Stila Eye for Elegance Liquid Eye Shadow Set Review, Photos, Swatches
Eye for Elegance
Stila Eye for Elegance Liquid Eye Shadow Set ($45.00 for 0.42 oz.) contains six liquid eyeshadows–three with a shimmer finish and three with a glitter finish. I was pleasantly surprised by the color payoff, ease of application, and wear of the Shimmer & Glow formula. The Glitter & Glow shades performed much like past shades have in the same formula, which is to say largely dependent on the strength of the base color against the size of the sparkles, though for anyone who is after a glitter eyeshadow for layering, I imagine they are nice enough.
Value
A full-sized Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow retails for $24.00 and contains 0.15 fl. oz. or costs $160.00/oz. I have not seen the Shimmer & Glow available individually but would expect a similar price point and amount. From that estimation, the set contains $67.20 worth of product.
Look Using this Product
Eye for Elegance
LELimited Edition. $45.00.
Kitten
Kitten is a light-medium, peachy pink with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. The color payoff was opaque in a single layer, and I really did not think even a full layer was necessary to achieve opaque coverage on the lid itself. The texture was lightweight, thin, and almost watery, but it applied evenly to bare skin and lasted for over ten hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Candlelight (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Candlelight (DC, $8.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Blondie (P, $6.25) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Pop Off (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Satin Tips (PiP, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty White Suede #1 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Body Heat #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Mercurial #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Wild Rose (P, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Just Imagine (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$24.00/0.153 oz. - $156.86 Per Ounce
The Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow formula is supposed to have "rich, beautiful color with a high shimmer sheen, minus the glitter" (compared to their Glitter & Glow range). The formula touts "non-tacky, non-transfer" wear with "minimal fallout." Some shades were easier to work with than others; typically the ones that weren't quite as watery and yielded more coverage with less product were the easiest to apply, diffuse the edges of, and wear. They lasted between eight and ten hours on me, and most did not have any fallout.
Browse all of our Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Water, Mica (CI 77019), Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Silica, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Squalane, Polysorbate 60, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Tin Oxide, Carbomer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hexylene Glycol. (+/-) Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Carmine (CI 75470).
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.
Look Using this Product
Kitten
LELimited Edition. $24.00.
Grace
Grace is a medium-dark bronze with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It had opaque pigmentation in a single layer, and it actually applied that way to the lid. The consistency is thin, almost watery, but it still packed quite a punch in terms of pigmentation. I liked using a flat, synthetic brush to apply to the lid as a little went a long way. The color went on evenly, smoothly, and dried down fast enough to prevent any initial creasing/settling. It wore well for ten hours and was still going strong at that point.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Fyrinnae Alpaca (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Emily (P, $27.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- LORAC Rose Quartz (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Cherish (LE, $6.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop DTR (PiP, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Auric Temper (Cream) (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Sand Tropez (Faerie Fayre) (LE, $20.00) is brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Buxom Mutt (P, $18.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Lancome My French #6 (LE, ) (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Noir Fume #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, more muted (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$24.00/0.153 oz. - $156.86 Per Ounce
The Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow formula is supposed to have "rich, beautiful color with a high shimmer sheen, minus the glitter" (compared to their Glitter & Glow range). The formula touts "non-tacky, non-transfer" wear with "minimal fallout." Some shades were easier to work with than others; typically the ones that weren't quite as watery and yielded more coverage with less product were the easiest to apply, diffuse the edges of, and wear. They lasted between eight and ten hours on me, and most did not have any fallout.
Browse all of our Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Water, Mica (CI 77019), Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Polysorbate 60, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hexylene Glycol, Silica, Tin Oxide. (+/-) Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499), Carmine (CI 75470), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510).
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.
Look Using this Product
Grace
LELimited Edition. $24.00.
Twig
Twig is a deep, red-toned brown with subtle, warm undertones and a pearly sheen. The pigmentation was intense–completely opaque in a single layer. The texture was thin, watery, but it held together well and distributed even, smooth coverage that never appeared streaky or thinned out as I worked with it. The eyeshadow dried down fast enough not to sink into my lines on my lid but gave me enough time to diffuse the edges. The color still looked great after ten hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Roadie (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Peach Pit (PiP, $16.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- LORAC Shadow (LE, $19.00) is brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Supernatural (P, $12.00) is brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Estee Lauder Black Nutmeg (LE, ) is more muted (90% similar).
- MAC Ever Elegant (LE, $32.50) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Malibu Bronze (LE, $17.00) is warmer (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Off Duty (LE, $19.00) is lighter, brighter (80% similar).
- Tarte Speakeasy (LE, $14.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace Santa Cruz (PiP, $6.25) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$24.00/0.153 oz. - $156.86 Per Ounce
The Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow formula is supposed to have "rich, beautiful color with a high shimmer sheen, minus the glitter" (compared to their Glitter & Glow range). The formula touts "non-tacky, non-transfer" wear with "minimal fallout." Some shades were easier to work with than others; typically the ones that weren't quite as watery and yielded more coverage with less product were the easiest to apply, diffuse the edges of, and wear. They lasted between eight and ten hours on me, and most did not have any fallout.
Browse all of our Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Water, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Mica (CI 77019), Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Polysorbate 60, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Silica, Carbomer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hexylene Glycol, Tin Oxide. (+/-) Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Carmine (CI 75470), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510).
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.
Look Using this Product
Twig
LELimited Edition. $24.00.
Peachy Sheen
Peachy Sheen is a light, golden peach with warm undertones and a sparkling, glittery finish. It had a sheer base color and a moderate amount of glitter. Again, the sheerness made this shade best for layering rather than using it all-over the lid as a standalone, opaque eyeshadow. Those with warmer skin tones may find it works well as a sheer wash of sparkle on the lid, as the base color would blend in with the natural undertones/skin color. It wore well for nine hours with minimal fallout.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay High (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop My Treat (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- The Estee Edit Riff (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Stila Embellish (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Vivacious (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Inglot J409 Cosmic Glow (LE, $25.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Fabulous Three #2 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Spirited (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Parallel Universe (Left) (DC, $25.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- Sephora Girl Talk (232) (P, $9.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$24.00/0.15 oz. - $160.00 Per Ounce
Stila says that it’s supposed to be a “long-wearing, sparkle eye shadow” in a “water-infused texture” that “dries down smoothly” with “minimal fallout.” There’s a lot to be impressed by with the formula, but there was some inconsistency in opacity and overall wateriness between shades so not all shades were equally impressive. When they’re good, they were pigmented, dried down evenly without creasing, and were long-wearing with minimal fallout. When they’re less impressive, they are more watery, semi-sheer to semi-opaque, prone to creasing as they dry down, though the wear is similar across all shades.
I felt like there was less fallout with the less blending done with them, e.g. applying directly to lid and only minimally working along the edges yielded the least fallout compared to diffusing and blending out the color with a brush. If I accidentally rubbed an eye, it seemed to interfere with the integrity of the wear completely–it was like a downhill avalanche of glitter that could not be stopped. They were easiest to use as the last step in a look, patted over eyeshadow with fingertip or swiped on with the sponge applicator for more of a “cut crease” kind of effect, or used along the lash line as eyeliner (I liked using a thin, liquid eyeliner brush to get a thinner line). They removed fairly well, but it was hard to get every last bit of glitter off the skin, though it was never painful or uncomfortable to remove them.
Browse all of our Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Water, Mica (CI 77019), Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Glycerin, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Polysorbate 60, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, Silica, Carbomer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tin Oxide, Hexylene Glycol. (+/-) Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499), Carmine (CI 75470).
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.
Peachy Sheen
LELimited Edition. $24.00.
Smoldering Satin
Smoldering Satin is a medium-dark taupe brown with warm undertones and silver sparkle. It had semi-opaque color coverage in one layer, which was somewhat buildable. The consistency was thin, watery, but it spread and distributed fairly evenly across the skin. It worked best layered over a base eyeshadow to ensure evenness in coverage. There was minimal fallout after nine hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Stila Bronzed Bell (P, $24.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Dior Reflection (684) (P, $29.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Deeply Dashing (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors Caffeine Queen (P, $20.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Don't Tell (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Makeup Geek Satellite (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Linda Hallberg Cosmetics Epsilon (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- MAC Slow/Fast/Slow (P, $18.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Too Faced Macchiato Madness (P, $22.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Lashes (LE, $6.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$24.00/0.15 oz. - $160.00 Per Ounce
Stila says that it’s supposed to be a “long-wearing, sparkle eye shadow” in a “water-infused texture” that “dries down smoothly” with “minimal fallout.” There’s a lot to be impressed by with the formula, but there was some inconsistency in opacity and overall wateriness between shades so not all shades were equally impressive. When they’re good, they were pigmented, dried down evenly without creasing, and were long-wearing with minimal fallout. When they’re less impressive, they are more watery, semi-sheer to semi-opaque, prone to creasing as they dry down, though the wear is similar across all shades.
I felt like there was less fallout with the less blending done with them, e.g. applying directly to lid and only minimally working along the edges yielded the least fallout compared to diffusing and blending out the color with a brush. If I accidentally rubbed an eye, it seemed to interfere with the integrity of the wear completely–it was like a downhill avalanche of glitter that could not be stopped. They were easiest to use as the last step in a look, patted over eyeshadow with fingertip or swiped on with the sponge applicator for more of a “cut crease” kind of effect, or used along the lash line as eyeliner (I liked using a thin, liquid eyeliner brush to get a thinner line). They removed fairly well, but it was hard to get every last bit of glitter off the skin, though it was never painful or uncomfortable to remove them.
Browse all of our Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Water, Mica (CI 77019), Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polysorbate 60, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Silica, Carbomer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tin Oxide, Hexylene Glycol. (+/-) Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
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.
Look Using this Product
Smoldering Satin
PPermanent. $24.00.
Next to Notte
Next to Notte is a medium-dark, reddish plum with subtle, warm undertones and cooler red and pink sparkle. It had a semi-sheer base color with a heavy amount of shimmer and sparkle, so it had a more intense effect in practice but a very uneven base color. This particular shade would work best layered over something else to ensure evenness underneath all of the sparkle. The eyeshadow stayed on well for nine hours with minimal fallout.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Makeup Geek Enchanted (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Lit (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors My Jam (P, $20.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Alchemy (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Ciate Fierce (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Tarte Dominate (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Coloured Raine Queen Mother (PiP, $6.99) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Tarte Hot MoMA (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Stila Charmed (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Gucci Beauty Azalea (Right) (DC, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$24.00/0.15 oz. - $160.00 Per Ounce
Stila says that it’s supposed to be a “long-wearing, sparkle eye shadow” in a “water-infused texture” that “dries down smoothly” with “minimal fallout.” There’s a lot to be impressed by with the formula, but there was some inconsistency in opacity and overall wateriness between shades so not all shades were equally impressive. When they’re good, they were pigmented, dried down evenly without creasing, and were long-wearing with minimal fallout. When they’re less impressive, they are more watery, semi-sheer to semi-opaque, prone to creasing as they dry down, though the wear is similar across all shades.
I felt like there was less fallout with the less blending done with them, e.g. applying directly to lid and only minimally working along the edges yielded the least fallout compared to diffusing and blending out the color with a brush. If I accidentally rubbed an eye, it seemed to interfere with the integrity of the wear completely–it was like a downhill avalanche of glitter that could not be stopped. They were easiest to use as the last step in a look, patted over eyeshadow with fingertip or swiped on with the sponge applicator for more of a “cut crease” kind of effect, or used along the lash line as eyeliner (I liked using a thin, liquid eyeliner brush to get a thinner line). They removed fairly well, but it was hard to get every last bit of glitter off the skin, though it was never painful or uncomfortable to remove them.
Browse all of our Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Water, Mica (CI 77019), Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Squalane, Polysorbate 60, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Tin Oxide, Silica, Carbomer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hexylene Glycol. (+/-) Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Carmine (CI 75470).
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 is one of my favorite holiday collections that I’ve picked up so far. They’re a nice little bite size portion of the otherwise too large versions. I hope they release these sizes every year, better yet, I wish they were released permanently in this size as well. No one needs that much glitter, lol. I doubt the regular size could be used up using everyday for 1 year.
True enough! 🙂
I have infact just about managed to use up one of the full sizes using it most days for 6 months!
I really have no use at all for the glitter and glow shadows but I really REALLY want the shimmer and glow shadows. They look like they wold be amazing for everyday use and for work. Stila said they weren’t going to come out with them ad single shadows that will be sold individually and I cannot wait.
I couldn’t believe how well they applied!
Hi Christine 🙂
I’m so glad you reviewed this. The only color I am not interested in is next to notte. I wish it would have been in a firenze. Have you reviewed that color before? I haven’t tried it but it sounds pretty by the description. Thank you ?
Sorry, I do not have that shade.
I think Stila is onto a real winner with these liquid eyeshadows. I wish the first three were sold separately from the glitter set as they are so amazing – beautiful shades and to score an A+ from you, they must be good.
I am less keen on the glitter as I don’t like it around my eyes at all, and these were more problematic too.
Your eye look was just beautiful as well Christine.
Thank you, Genevieve!
I still can’t pull the trigger on this set but when the Shimmer Finish products finally launch I’m getting Kitten. lol
I was SO impressed by the Shimmer & Glow shades!!
Oh this looks delicious! Now I want this set badly!
I thought the shimmer and glow shades were just OK. I couldn’t get twig to completely dry down. But I thought the glitter was nice on top of them. I really liked the red one but to me all the glitter ones are toppers.
The 3 Shimmer & Glow shades look very solid, and quite luminous and glowy as per their moniker. Unfortunately, for some reason, most liquid eyeshadows seriously don’t last well on me. All it takes is a little bit of tearing, and it gets wrecked immediately.
Oh no! 🙁
Why did peachy sheen score so low on pigmentation, I thought with the name being Sheen, it was supposed to be a sheer wash of glitter to go atop your chosen base?
Something with any reflective finish could be said to have a sheen – opaque or not!
I have to buy it, they are amazing <3
I always love Stila’s product 🙂
Well… I *thought* I wanted it. The Canadian Sephora site has had this out of stock/coming soon for three weeks now and I’ve been checking the dang thing every day. But upon seeing your photos… I just don’t need it. I already have one of the glitter shades in this set, and I don’t really want the shimmers. So I’ll just pick up Next to Notte when that FINALLY goes in stock on Sephora Canada.
Funny that this review would end up in me not wanting the set since the colours are, overall, quite lovely. Thanks so much for the post!
I wonder what the rating would be if the glitter ones would have been described as sheer?
It would be higher.
How did you apply these? Fingers or did you use a specific brush(s)?
I used brushes.
Christine … I just ordered this set & I’m excited ! When you say you used brushes did you use synthetic brushes or something like a MAC 242 ? And did you place the product directly on the brush & then applied or from like a palette or the back of your hand ? Sorry I’m such a dunce but I really want to know how to best apply these … I loved your look as well … always so beautiful ! Thank you !
Hi Jackie,
Yes, something like the 242! I take the 242 and tap it against the Stila applicator, and then I apply it to my lid 🙂
These are so interesting. I particularly like the first three and wish they were in a set. The eye looks you posted are beautiful, Christine!
I’m sorry if this is a dumb question but are these the same as their magnificent metals stuff?
There are two formulas in this set, as listed above!
This baby will be coming home with me!
I love the full sizes of these, but I’ve picked up all the shades I thought I would get frequent use out of, I’m loving these smaller sizes for shades I’d use more infrequently! I’ve tracked down the three set in the UK, now just awaiting this one to appear online and in stores! I thought I’d be less bothered about the shimmer shades, but they look so pretty in your swatches, I bet Next to Notte would look lovely layered over twig!
I really want this set; I’ve got it on my wish list!!
Peachy sheen is my favorite because it is sheer, so I tried looking for the full size, but was sad to see that it wasn’t there. Is it limited edition? Also, how long does it take the shimmer and glows to dry because after 10 minutes after application, I touched my eye and some of it came off. :/