First Zara then LUSH and now Stila; it seems like more and more fab European brands are setting up camp on SA shores.

For those of you who don’t know it, Stila is a cult UK beauty brand that, to me, has always sat in a similar box to Bloom and Benefit in that it’s also uber-girlie, beautifully packaged (in eco-friendly packaging) and just a little bit whimsical. Their cult products include a pale shimmery eye shadow called ‘Kitten’ (R165):

…award-winning Convertible Colour in Petunia (R240), a super pretty ‘I only just pinch my cheeks’-shade of creme blush…

…and Lip Glaze, a click-pen lip gloss in Grapefruit (R165), a sheer pink shade:

Anyway, the Stila SA peeps were kind enough to send me one of the brands newest products to play with; Stila One Step Bronze skin tone illuminating bronzing serum, R330.

A clever serum containing a ‘triple-swirled helix’ of a matte bronze, shimmering pink bronze and illuminating Kitten pigment, it acts as a subtle gel bronzer that creates a glowing, darker-looking complexion while smoothing out the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Initially I was very skeptical because, as I’m an oily sort, most serums cause my face to explode in a torrent of grease. This lil’ darlin’, however, turned out to be a lightweight oil-free ‘gel’ that didn’t aggravate my oilies in the least. I’ve been applying it over my day lotion, smoothing it out with a sponge and then using MAC Blot Powder on my T-zone for the last few days and love the subtle bronze (but not shimmery, thank God!) glow it gives my face.

If you want to get a look at Stila’s gorgeous goodies yourself, you’ll find them in selected Woolies and Truworths stores. Prices range between R165 and R395.

Love, love

Leigh