Cheap Shadows, Blushes, and Amazing Brushes: Stilazzi

Hey you! So first of all, I just gotta thank most of y'all for your sweet words on this post. Something else that's sweet? Getting shadows, blushes and brushes for practically a steal. I get asked all the time about affordable shadows, blushes, and brushes--and not just inexpensive, but actually good quality. Seriously, these are good and I just wouldn't throw something like that out there. I don't want you wasting your money on something that's not great. These are all from Stilazzi--I first heard of them through one of my favorite beauty stores, Frends Beauty. If you're in N. Hollywood, look 'em up, or check them out here.

pic via my Instagram

I've purchased so much stuff from Frends (check out hauls here and here) including some Stilazzi brushes, so when they asked if I wanted to check out more of the line, I couldn't wait. Stilazzi is a brand for professional makeup artists, but you don't need an MUA to use these products. Not only do they have supplies for makeup artists (think cases, organizers, bags, airbrush, false lashes) but they have some awesome makeup too. There's something for all price points. First up, let's talk about the brushes:

These brushes with the white handles are synthetic and super soft (they do make a line with natural and synethetic bristles). I'm going from your left to right with just a few of the Stilazzi face brushes:

• S133--I've been looking for a brush like this one for highlighting--works well with loose and pressed powders.
• DF101--A great dual fiber brush to apply liquid and crème products, blends blush colors easily for a natural glow--love it for cream blushes. It's listed as medium, but it's a bit smaller to me. And it's $9.95!
• DF105--Apply liquid and crème foundations, flawlessly in a few easy strokes with this dual fiber brush. Also used to quickly apply moisturizers and primers. A larger version of the 101.
• DF104--Nice dual fiber brush for loose and pressed powders.
• S107--This domed brush is excellent for buffing foundation.
• DF106--A dual fiber brush that works wonderfully for liquid and cream products--especially concealers.
• S128--I love this for blush and contouring the face. It's just the right size.

And now for a sampling of the eye brushes--these are around $5.95:

• S100--Lovely for eyeliner and brows.
• S104--The large concealer brush has extremely smooth, yet firm bristles, that allow you to blend and add coverage to problem areas. It can also be used where concentrated color is needed to even out skin tone. Works with all types of products and can be used to apply color to lid.
• S124--Excellent for blending and shading the eye with either powder, cream or pigment eye shadows.
• S116--I love this for softening and blending those harsh lines.
• S117--Another great brush for adding strong color in a specific area or smudging along the upper and lower lash lines for a smokey effect.
• S111--This firm, tapered point brush has so many uses for Cream, Liquid, & Gel Based Products--This unique shape allows you to control the thickness of your eyeliner by using the fine tip, or the smooth side, of the brush. An excellent tool for creating a dramatic cat eye, or detailed body painting.

Now, let's get into the shadows! Y'all, these Stilazzi matte shadows are $3 each! And they come in 52 shades and are cruelty-free. If you're looking for inexpensive shadows, especially if you're building your professional kit, you need these.

Shadows: 11, 24, 17, 35, 25, 44, 39, 50, 42, 52

I've got arm and paper swatches for ya. If you've ever owned/played around with matte shadows, you'll know it's hard to find good matte shadows. They are usually chalky and not pigmented--one of the reasons shimmer/satin/pearl/glitter are easier to produce and find. 

And the pans are huge. In this pic I'm comparing it to a MAC shadow (Saddle). Look at how much bigger it is! And yes, it is a dupe when swatched, and y'all KNOW I don't throw that word out there unless it's true. Also, if you have a lighter skintone, you know how hard it is to find a contour that doesn't make you look orange or dirty. I suggest trying one of their matte taupe or grey shades for that. 

You gotta have some sparkle, right? Stilazzi also has Pearl Eye Shadows. These come in 44 shades, are cruelty-free, and are buttery soft. And they're only $3.50!

13, 05, 42, 20,
01, 25, 27, 36

Arm and paper swatches for the pearls! The dark purple, dark blue, and dark green are very buttery and do have fall out, but tapping the brush before applying will help that. These remind me of LORAC quality.

Finally, I have some matte blushes to share! There are 20 shades to choose from, and I love the variety.

05, 12, 20, 17

These are $3.00 and can be used for matte bronzer or contouring, and I have used them as shadows.

For my makeup in this look, I used only Stilazzi face and eye brushes, Stilazzi shadows, and a blush. Again, thanks Frends Beauty for letting me try these!