This was just the product to put Stila back on everyone’s radar. Stila has been around since 1994. I remember seeing them in my teen magazines, but in the last few years, I hadn’t seen much hype on social media about them… which is a shame because they have some great performing products and really cute packaging. But now…. NOW…. they have the Magnificent Metals Glitter and Glow collection. They’ve had the Magnificent Metals Foil Finish which were in pots and needed to be activated and there was a tray and a brush to clean up. But these new ones are so simple to use and so amazingly glittery and metallic. And people are going nuts for them, certain colors keep getting sold out!
I swatched all of the colors in Ulta, and liked all of the colors. But the photo is less than great, so unfortunately I cannot show you the swatches of the permanent collection today. So far, I have only the one from the regular collection. I think my next one will be Smoky Storm. Based on reviews, Violet Vixen is everyone’s least favorite which is disappointing because I always go for purple.
Rose Gold Retro is opaque with gold glitter. I feel like its not exactly rose gold, maybe a tad more copper. It’s a little more orange than pink.
Sunset Cove is a pink with a gold shift
Sea Siren is a lavender with an aqua shift
Into the Blue is a smoky blue with purple and a brighter blue shift
I like the formula of the original collection, or at least from the one I bought. (I don’t know if the formula is consistent throughout the permanent line.) I was pleasantly surprised that they don’t feel weird, stiff nor did they sting my eyes. It felt comfortable to wear.
When on my hand from swatching, they lasted until I washed my hands. Then they came clean off. Great for non-fussy washing at the end of the night, but bad if it rains. They’re not waterproof nor are they super long lasting, it did rub off as I was fiddling with my false eyelash trying to remove it. But as long as you’re not caught in the rain, swimming or rubbing your eyes the shadow should stay. Except for the glitter rubbing off when I touched my eye lids, I haven’t had any issues with fading or flaking with the Rose Gold. However, that is not the same with the Mermaid collection.
The mermaid colors aren’t the same as the regular collection. They are duo chromatic and a thinner formula. They remind me of gossamer wings. It’s actually very pretty how delicate it looks. The other formula looks heavier and more opaque, and I think it works well with the chosen colors. (gold silver, bronze, taupe)
But the duo-chromes are actually nice slightly transparent. If you wanted, you can always use another product underneath to strengthen the color or even use something like black to give it a different look.
However, the downside to the mermaid collection is that it not long lasting. At the end of the day I can see it has worn off, and it’s not as if I was rubbing my eyes or doing anything else that would cause fading. I wore my usual eyeshadow primer, plus setting spray. After experimenting, I’ve found that wearing a ColourPop Super Shock eyeshadow made the color last longer. (I like to pair them with Ignition.) I am unsure if it’s because it’s a cream formula, or the fact that I’m just seeing the underlying color. If the cream is the case then why wouldn’t the Primer Potion be enough of a sticky base?
Just because they’re not long lasting doesn’t mean I don’t wear them often. I have been reaching for them because they’re so pretty. I probably wouldn’t opt to wear the mermaid collection if I know I’m going to be out all day and night (like a festival) but on most days, it’s not a concern.
I’m looking forward to getting more colors from the original collection, especially a taupey color to round out my collection.
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. I bought everything myself with my own money.
