Stila Stay All Day Foundation and Concealer

I haven’t bought a product from the Stila line in a long time, however, my affinity for foundation compelled me to try the Stay All Day Foundation while at Sephora one afternoon due to its promise to provide amazing coverage, oxygen technology, a flawless finish the ability to last, well, all day.   I must note that I purchased this mere days before procuring the Giorgio Armani Maestro Makeup, and, although I have been using Maestro consistently, I feel compelled to keep the Stila because it is a lovely product and I know I will use it. 
I was in a hurry when I chose my shade, but, having had an absurd amount of practice in this department, I fared well with Buff (7), a warm beige shade for light to medium skin tones (close to about NC 27 or so).  This foundation, which retails for $44, comes with a build in concealer in a corresponding shade as well as a flat foundation brush (that I have yet to try).  
According to the Sephora website…
What it is:
An oil-free foundation and creamy concealer—the ultimate multitasking duo for flawless, breathable coverage.



What it does:
This pairing features an oil-free, high-definition, high-performance foundation that stays all day and delivers a flawless finish. Unique oxygen technology leaves skin hydrated, nourished and helps prevent premature aging. The formula’s synergistic combination of botanical extracts have been shown to help enhance circulation and blood flow, resulting in an increase of oxygen delivered to the skin. This foundation glides onto skin, immediately going to work to help minimize skin blemishes and imperfections. It is also enriched with an array of skin-loving ingredients, and unlike other long-wearing formulas, innovative extracts help to slow down the onset of premature aging. This multitasker also contains a creamy, full-coverage concealer inside the foundation’s cap and a mini mirror for touch-ups. The easy-to-blend concealer instantly hides blemishes, dark circles, and age spots creating an impeccable canvas for flawless makeup application.


This set contains:
– 1 oz Foundation 
– 0.02 oz Concealer 
– Spatula
– Mini brush


What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Synthetic Dyes
– Petrochemicals
– Phthalates
– GMOs
– Triclosan

The concealer is housed in its own little mirrored compartment in the top of the foundation cap.  
I can only imagine that there is but a tiny bit of product in there (e.g., the space seems shallow) but so far, a little bit goes a long way and I also have other concealers that I prefer to use over this one (Cle de Peau, Giorgio Armani and OCC).
Once the larger cap is removed, the foundation contains a smaller lid (making the plastic bottle more compact for transport).
The foundation itself is quite creamy and is dispensed with a built in spatula scooper.    This is not the most hygienic way of accessing the product but not a deal breaker for me in and of itself.

Only a dime-sized amount is necessary to cover my entire face; I use my trusty Sephora Airbrush to buff and blend it in and am consistently pleased with the medium to full, natural matte finish that this provides.  My skin looks flawless (scroll on for face images) and the foundation (which, by the way, is unscented!) really does seem to last a significant amount of time without budging or experiencing that “tight” feeling.  A pleasant surprise indeed.

Above from bottom to top: A heavy swatch of Stila Stay All Day Foundation in Buff (7), a heavily blended swatch of the same product (note how this seems to completely disappear!)  and a swatch of the corresponding concealer (closest to bracelet), all in direct sunlight.

Above from bottom to top: A heavy swatch of Stila Stay All Day Foundation in Buff (7), a heavily blended swatch of the same product (note how this seems to completely disappear!)  and a swatch of the corresponding concealer (closest to bracelet), all in the shade.
Seven swatches above from LEFT (closest to bracelet) to RIGHT: (1) Stila Stay All Day Concealer in Buff (7), a very blended swatch of Stila Stay All Day Foundation in Buff, (3) a heavy swatch of Stila Stay All Day Concealer in Buff, (4) Giorgio Armani Maestro Makeup in 5.5, (5) Giorgio Armani Maestro Makeup in 6.5, (6) Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Foundation in #7, and (7) Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Foundation in #9…photographed in direct sunlight.
Seven swatches above from LEFT (closest to bracelet) to RIGHT: (1) Stila Stay All Day Concealer in Buff (7), a very blended swatch of Stila Stay All Day Foundation in Buff, (3) a heavy swatch of Stila Stay All Day Concealer in Buff, (4) Giorgio Armani Maestro Makeup in 5.5, (5) Giorgio Armani Maestro Makeup in 6.5, (6) Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Foundation in #7, and (7) Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Foundation in #9…photographed in the shade.
A weekend of using Stila Stay All Day Foundation in Buff (7)…perfect for hot days and long nights, this foundation does what foundation is supposed to do!
Bottom Line: The Stila Stay All Day Foundation is a fantastic “all around” base.  It provides wonderful coverage, a remarkable lasting power and is friendly to my overly sensitive skin.  I am happy with the natural satin matte finish and am enjoying it much more than some other foundations that I’ve tried in the last few months including the latest installments from Givenchy (overly scented for my taste) and Kat Von D (a little too matte at times).  Although the concealer is just “OK” (not bad, just not amazing), the foundation is excellent!  

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Comments (12)

  • Rola Reply

    Whenever I see your foundation reviews, I am always tempted to try them all:)

    September 30, 2012 at 6:28 am
  • The Beauty Professor Reply

    Thanks Rola! I have a serious problem when it comes to buying foundations…hopefully my addiction is helpful to others ; )

    Hope your weekend is going well,

    –The Beauty Professor

    September 30, 2012 at 10:07 pm
  • beth Reply

    I really enjoy your reviews of foundations. I am also always searching for the perfect base. I have never tried the Le Metier de beaute.
    Do you still enjoy this one. Also do you have any holy grail concealers? Thanks so much for the great blog.

    October 1, 2012 at 12:43 am
  • The Beauty Professor Reply

    Thank you, Beth! I definitely still enjoy the Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Foundation…it is in my current rotation and likely will be all fall and winter. It is just is a perfect blend of coverage and natural finish, while lasting a long while and not breaking me out…love it.

    In terms of concealers, I use Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-3 for any dark spot or blemish and either Cle de Peau (in Ocre or Beige) or Giorgio Armani Maestro Concealer #4 for my under eye area when necessary. I need to review the Maestro Concealer ASAP!

    So glad you enjoy my blog…thanks for reading!!

    Have a wonderful week,

    –The Beauty Professor

    October 1, 2012 at 5:30 am
  • Aqua Beauty Day spa Reply

    Outstanding post, I believe people should learn a lot from this web blog its very user pleasant.

    October 6, 2012 at 10:48 am
  • The Beauty Professor Reply

    Thank you! I try to be as thorough as possible ; )

    Take care,

    –The Beauty Professor

    October 6, 2012 at 9:35 pm
  • Unknown Reply

    Love the foundation on u. What lipstick r u wearing in the photos

    February 19, 2013 at 8:33 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you, Amanda!! I am wearing a combination of OCC Lip Tar in Divine mixed with a Sephora Color Lip Last in "Oh My Beige."

      Hope that helps!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      February 20, 2013 at 5:38 am
  • Anonymous Reply

    I recently purchased this foundation in the shade Honey (I'm Asian hence the tone). When the makeup store attendant put it on for me in the store it looked lovely and matched my skin tone perfectly. However, after I bought it and used it at home, I found that it looks quite orange (perhaps too dark). Does this happen? Or is it just the lighting at home?

    August 20, 2013 at 4:18 pm
  • The Beauty Professor Reply

    Hello Anon,

    Thanks for the question. I haven't experienced this foundation oxidizing (getting darker after awhile) but oxidization isn't always unilateral, meaning, it can happen for some and not others, depending on their skin type/chemistry. I suggest exchanging it for one shade lighter…a foundation that's too dark is never good!

    I hope that helps,

    –The Beauty Professor

    August 21, 2013 at 7:01 pm
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hi there, first of all I love your website, I swear you give the best reviews and the best advice. I was wondering about the Laura Mercier secret camouflage. I have an olive complexion, chanel vita lumiere aqua in b40/b50 or MAC nc35-40, and was wondering what colour you recommend for the secret camouflage ? Thanks so much! 🙂

    August 26, 2013 at 11:46 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello…thanks for your kind comment! I love the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage…I think you could be SC-3 (my shade) on the light side and SC-5 on the darker side.

      I hope that helps!

      xo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      August 28, 2013 at 5:23 am

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