If one cosmetics brand has the corner on achieving feminine beauty, it's definitely Stila. They don't pander to the latest fads (remember when everyone else tried to make black lipstick happen), but instead create products that are designed to help you look your most gorgeous, naturally. It doesn't hurt that celebrity makeup artist Sarah Lucero can create looks inspired by the down-to-earth girl all the way to the Betsey Johnson runway.

To celebrate the glamour and excitement of the red carpet, the Stila Pro Artistry team collaborated with E! to create a collection of camera-ready essentials for the 2012 awards season and beyond. Although we're past awards season, these products can seamlessly become a part of your makeup bag for the office or a special occasion.

• Stila for E! Live from the Red Carpet™ Solar Lighted Compact with All Over Shimmer Duo: This is by far one of my favorite products that I've seen in 2012. It's a solar powered compact that holds a lighted mirror and an All Over Shimmer Powder Duo. How fab is that?
• Stila for E! Live from the Red Carpet™ Bring Out Your Glam Eye Shadow Palette: This starry shadow palette is comprised of 8 universally flattering neutral shades for only $24.
• Stila for E! Live from the Red Carpet™ Smudge Stick Duo & Forever Your Curl Mascara Set: Two of Stila's coveted Smudge Sticks, one in black and one in brown, and a full size Forever Your Curl Mascara for $30. Now that's a value.
• Stila for E! Live from the Red Carpet™ Lip Glaze Trio: 3 "your lips but better" Lip Glazes in Lights, Camera and Action. Your closeup is next.
• Stila for E! Live from the Red Carpet™ Convertible Color in Gerbera: Hands down my favorite Convertible Color. You could have been out until 4am and this color will make you look impossibly well-rested.

 

If you were walking a red carpet tonight, what product would you choose to help you look your best?

Stila Convertible Color For Lips And Cheeks

$25.00 by Stila at Beauty.com

As Summer is winding down (but the temperatures don't seem to be) I am still obsessing over the perfect powderless face. As the calendar has slowly been slipping away, I've been brainstorming ways to keep using my favorite products in the Fall months.  Stila's Convertible Color in Gerbera made it easy.

I love to pair a deep, hauting purple (like MAC's Fig 2 eyeshadow) with a softened face.  The best part about Gerbera, is that it is a soft peach shade.  Ever considered combining peach & deep purple? I highly recommend it!

This Fall, when you're reaching for those right shades, don't forget about some of your cream options.  They just might surprise you as to how well they go together.

Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15

$34.00 by Stila at Sephora

It has taken me a very long time (5+ years, in fact) to come across a tinted moisturizer I am happy with.  Unfortunately, I am quite picky and discount most candidates after half a day of wear.  Last Friday, that all changed.

On a whim (mostly because I have a half day due to the invention of Summer Fridays), I reached for the Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer.  And you know what - I didn't hate in.  In fact, by the end of the day I still didn't hate it!

It has a fairly decent amount of coverage (not a ton but not non existant either) and is moderately moisturizing.  Not super intensive, so if you have dry skin be sure to moisturize first.

Stila Made In Your Shade Foundation Wardrobe - Light

$18.00 by Stila at Sephora

If you still aren't convinced (and trust me, I totally understand) you can try the Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer in the Made In Your Shade Wardrobe from Sephora. This limited edition box set is only $18 - RUN to Sephora for yours now!

(photo credit:  Paula of Older Girl Beauty)

During The Makeup Show on Sunday, Amber of Beauty Blogging Junkie and I had the opportunity to chat with the Stila's latest girl, new owner Lynn Tilton.

Upon first meeting Lynn, you realize she is one tough chick.  From her tanned skin to her shiny blonde hair to her love of boots, she seems to be every bit the opposite of what you would think a savvy businesswoman would look like.  But within seconds of speaking to her, you realize she has her sh*t together, and she knows what she's doing.  She may not be able to write the encyclopedia on Stila's vast product history, and she's okay with that.  She is open to becoming every bit the Stila girl, while focusing on the company's distribution and customer retention.  She was so eager to purchase Stila that from the time she heard the brand was for sale to the time the deal closed took all of 10 days.

Sephora may currently be Stila's biggest door, but Lynn is making strategic moves to entice the Stila girl to StilaCosmetics.com. The ink is barely dry on the contracts and you can already see evidence of her savvy.  Stila has just launched the Stila Love rewards program.

It is similar to Sephora's Beauty Insiders, but with a much better points system.  When you spend $100 on StilaCosmetics.com, you receive free shipping for the remainder of the year.  At $250, you receive $50 to spend on the site and at $500 spent, you receive $100 to spend on the site.  It's a pretty great incentive program for a brand whose customers have such a passion for the product.

Towards the end of our conversation, Lynn asked Amber & I's opinion on something - "What do you think of the brand Jane?".  We both became so excited - Amber believes Jane is one of the most underrated drugstore brands, and if you've spent 5 minutes with me, you know how much I love the pan bronzer in #07 Sunkissed (the best bronzer for pale gals!).  Lynn has such a passion for saving struggling companies, and Jane is certainly on her radar.  (If you love Jane leave a comment below!)

If you think that drugstore news is good - try this - Lynn is toying with the idea of Simply Stila.  Simply Stila is conceived as a drugstore brand with similar products for half the price.  Would you buy Simply Stila or are you simply a Stila girl?

All in all Lynn Tilton is a delightful woman, who is truly a force to be reckoned with in the business world.  From helicopters to Arizona Iced Tea to Stila, she's one smart cookie.  I can't wait to see what she has in store.

Speaking of - today & tomorrow only use code STILAPRO for 40% off plus free shipping - how much do you love Stila?

It has a been a long (and exhausting) day spent at The Makeup Show NYC.  More photos and recaps are coming, but I wanted to share with you some of the great brands and products that were represented (clockwise from left to right):

• Smashbox Fushion Soft Lights in Sunset (can't seem to locate on their site)
• Mini gloss in Accessories
• Mini gloss in Happy Hour
• Naked loose pigment in Urban Rustic #05
• Luminess Tan Airbrush Tanning System
• Giselle Cosmetics 6 in 1 Eyeshadows in Contradiction
• Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Loose Color in Glisten
• 3 Custom Color Lipstick in Frangipani
• Pencil Me In Eye Accent Pencil in Indigo
• Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Grandma
• Stila 24k Appreciation Gloss in Brilliant Pink
• Stila 24k Appreciation Gloss in Golden Charm
• Stila Convertible Mascara

Any favorites? Any products you wish you could get your hands on? Any products you want me to review? Tell me in the comments below!

Also, since the winner of the 2 tickets to The Makeup Show NYC didn't contact me, if anyone wants to attend tomorrow (May 18) leave a comment below - 2 tickets are still up for grabs, and the first comment wins!