The Evolution of Stila Kitten: How One Eyeshadow Sparked a Revolution

By Volarre Editorial —
The Icon: Stila "Kitten" & The Golden Age of Beauty
Beauty Guru using Stila
© Volarre
01. The Timeline: A 20-Year Legacy

From NYFW backstages to the vanities of the first YouTube gurus, one champagne-pink shadow defined an era. This is the history of Stila "Kitten."

2003
Debuts at NYFW and stars on Beyoncé’s Dangerously in Love album cover—Mally Roncal layered Kitten for that iconic champagne-lid glow.
2005
Featured in Vogue “Champagne Eyes” editorial, inspiring runway and red-carpet looks globally.
2007
Michelle Phan’s breakout YouTube tutorial uses Kitten, igniting the online beauty tutorial boom.
2010
Allure names Kitten “Best Eyeshadow” in their Readers’ Choice Awards.
2012
#stilakitten trends on Instagram with over 50K user posts showcasing the everyday glow.
2018
TikTok’s #kittenchallenge garners 2M views, driving a 30% global sales spike.
2023
Celebrates 20th anniversary; reimagined as a long-wear cream shadow by popular demand.
Showcasing Stila highlighter and eyeshadow
© Volarre
"Its universal champagne shimmer flatters all skin tones, offers wet/dry versatility, and pro-level payoff in an easy-to-apply formula—ideal for both MUAs and enthusiasts."
02. The Stila Edit: Iconic Formulations

Kitten Eye Shadow Compact

Kitten Eye Shadow
What It Does Champagne-pink shimmer for lids & inner corners.
The Formula Finely milled pearls deliver smooth, reflective color.
Application Tap onto lid center; mist brush for foiled effect.
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Stay All Day® Liquid Liner

Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner
What It Does Jet-black precision liner with 12-hour wear.
The Formula Waterproof gel formula in a felt-tip applicator.
Application Draw from inner to outer lash; wing as desired.
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Glitter & Glow Liquid Shadow

Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow
What It Does Multidimensional sparkle in a liquid base.
The Formula Platinum-grade glitters for non-flaky wear.
Application Dot onto lid; press with fingertip.
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Smudge & Set Gel Liner

Smudge & Set Gel Liner
What It Does Blendable gel liner that locks down waterproof.
The Formula Cream-gel texture sets in seconds for 24-hr wear.
Application Glide along lash; smudge in 10s; let set.
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Lip Glaze

Stila Lip Glaze
What It Does Sheer gloss with hydrating oils for plump shine.
The Formula Non-sticky finish with jojoba & avocado oil.
Application Sweep center; blend outward.
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Backstage at fashion show with Stila products
© Volarre
03. As Seen On

Kylie Jenner (2015)

In her “Everyday Makeup” YouTube tutorial (4 M+ views), Kylie tapped Kitten Eye Shadow on the lid center and inner corner, igniting dupe hunts across beauty forums.

Ariana Grande & Sir John (2018)

Sir John layers Kitten beneath the brow bone and at the tear duct to craft Ariana’s signature doe-eyed look, showcased on the American Music Awards red carpet.

Vogue Editorial by Hung Vanngo (2021)

Hung Vanngo applied Magnificent Glitter & Glow over Kitten in Vogue’s “New Classic” spread, creating a multidimensional sparkle that redefined high-fashion beauty.

Stila’s Kitten didn’t just shimmer—it launched the digital beauty era. Alongside its signature liners and lip glazes, Stila remains an industry icon. Whether you seek subtle sheen or editorial drama, these formulas deliver timeless polish.

+ References & Sources
  • Allure – Stila Kitten launch coverage
  • MakeupAlley – Early Kitten reviews
  • YouTube Archives – Michelle Phan tutorial
  • Instagram – #stilakitten metrics
  • Vogue – MUA interviews
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