Stila Magnificent Metals Liquid Eye Shadows (Part 1) Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Diamond Dust
Stila Diamond Dust Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow ($24.00 for 0.15 fl. oz.) is a platinum silver with lots and lots of silver and gold glitter. This one had less of a base “color” and was just chocked full of glitter with a more watery base. I liked this one best patted over another eyeshadow or over/under eyeliner, as it added sparkle but could look more uneven without something under it. The more watery consistency made it take slightly longer to dry down, and so I had to be careful to keep my eyelid shut to avoid creasing. Once it dried down, it lasted well for eight hours with slight fallout but impressively little for a glitter eyeshadow.
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.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Too Faced Glitterally (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Disco Daydream (P, $22.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- Too Faced Frosted Yum (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Disco Daydream (P, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Makeup Geek Milky Way (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter (80% similar).
- Lit Cosmetics Tinsel Town (P, $12.95) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Urban Decay Oz #2 (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (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, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Polysorbate 60, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Silica, Carbomer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tin Oxide, Hexylene Glycol. (+/-) 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
Diamond Dust
PPermanent. $24.00.
Gold Goddess
Stila Gold Goddess Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow ($24.00 for 0.15 fl. oz.) is a light-medium gold with warm, yellow undertones with a clear base and lots of gold glitter. This one had a tendency to apply more medium to semi-opaque, depending on what was on the applicator (it was different every time I used it). It took a bit longer to dry, so it would seep into the fine lines underneath my eyes (if I used it as a liner) or crease it was drying down if I didn’t keep my eyelid taut during the drying time (about 30 seconds). The effect of it, once dry, is sparkling, and there was minimal fallout/migration when worn.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Guerlain Shalimar (Bottom) (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Arendelle (LE, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Duh (LE, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop El Capitan (-, $6.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Lit Cosmetics Beach Baby (P, $12.95) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Cheap Date (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Too Faced Irresistible (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Goldmine (P, $12.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Chem Trail (DC, $20.00) is less shimmery (85% similar).
- Lit Cosmetics Champagne Wishes (P, $12.95) is 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), Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Squalane, Polysorbate 60, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Silica. (+/-) Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Tin Oxide (Ci 77861).
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.
Gold Goddess
PPermanent. $24.00.
Kitten Karma
Stila Kitten Karma Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow ($24.00 for 0.15 fl. oz.) is a medium, rosy gold metallic base with lighter flecks of silver and copper glitter. This one had a real base to it, so it had more coverage that didn’t get diluted when it was applied to the lid like the first two in this review. It had more semi-opaque coverage, along with plenty of glitter, and it applied fairly evenly and well on its own, though I still preferred to use it over another eyeshadow. It wasn’t too watery, and it dried down fast enough where I didn’t feel like I had to worry about creasing. It wore well for eight hours with minimal fallout.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Cuteness (LE, $6.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty In the Pink #3 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Solar Exposure #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- NARS Parallel Universe (Left) (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- MAC Warming Heart (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Baby (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (85% similar).
- Urban Decay High (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (80% similar).
- Too Faced Arc de Triomphe (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter (80% similar).
- Sephora Pink Quartz (LE, ).
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, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polysorbate 60, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Silica, Carbomer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hexylene Glycol, Tin Oxide. (+/-) 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.
Kitten Karma
PPermanent. $24.00.
Rose Gold Retro
Stila Rose Gold Retro Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow ($24.00 for 0.15 fl. oz.) is a rich, medium-dark copper with warm, reddish undertones and a glittering, metallic sheen. This was one of the best performing shades in the formula that I’ve tried, as it was richly pigmented with opaque coverage and noticeable glitter. It wasn’t quite as glittery or as sparkly as other shades, but the balance of base and glitter seemed to make it more impactful on its own and easier to use. It lasted for eight hours with very minimal fallout.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Melt Cosmetics Prissy (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- elf Big Dipper (P, $6.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Neon Green #7 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Jouer Rose Gold (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery, more muted (90% similar).
- Cover FX Soleil (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Kosas Heat (P, $15.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Cover FX Moonstone (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Chanel Rising Sun (24) (P, $36.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Polly (LE, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Hourglass Blaze (P, $29.00) is more muted (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, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Squalane, Polysorbate 60, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Silica. (+/-) Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Tin Oxide (Ci 77861).
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.
I swatched these in store, thought they were a mixed bag. Some were opaque, better used as an eyeliner, and others barely had any base, just glitter, would be best as shadow toppers. I
Yeah! I was wondering why everyone was raving about them nonstop, and it’s because the first couple I tried were more of the all glitter/no base kind of style, so I didn’t really get it the hype.
“a downhill avalanche of glitter that could not be stopped,” lol!
These shadows have been all over social media, but I was waiting for your review since they’re always so objective and thorough. I’ve been a fan for a long time! Thank you, and love your blog!
Happy to help, Tai!
Thank you 😀
Thank you Christine for reviewing these ! I’ve been using (on special occasions) Rose Gold Retro since last December and I hesitated at the time between this one and Kitten Karma. Happy I purchased Rose Gold Retro. As you said, it can be layered or worn on its own; I prefer the latter. For removing it, I use the Annabelle Eye Make-up Remover Lotion and have no problems.
No problem, Nicole! Rose Gold Retro is definitely one of the standouts, IMO!
I’ve got diamond dust on the way. Wish it had scored better. I’m still excited to play with it though.
I say as long as you try it patted over another eyeshadow or over eyeliner, it will be quite pretty! 🙂
Inconsistent performances among shades aside, these look great! Rose Gold Retro is my favorite here, but I love how you used Gold Goddess.
Thank you! 🙂
As lovely as they are, I think I would make a mess out of these! Beautiful shades though.
They are sparkly!
None of these puts me in a buying mood. I’m waiting for part two though as I seem to remember one I really liked and it’ll be interesting to see how it scored.
Money saved ;D
I LOVE these!! Iv been eyeing these up since I first saw them.
I love glitter. So I feel like these would work so well for me!! I Love the look of lots of glitter on my mobile lid, and with my severely hooded eyes, only being able to see the glitter when I blink or look down!!
Sounds like you might like these, Shannon!
“Water-infused”? Really, Stila?
Well, Rose gold retro sure is pretty. I’m not a big liquid shadow person, but I kind of want to get it just to play with.
One might be fun 🙂
Seriously didn’t think I would want any of these, but my oh my if Rose Gold Retro and Kitten Karma aren’t 2 of the prettiest glitter eyeshadows I’ve ever seen! I could definitely see using a bit of either one mid-lid in a halo look for some extra pizazzz! Or like you did with the gold one, as a glitter liner beneath your regular lashline liner, very cool!
I think getting one or two makes sense, but to me, definitely not a “collect ’em all” scenario!
I have 3 of these: Karma Kitten, Violet Vixen and the blue color they released for spring. I love all 3 and will be picking up diamond dust and possibly rose gold retro and the black. I love the description of what happens when you rub your eye “avalanche of glitter” – LOL!
They don’t have much fallout normally, but oh man, I have accidentally rubbed my eye, and it just seemed to kill the wear!
I bought two out of the three new limited edition shades they came out with, Sea Siren and Into the blue. I have one more from the line in Bronzed Bell. The limited edition shades are not as glittery. Bronzed bell is nicer. I had such a hard time removing them though! I used bioderma first on a soaked cotton pad, I looked like a glitter ball! Then I splashed water on my face and it helped some, but yeah it wasn’t easy to remove every little glitter particle.
How would you say these compare to the Josie Maran coconut watercolour liquid eye shadows?
I haven’t tried those in awhile, sorry!
These are hard to work with and did have fallout. I was a little disappointed, to be honest. I got the Rose Gold. Would prob just do glitter glue and a MAC pigment in the future, but this seemed so convenient and easy. I also love love love the touch en sol ones. They are consistent, easy to work with, and come with cream eyeshadow base.
I am in love with these. They’re making me fall back in love with glitter!
Aw 😀
Rose Gold Retro has been the one I wanted so I’m glad it’s good!
YAY!
I’m a huge fan of the Stila Metal Foils eyeshadow so I’m confident these are going to be great! There’s a store 5 mins from my apartment that sells Stila. Hopefully the release in Canada isn’t too delayed 🙂 would love to swatch them.
Hope you get them soon!