May 28, 2008

Stila Kitten Silk Eye Shadow Wash and Kitten Silk Shimmer Gloss Review

Stila’s bestselling, popular Kitten eyeshadow took on new and exciting forms this year for Summer.

A few weeks ago I blogged about one of Stila’s Summer Collections which included a ton of “Kitten” themed goodies. I ended up hauling the entire collection and I’ll be reviewing for you today the Kitten Silk Eyeshadow Wash and the Kitten Silk Shimmer Gloss. Later on this week I’ll be reviewing the Kitten Eyeshadow palette so stay tuned for that!

Kitten is a universally flattering shade of shadow that works on all skin tones. It’s a subdued, nude shimmering pink with golden undertones. Personally I find it to be a bit of a beige color. It’s truly a lovely shade and packs plenty of sparkle and shimmer in it’s power form however in the new cream version it fails by a mile to maintain the beautiful shimmering color I’ve fallen in love with.

Stila Eyeshadow in Kitten

The Kitten Family: Gloss, Shadow Wash, and Eyeshadow Powder

Stila’s Kitten Silk Eyeshadow Wash is morphed into an entire new color for me. It does appear to be a similar shade to the powder but it looks a bit darker on and it’s more of a metallic wet look than a fine shimmer.

The formula doesn’t blend as well as I would like and it dries pretty quickly which means you have to work fast and apply enough product your first try or you’ll be in trouble. If you’re looking to layer after, I highly recommend not doing so as it makes a bit of a mess since the shadow dries so quickly it’s basically like applying something wet onto something dry…think mud.

I can’t pinpoint exactly why I wasn’t loving this but I guess some of it accounts to the lack of shimmer, the problem with blending, and the fact that it’s not exactly as gorgeous as my beloved Kitten Eyeshadow.

Here are two swatch photos of Kitten Shadow Wash versus Kitten Powder Eyeshadow. As you can see the wash is a tad bit darker than the powder! I must say that the wash looks quite a good deal shimmery on my arm than it does on my eye.

I had little success with the Kitten Silk Shimmer Gloss and was just as disappointed with it’s performance as I was with the Stila Kitten Silk Eyeshadow Wash!

The gloss is absolutely stunning and appears to be packed with sparkle, shimmer, glitter, and shine. That’s a big YAY for the Muse of course however the product isn’t as nearly nice on as it appears in it’s gorgeous packaging.

I was stunned upon applying this to have a very sheer layer of clear gloss with a tiny bit of sparkle instead of the gorgeous pink shimmer that was in the bottle and on the applicator. I thought for sure this would be amazing on my lips but its a complete miss for me.

The formula isn’t so wonderful and has little staying power. It’s not sticky or tacky which could account for the fact that it virtually slides right off after application. The color and shimmer you see doesn’t come through once the product is on your lips so you’re left with a rather natural glossy look that can be achieved with a far cheaper gloss.

If this was a bit more pigmented and packed some shimmer we’d have a solid gold winner on our hands to pair up with Kitten eyeshadow. Sadly, none of that applies to this gloss and it’s a big disappointment for me.

I do have to rave about the cute packaging. I really dig the kitten script on the simple brown packaging! Really cutes! The palette features the same cute “Kitten” script! Loves it!

All in all these two particular items in the Stila Summer Collection haven’t thrilled me but I have high hopes for the Kitten Eye Palette! It’s simply gorgeous and packed full of beautiful shades for the Summer! My review is upcoming on it and I think it’ll be a glowing one so stayed tuned!

In my FOTD today I’m wearing the Stila Kitten Silk Eye Shadow Wash, Kitten Silk Shimmer Gloss, and some Urban Decay Baked Bronzer!

Check out more of the Stila Summer releases by clicking here!

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41 Comments

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Paula W.

    Oh, Muse, thank you so much for reviewing these. I recent caved and bought the Kitten palette (which I *adore* and can’t wait to read your review of) and was tempted to get these two things to complement it. However, I held off as I didn’t have the $$ to get all three at the time (as I also got “Balms Away” that day, too). I am so glad I held off, esp after your review. I think I will just keep using my palette (and maybe sneaking another one) or just keep getting the Kitten alone. 🙂

  • Allysia-May

    You know i love me the no-makeup-makeup look. You look mighty gorgeous in it and i’m loveing the eyebrows!

    Did something new ey? I’m patiently waiting for a post on summer’s melt-free makeup…:)

  • PaoPao

    Hi Muse! This Stila people are doing the same as Nars, they take one colour and make everything out of it. Should we expect Kitten blush/nail lacquer?? 😀

    BTW, the packaging is lovely.

    Lots of hugs!

  • Laurie

    The UD bronzer really does look so natural on you!

    I hadn’t tried either of these, but am in LOVE with the summer palette. Like I want to sleep with it under my pillow and have sweet dreams about it – that kind of love!

    Can’t wait to hear your review on that too.

  • Beauty Addict

    Hi Muse, the lipgloss looks yummy1 Too bad colour payoff isn’t good 🙁

    gracie 🙂

  • The Cakey Babe

    Hey Muse!

    Just wondering if you happen to have the Kitten It Gloss… It might be what you’re looking for. 🙂

    Thanks for the review… I’m saving myself some dough!

  • the Muse

    Hi Paula!

    How are you?
    You’re most welcome, my pleasure!

    You got the best of the collection! That palette is simply awesome and so very gorgeous for the warm weather ahead!

    I’m happy to read this comment and know that you saved $44 because truly and sadly the gloss and the eyeshadow wash is utter rubbish. I was very disappointed. Like you I really wanted all three items but I regret to say that the palette is the only thing that was awesome in the lot!

    Don’t be tempted or sad you skipped on these! Consider yourself safe 😉 as you aren’t missing much AT ALL!

    How are you liking Balms Away? Do tell 🙂

    Don’t buy another 😉 as you never know when it’ll pop up on sale at Stila 🙂 (they have a whole LOAD of sales lately!)!

    Cheers and thanks for the awesome comment! Hope to talk again soon!

  • the Muse

    hey Mizz Allysia-May!

    Thank you kindly missus 🙂 I was very light handed this morning 😉
    LOL I’m working on it I’m working on it 😉 Tis coming soon 😉

    ANd of course my review on Dior Extreme Fix as well!

  • the Muse

    hiya pao pao!

    Oh my pao pao you’re onto something here! Kitten Nail Lacquer would be the awesome 😉 and a bit of shimmery blush I wouldn’t mind that at all 😉

    I love the packaging just wish the product was as good!

    Loads of Hugs pretty girl!

  • the Muse

    hiya laurie!

    I was very light handed today with it 😉 Glad you like it!
    The summer palette is simply divine I concur!

    LOL! You’re so cute 😉 Sounds like the love I have for a majority of my cosmetics hehe 😉

    I like to pet them and tell them how pretty they are too!

    I’m working on some FOTD’s using it so I’ll def try to post soonish!

    Thanks for the comment 😉

  • the Muse

    hiya gracie!!!!!!!!!

    stinks 🙁 I’m so sad. Can I haz a hug? 😉

    Wish it was better sigh!

  • the Muse

    hi cakey babe!

    I haven’t tried it!!!!!! Ahhh! Must have 😉 I’ve heard it was good!

    oh definately. This is sincerely crummy 😛 Don’t bother yourself with it!

    palette is awesome! and well worth the $! But these two you can safely skip 😛

  • Divine Blackness

    Wow, those colors like mad pretty on you, sis. Stop it, Muse! I’m on probation until Juuuune. 🙁

  • petitebelle

    I love the original Kitten eyeshadow, and I am kind of amused that Stila is trying to do the whole Kitten empire like NARS is doing with Orgasm. Except neither of these products look good IMO!! I much prefer the Perfectly Kitten set that they had a while back, now those were some real winners.

  • Robin

    Oooh, I’m glad I read this review. I was going to get Kitten wash on a whim, but now that I see it, it reminds me of a Mark Hook Up I already have in the same color.

  • Paula W.

    Dearest Muse, I shall take my savings and buy a tasty beverage in your honor tonight. 🙂
    As for the Balms Away…it’s taking me a bit to get used to. I am used to my Boots liquid remover – squirt it on the cotton and swipe away. BA is very much like mouthwash – you are supposed to keep rubbing it for 30secs before you finish, but we all know we don’t make it that long. So, I feel like I am pulling my eyes much more than before.
    I’m not giving up on it, yet, since it *does* take everything off. If I can get used to this blurry eyes afterwards, that is. Ha! 🙂

  • Askmewhats

    AAAAACCCCCKKKK!!!!!! I always feel sad when I see Stila on bloggers site!!! Don’t get me wrong..coz I have to order ONLINE when i want it and it takes FOREVER to receive it..due to postal thingy here!! aaccckkk!!!!!! I am loving most stila products..i am currently using the STila smudgepots black as my HG eyeliner and all i can do is order online!!! for it!!! 🙁 and now..at strawberrynet, (who gives free shipping) they don’t have much left! darn! heheh just venting my muse!

  • Marty Pauline

    Hi Muse,

    I am glad I waited for your review. It saves me from buying the oh so tempting gloss and wash. I usually enjoy Stila’s eyeliners and convertible color, all the rest of Stila’s products are usually humdrum for me. Thanks again

  • Anonymous

    which of the mac eyeliner pencils do not tug?
    which is the best to purchase?
    thanks
    ham

  • ???

    stila’s packaging is pretty, and i think some of their stuff is quite nice, but somehow, i never really bought anything from them other than 2 lip gloss and a LE orchid palette…

    the kitten looks lovely, wonder can i go purring for these or not 😛 so broke… another item on hand again to buy 😛

    loves,
    plue

  • Nicole

    Nice, Musey! I really don’t need another nude-almost-nude-shimmer shade though, argh. I love the brown packaging too though… so cute 🙂

  • Julie

    Ooh, I love the look of Stila Kitten! I really need to get my hands on it.

    Does the silk eyeshadow wash go on wet?

  • the Muse

    hi Badbomben!

    I agree! I liked the simple brown box with cute kitten script 🙂

  • the Muse

    hi Divine Blackness!!!!! How are you!?

    Aw thanks honey! *hugs* Don’t bother though as they were a bit sheer 😛

  • the Muse

    hi petitebelle!

    Me too 🙂 I was thinking the same and various people had mentioned it!

    You are right sadly they aren’t so fab 🙁 I don’t remember the Perfectly Kitten Set….hmmmm I don’t remember that set! What was in it?

  • the Muse

    hi robin!

    I think it’s definately one of those items you see in store and just jump on. But it’s really not as great as I had hoped for 🙁

  • the Muse

    hiya Paula W!

    Thank you kindly missus hehe!

    It does take a bit to getting used too. No offense but I find the boots one absolute rubbish darling. I really didn’t dig it. But I loved the awesome bottle 😉 I dumped out the remover and used the bottle for my Bi-Facil 😉

    I felt like it was greasy enough that as I rubbed it glided around alot so I wasn’t tugging as much as I do with a cotton pad.

    Oh that wasn’t anything I experienced. I was thankful for no blurry eyes with this. Sorry to hear you had suffered the blurs 😛 hate that!

  • the Muse

    hey nikki!

    Awww sorry to hear the drama that comes with stila 😛 blah!

    I heart Stila but I loved them years ago even more. Wish they’d do more Stila girl packaging 🙂

    I haven’t tried the smudgepots! I hear it’s awesome. You know we probably have a ton in the CCO here if you ever need it.

    MWAH!

  • the Muse

    hi Marty Pauline!

    It’s VERY tempting 🙂 but I’m saddened it wasn’t so great 🙁 even the MUA reviews are poor on ’em!

    I like the palettes myself and I always find myself collecting ’em 🙂 I’m also a fan of convertible color!

    Have a fab day darlin’!

  • the Muse

    Hi plue.

    I really like there stuff but I used to dig it more when the packaging was far prettier 🙂

    Don’t bother. I’d go with the palette and not the gloss and wash ;P

    Love ya!

  • the Muse

    hi julie!

    It applies wet but blends awful 🙁 I’d go with the Kitten palette and skip the wash love.

  • Sminkan

    A light and lovely summer look!

    And I haven’t commented lately, but I still check in on you. So you know, I am keeping my eye on you, Girl! ;D

  • the Muse

    sminkan ‘ello me love.

    Thank you kindly 😉

    I STILL owe you an email!

    Don’t hate me. I swear I’m so swamped 😛

  • psychoexgirlfriend

    Hey Muse, sorry those items didn’t work out for you. I myself have never found too much interest in Kitten so luckily I wasn’t tempted.

  • the Muse

    hi psychoexgirlfriend!

    You are lucky as they turned out not so grand 😛

    Oh well 🙂

    I still have to review the palette which was awesome 😉

    Happy Monday love!

  • Michael Skvortsov

    I can’t stand the Kitten Silk Shimmer Gloss. You’re right, it has really bad color payoff. You can go out and get Ulta’s “Whisper” lipgloss and get the exact same result for a fourth of the price! Unbelievable.

    Thanks for reviewing! I love the kitten products overall, but this gloss I probably wouldn’t purchase again.

    • the Muse

      hi michael! yes…this wasn’t one of Stila’s best products right? 🙁 ha interesting…love a good dupe thanks for the suggestion 😀 The new kitten Stila Lip Glaze is awesome thankfully!