, making it safe for contact lens wearers.

To use, start at the base of your lashes and sweep the wand upward and outward. For fuller lashes, repeat this step a few times until you are happy with your look.

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Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick $22.00

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Enriched with vitamin E and avocado oil, this iconic lipstick has a creamy, matte, full-coverage formula that delivers long-lasting color for up to 12 hours. A fan favorite since its launch almost 10 years ago, I loved how light and non-drying it felt. It didn’t get cakey after a few hours of wear. It's also really pigmented and comes in a variety of alluring colors. Two of the most universally flattering shades in the range are Patina and Beso, both of which are longtime best-sellers.

For a perfect pout, sweep the color on your lips and blend. The lipstick can be worn alone or with the Plumping Lip Glaze for a glossy shine.

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Convertible Color

Stila Cosmetics Convertible Color $25.00

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The product that started it all more than 20 years ago is still a favorite with Stila’s customer base. With its creamy, translucent formula, it is a must-have for your makeup bag. Each color blends beautifully to give the skin a radiant glow, so whether you like a subtle makeup look or full-on glam, there’s sure to be a shade that suits your needs. And it even has a celebrity following: Jennifer Garner and Sarah Jessica Parker are fans of the groundbreaking two-in-one lipstick and blush.

To apply on your cheeks, press your ring finger into the cream and gently rub against your thumb to warm up the color. Then, tap the color into cheeks and blend outward and upward. For brush application, use a firm blush brush, applying the blush with very light strokes to achieve a flawless look. To apply on the lips, use your fingertips or a lip brush.

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Glitter & Glow

Stila Cosmetics Glitter & Glow $24.00

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If you like shimmery makeup, then you'll want to give the Glitter & Glow Eye Shadows a try. This bestselling liquid eye shadow glides onto the skin perfectly and dries to a smooth finish thanks to its lightweight, water-infused texture. It gave my eyes that instant wow factor. Apply onto the desired eye area using the applicator wand for best results.

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Stay All Day 10-in-1 Illuminating Skin Veil

Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day 10-in-1 Illuminating Skin Veil $38.00

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The Stay All Day 10-in-1 Illuminating Skin Veil leaves skin looking radiant and glowy. This all-in-one beauty balm works to hydrate and nourish the skin, and contains a broad spectrum SPF 30 to keep it protected. It also hides skin imperfections, reduces the appearance of pores, and provides oil and blemish control. As a bonus, it’s enriched with skin-loving antioxidants.

Apply a small amount onto clean skin using a brush or your fingers. The product can be used alone or with your favorite concealer or setting powder.

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Plumping Lip Glaze

Stila Cosmetics Plumping Lip Glaze $24.00

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This founder favorite features a one percent MAXI-LIP plumping complex, which plumps lips from the inside out, leaving them looking more hydrated, defined, firmer, and smoother. With a formula including vitamin E and antioxidants to keep lips supple and soft, it’s clear to see why this product is a best-seller. I loved all of the colors in the range. A bonus is that the glaze isn’t sticky or tacky.

To apply, click the twist pen until the product appears, then use the brush applicator to apply to lips. The glaze can be worn alone or over your favorite lipsticks.

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