ILIA Stella by Starlight Illuminator Review & Swatches
Stella by Starlight
ILIA Stella by Starlight Illuminator ($34.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a light-medium gold with strong, warm undertones and a pearly sheen. It had semi-sheer pigmentation that built up to medium coverage if desired. The entire ethos of the brand seemed to revolve around soft, sheer, wash, etc. so presumably the coverage was designed to be comparable to the Multi-Sticks (which have the same feel and packaging).
The texture was smooth and solid, which started to become moderately emollient when it came into contact with the warmth of my skin–whether fingertips or cheeks–and glided readily with good dispersion of product and wasn’t prone to lifting up base products. It stayed on well for seven and a half hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Anastasia Perla (P, $25.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Fine Line (PiP, $8.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Salt New York Beige (P, $16.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Ciate Celestial (P, $32.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Nightlight (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Tarte Golden Champagne (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Scintillate (Illuminate) (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty The Afternooner (Highlighter) (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Chanel Plisse Lumiere de Chanel (LE, $80.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Capri (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$34.00/0.15 oz. - $226.67 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "no sparkles, no glitter" and just yield a "dew[y]" finish. The consistency was smooth, dense, and balm-like that had to be warmed up slightly with fingertips or held against the cheek. The finish was dewy without being overly tacky, but it never fully dried down, so those who need something more transfer-resistant will want to look elsewhere.
It was moderately emollient with a gel-cream feel, so it spread well over bare skin and wasn't prone to lifting up base products. It was easy to apply and diffuse for a "soft wash of color" as described. They were somewhat buildable to medium coverage if desired but was sheerer overall, which seemed in line with the brand's product range (they weren't clear here, but this formula looks, feels, and performs like the Multi-Sticks, which are supposed to be sheer). The product wore between seven and eight hours before fading visibly.
Browse all of our ILIA Illuminator swatches.
Ingredients
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil*, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Beeswax (Cera Alba)*, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Wax, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Tocopherol. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide (CI77499, CI77492, CI77491), Red 7 CI15850, Red 28 CI45410, Yellow 5 CI19140. *Certified Organic Ingredients. Ingrédients Certifiés Biologiques. This product is certified Gluten-free.
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
This looks lovely on you. It might be a bit too warm for me but the name has a special meaning as my late mother in law’s name was Stella and I made her a dessert called Stella By Starlight some years ago.
Finally a “glass skin” type of highlighter that I really love and that scores a high grade! This one sits on the skin so beautifully and becomes part of the skin itself.
That is stunning on you Christine ..I really like Ilia products and this really looks like a perfect highlighter to enhance and brighten the skin.
Thank you, Mary!