The Origins of Stila Cosmetics
Stila Cosmetics was founded in 1994 by celebrity makeup artist Janine Lobel. The brand’s name has sparked some confusion over the years, with conflicting information on its origins. Some sources state that “Stila” is derived from the Italian word “SAR,” which means to pen or draw. However, Janine herself mentioned in an interview that they simply made up the name Stila, as it sounds like “still” in Swedish, meaning style.
Janine Lobel: The Visionary Behind Stila
Born in Sweden to parents from Queens, New York, Janine Lobel had a passion for makeup from a young age. She honed her skills as a teenager in Stockholm, cultivating a love for cosmetics that would later drive her to create Stila Cosmetics.
Favorite Stila Products
Stila Cosmetics has garnered a dedicated fan base over the years, thanks to its innovative and high-quality products. Some of the brand’s most beloved items include the Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, the Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow, and the Convertible Color Dual Lip & Cheek Cream.
Scandals and Controversies
While Stila Cosmetics has enjoyed success in the beauty industry, it hasn’t been without its share of controversies. In recent years, the brand has faced scrutiny over its animal testing policies and sustainability practices. These issues have prompted some customers to reassess their relationship with the brand.
Future Prospects for Stila Cosmetics
As Stila Cosmetics continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the beauty industry, it will be interesting to see how the brand evolves and adapts to meet the needs and expectations of consumers. With a strong legacy of innovation and creativity, Stila has the potential to remain a prominent player in the makeup market for years to come.
The Founder’s Journey
Stila Cosmetics was founded by a makeup artist named Janine who had a remarkable start in her career. Her journey began when her best friend decided to go to makeup school in London, and she followed suit after school. She landed a job in LA doing makeup for the movie “Hairspray”, which eventually led to a big break in the form of a Vanity Fair cover shoot with celebrities like Natalie Portman and Kate Blanchett.
The Rise to Success
After working with stars like Julianne Moore, Charlize Theron, and Jennifer Lopez, Janine felt inspired to create her own makeup brand. She teamed up with a friend and thus, Stila was born. Despite initial challenges in finding a lab that could produce small quantities within their budget, they eventually found success when their line caught the attention of major retailers like Barney’s, Nordstrom, Saks, and Sephora.
The Stila Difference
In an interview with Yahoo, Janine highlighted the creative approach taken by Stila in developing their products. Unlike other brands that relied on chunky sparkles, Stila focused on creating shimmer and shine in a unique way. Janine personally curated each lipstick formula to perfectly match its color, ensuring that every shade was made with precision and care.
One of the aspects that set Stila apart was their eyeshadows. Janine took a hands-on approach by physically going to the lab to blend different shades and sparkles to create multidimensional colors. This attention to detail and innovation resulted in eyeshadows that stood out in the market and garnered a passionate following.
The Vintage Vibe of Stila Cosmetics
One of the things that really set Stila apart back in the 90s was their unique vintage vibe. Founder Janine came up with the idea of using paper for lipstick tubes, inspired by the traditional paper packaging of the past. This gave Stila a distinct look that stood out from other brands on the market.
Innovative Products
One of the standout products from Stila in the 90s were the little lip glosses that came in aluminum tubes. Not only were they recyclable, but they were also unlike anything else available at the time. These lip glosses were often the first Stila product that many people, including myself, purchased.
Sephora and Stila
Back in the late 90s, Sephora was a coveted destination for beauty lovers. I remember reading about Sephora in magazines and feeling the urge to visit the store in person. I convinced my boyfriend to accompany me on a train ride to New York City just so I could finally see a Sephora store. Upon arrival, I made a beeline for the Stila display, where I picked out one of those iconic lip gloss tubes. It was a memorable experience that solidified my love for Stila cosmetics.
The Origins of Stila
Stila Cosmetics has a rich history that dates back to the late 90s. One of their most iconic products, the lip glaze, was actually created for Cameron Diaz while she was filming Charlie’s Angels. It’s fascinating to learn that Cameron herself helped name the first three shades – raspberry, grape, and strawberry. This personal touch adds a unique charm to the brand and solidifies its place in pop culture history.
The Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner Phenomenon
Stila is not just known for its lip products. Their Stay All Day liquid eyeliner has become a cult favorite, achieving the title of the most pinned eyeliner of all time on Pinterest. This accolade speaks volumes about the quality and popularity of the product. Its long-lasting formula and precision applicator have made it a staple in many makeup lovers’ collections.
Innovative Products and Trends
Janine Lobell, the founder of Stila, revealed in an interview with Into The Gloss that the brand was a trailblazer in creating multipurpose makeup products. They were the first to introduce a lip and cheek cream that could be used for both areas. Additionally, Stila pioneered the concept of cream blush in compact form, making makeup application on the go much more convenient. The innovative spirit of the brand is evident in their product range, constantly pushing boundaries and setting trends in the beauty industry.
The Legacy of Smudge Pots
Another beloved product from Stila is the smudge pots – cream gel eyeliners that come in a variety of colors. While their current offerings may be limited, the legacy of the smudge pots lives on in the hearts of makeup enthusiasts. These versatile eyeliners can be easily smudged for a smoky eye effect or used as a bold eyeliner. The adaptability and quality of Stila’s products have earned them a dedicated fan base over the years.
The Rise and Fall of Stila Cosmetics
I remember using the purple one specifically all over my lid, just as a cream shadow and they were all so incredible. Eyeliners again, you can still get the black one, but it’s not as much fun to use as an all over eye color and at one point. The smudge pots inspired a lip and cheek pot as well. And I am so sad that those are no longer around, because I thought they were an amazing product. They were so long-lasting and budge-proof so I’m hoping that at one point maybe they’ll revive those.
Acquisition by Estee Lauder
In 1999, after Stila had only been around for 5 years, but were just skyrocketing in popularity, Leonard Lauder of Estee Lauder had decided to meet with Janine and in an interview she said that she had no intention of selling Stila at the time. She said, “I didn’t think it was worth enough to sell at the time so it was more just like. When else am I going to meet Leonard Lauder.” They met at the Belair hotel and Lauder asked her a bunch of questions about her business and a week later the sale was made. She said it was a Friday and Lauder said, “I don’t care. What she wants give it to her,” so the brand was purchased by Estee Lauder in 1999.
Changes in Ownership
In 2006, Stila was sold to another company called Sun Capital Partners and then in 2009 it was sold again to another company called Patriarch Partners, which is a Private Equity Firm owned by Lynn Tilton.
The Lynn Tilton Controversy
So she became the CEO of Stila during that time and at the time I’m making this video Lynn is actually in a court battle. She was ousted as the CEO and I’m not 100% sure on all of the ins and outs of the court case because every article I tried to read is behind a paywall, but it seems like she’s trying to recoup 22 million from the brand. So if you have access to legal websites, you can certainly read about that.
Janine LEL’s New Venture
Meanwhile, Janine LEL, Stila’s original founder, has started a new brand called nen. So that is her. Nickname n is short for Janine. I had never heard of this brand before, but I found them over at Nordstrom and I think it looks like such a cute vibe. It reminds me a lot of classic Stila. It’s not a huge brand with a lot of scoop, but they’re definitely piquing my interest. So I’d love to hear from any of you if you’ve tried something from the brand.
Cruelty-Free Status
So is Stila cruelty-free? Yes, they are according to Cruelty Free Kitty. They are cruelty-free in 2024. At one point they were not when they were owned by Estee Lauder, even though Stila as a brand did not test on animals for a while there. They couldn’t really be considered cruelty-free, but now they’re back to their original status, which is great.
Scandals and Controversies
Moving on to scandals, I feel like Stila has been relatively free of scandals in the 30 years that they’ve been in business, so that’s a good thing. But there was one incident in 2019 that I quickly wanted to talk about. At the time, they had released their Little White Lies collection and Temptalia had posted about it over on her blog, showing some swatches that she had gotten from the brand.
Controversial Photoshoot
They had some new shades of their iconic liquid eyeshadows and in the photos that they had shot. You can see that there are two different models with different SK skin tones and, upon closer inspection, people started to notice that they were basically the same person. They had the exact same eyebrows. The eye product itself looked exactly the same on both models eyes. So it really looked as though they had just taken the first model and then darkened her skin, underneath so heres.
Talia’s Reaction
What Talia had to say on her blog about it, its bad enough that the actual Swatch on the eye appears to be the same? Photo just digitally altered to change the color from photo to photo which affect ly nullifies the usefulness of the swatches to begin with, but not bothering to hire a second model. This is Stila. This is a brand thats been around a long time and is sold in major retailers like Ulta and Sephora Little White Lies collection seems appropriately well named.
Stila’s Apology
So after all of this came out, Stila did Issue an apology. They said we apologize that an unapproved image which was not reflective of the brand or collection was recently featured. It was a creative mistake and we acknowledge it was a mistake on our part and should not have happened. The final campaign did include two models: images from the photo shoot above, which is what should have been released over the next few days.
Brand Image Controversy
We will be sharing a full range of images for the campaign that truly reflect what we stand for as a brand. We support all ethnicities and skin tones to celebrate individual Beauty and apologize if our creative was not representative as such, and as far as I know there haven’t been any issues since that time.
Brand Reputation
I think Stila relatively remains a very unpro brand. So with that said, let’s go ahead and get into some of my favorite products from this brand. These are things that I really truly believe deserve more hype. I think at one point in time they were super popular and, as always seems to happen in the Beauty World, things tend to fall off in favor of new and exciting products.
Convertible Color Cream Blush
So the first thing I want to talk about is probably my absolute favorite thing from the line and that’s their convertible color. This is the product that Janine was talking about in that interview, so this is a cream blush. This is also one of the very first products I ever purchased from Sephora going way back into the 90s, and this shade lilium in particular, is my number one favorite. I love this color so much it’s really just the perfect kind of Dusty nude pink shade. It goes really well with my skin tone, it’s just beautiful. I also have two other Shades petunia, which I’m wearing in the video today and pean as well, which is like a really pretty dusty rose. What I love about this formula is that it has a nice amount of hydration as it’s going on.
Stila Cream Blushes
Stila’s cream blushes are known for their non-drying formula that has a bit of grip, allowing the product to sink in and grab hold of your skin for long-lasting wear. The blushes dry down to a powder finish, preventing sticky cheeks throughout the day. While some may find the dry-down too intense for the lips, making them feel a bit dry, these cream blushes are still considered a favorite among many.
Stila Liquid Eyeshadows
One of Stila’s iconic products, the liquid eyeshadows have gained popularity for good reason. The Shimmer and Glow versions provide a beautiful metallic finish without being overly glittery, making them flattering on the eyes. The extensive range of shades offers options for those who prefer a more subtle eye look, as well as those who want to amp up their makeup with a touch of glitter.
Stila’s Liquid Eyeshadows
Stila’s liquid eyeshadows have a multi chrome shift to them that adds a beautiful touch to any makeup look. The shade Brooke, with its gorgeous purple sheen, is a favorite among many makeup enthusiasts. Not only are these liquid eyeshadows stunning, but they also have great staying power. They do not crease on the eyes, last the entire day, and have no fallout issues. In fact, many consider them the best liquid eyeshadows on the market.
Versatile Application
What sets Stila’s liquid eyeshadows apart is their versatility. You can either draw them directly onto the lid for an intense look or apply them lightly with a finger or brush for a subtler effect. The best part is that these eyeshadows blend easily without getting patchy or lifting up. This makes them a standout product in Stila’s lineup.
Iconic Shade: Kitten
One of Stila’s most iconic eyeshadows is the shade Kitten. This shade has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among makeup lovers. It is considered one of the best eyeshadows ever created by Stila. Despite the brand discontinuing many other singles, Kitten has remained a staple in their collection for a good reason its popularity and quality.
The Allure of Stila Cosmetics
If you want to brighten up your face, Stila Cosmetics has the most gorgeous gleam. The eyeshadows are soft and easy to pick up, their effortless application leaving your eyes with a ton of pop in just one swipe. Kitten, a perfect champagne color, is a hidden gem often overlooked but offers the ideal one-and-done shadow for those no makeup makeup days.
The Stay All Day Liquid Liners
Stila’s Stay All Day liquid liners are truly some of the best in the industry. They live up to their name, staying in place all day long without smudging. The double-ended waterproof liquid eyeliner in dark brown is a standout product, offering versatility with two different tips. The larger tip is perfect for creating a dramatic look, while the smaller tip is ideal for precise, thin lines – perfect for those with hooded eyes.
Unsung Heroes of Stila
Despite their high quality and effectiveness, Stila Cosmetics often goes under the radar in the beauty community. Products like the one-and-done shadow in Kitten and the stay all day liquid liners deserve more recognition for their exceptional performance. The brand’s commitment to quality and innovation shines through in each of their products, making Stila a reliable choice for makeup enthusiasts everywhere.
The Smoothest Liquid Liner
You can get right up to your lashes with it, and this is also one of the smoothest liquid liners because it doesn’t skip as you’re drawing it. You don’t have to keep going back over the line, it’s just one and done. It’s really smooth and it lasts the entire day, making it one of my absolute favorites. I highly recommend checking this out.
Heavens Hue Highlighters
If you’re like me and you like a really subtle highlighter, definitely check out Stila Cosmetics’ Heavens Hue highlighters. Mine is in the shade incandescent, which is a beautiful, pink shade. It doesn’t come off as super pink on your cheek cheeks, though. It’s very sheer and has a putty-like texture that just gives you the slightest bit of glow. It’s not loaded with glitter, just giving your cheeks a tiny bit of sheen, a hint of radiance.
Blush and Bronze Blur Stick
One of the recent products I tried is Stila Cosmetics’ blush and bronze blur stick. It has a blush on one side and a bronzer on the other. I have mine in the shade grapefruit and caramel, perfect for fair to light skin tones. The bronzer is slightly warm but not overly orangey, while the blush is a gorgeous shade of pink, reminiscent of the inside of a grapefruit. The formula is soft, blendable, and more of a cream to powder consistency, making it easy to apply and blend seamlessly.
Stila Convertible Colors
While the convertible colors have a bit more dew to them, they feel completely dry when applied. You can layer them over your foundation without fear of disrupting the base, giving your skin a blurred effect and smoothing over pores and the cheek area.
Stila Lip Glazes
The Plumping lip glazes are highly pigmented, providing almost lipstick-level coverage with a beautiful gloss finish. They give a subtle tingling sensation that feels refreshing on the lips, making them comfortable to wear. Despite having some stickiness, they tend to last longer on the lips.
Exploring Stila Cosmetics
Stila Cosmetics is a popular makeup brand known for its high-quality products and innovative formulas. From cult-favorite eyeshadows to long-lasting lipsticks, Stila has a wide range of beauty products that cater to every makeup lover’s needs.
Top Products from Stila
One of the standout products from Stila is their Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. This award-winning eyeliner is known for its precision tip and long-lasting formula, making it a favorite among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike. Another must-have product from Stila is the Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow, which adds a pop of sparkle to any eye look.
What’s Missing?
While I mentioned some of my top products from Stila, there are always hidden gems that may not have made the list. If you have a favorite Stila product that I didn’t mention, feel free to share it in the comments below. Your recommendations could help others discover a new holy grail product from Stila.
Stila Cosmetics continues to impress beauty lovers with their innovative products and trend-setting formulas. Whether you’re a fan of their iconic liquid lipsticks or their shimmering highlighters, Stila has something for everyone. So next time you’re looking to add a new makeup staple to your collection, consider giving Stila Cosmetics a try. Who knows, you may just find your new favorite beauty product.