Lipstick Masala

Every so often, major names in the fashion world create lines or products that they market as “inspired by” India. In 2008 the ready-to-wear collection by Jean Paul Gautier for Hermes featured Nehru jackets, tunics and sari variations. Later that summer, we were tempted by the vivid jewel tones of nail polishes from OPI’s India Collection, of which names like “Royal Rajah Ruby” and “Curry Up Don’t be Late!” were quick to intrigue and even quicker to impress upon application. But, then there are occasions when lines are released and one is confused as to whether the reference to India is really due to Desi influence or simply a marketing tool. Such is the case with the new Indian Summer Collection by Stila Cosmetics. While some of the articles seem promising, it is difficult to find a true connection with Indian culture other than the aggressive advertising that is being done to dupe the public into believing the products they are using are truly “ethnic.”

The line by Stila is said to be infused with real 24 karat gold. Now I find this both fascinating and amusing for several reasons. As Desis, I’m sure most of you (especially those currently planning their weddings) are well aware that gold prices are increasing exponentially even as you read this. I’m curious to know, exactly how much of an “infusion” of 24kt gold do these products actually have at an average of $25 an item? Given this information I assume there is simply a sliver of gold in each product, microscopic even, with the rest of the gold present in the makeup attributed simply to color manipulation. The website goes on to claim “gold is a known antioxidant and has ant-microbial properties.” Are we to believe this tiny sliver of gold present in the products is actually going to fix our skin too? Interesting. However, keep in mind my calculation of the amount of gold in the products is pure speculation. There may be half a pound of gold in there for all I know. In that case, I’m not sure how I feel about smearing metal on my face. But, that is a different story altogether.

Moving on past the ingredients of the products, here’s what you’ll find in this summer’s collection (descriptions next to product names are from the company itself, and are not the opinion of Lipstick Masala):

24kt Gloss $22: A vitamin-rich luxury lip gloss infused with genuine 24kt gold. Available in five brilliant shades. (pictured below)

Charmed Eye Shadow Palette $28: A gorgeously gold-decorated palette featuring four new eye shadow shades all infused with genuine 24kt gold. (pictured below)

Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 $32: Your skin will be as good as golden with the Stila favorite – Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15, infused with 24kt gold. (pictured left)

Smudge Pot – Golden Noir $20: The newest shade of smudge pot – Golden Noir, infused with 24kt gold. (pictured right)

Mineral Bronzing Powder – Brushed Gold $34: A 100% natural finishing powder blends into the skin giving it a natural, bronzed glow. (pictured below)

Mango Crush, Lip & Cheek Stain $24: A multitasking lip and cheek stain in a sheer coral hue, infused with mango extract. (pictured left)

Lash Visor Waterproof Mascara $20: Stila’s top-selling waterproof mascara has gotten bigger and better. (pictured right)

Convertible Color Duo – Marigold $25: Get that sun-kissed look you long for with the newest addition to the award-winning Convertible Color family – Marigold. (pictured below)

You can check out the shades in detail on Stila’s website (click HERE).

Lipstick Masala Breakdown:

If you can look past the trying-too-hard packaging with strategically placed bindis, a few of these products may be worth a try. The lip glosses have gold undertones that will look good against most Desi skin, as we are generally warm-toned. I’m curious about the consistency, however, and would perhaps use one to dab on top of another lipstick rather than use by itself. They may be a nice addition to those looking for a gold-shimmered gloss for use at weddings. I’m also interested in trying the Mango Lip and Cheek Stain, as coral greatly complements olive/tan skin.

The Golden Noir smudge pot does not seem to be a jet-black color, the gold specks will most likely make it a more brown shade upon application. If you feel you want something less harsh than the kajal you regularly use, you should give this a shot. The other products in the line seem uninspired, especially the eye shadow palette. There is nothing unique or exciting about the color selection, although, like the lip glosses the gold undertones in the products may be complementary to our skin tones.

The collection was supposed to be released both online and in stores in May, but for now has only made an appearance on stilacosmetics.com. I’ve been to three Sephora stores in my area and have been unsuccessful in locating the products. Employees there have, in so many words, informed me that Stila is having internal issues and therefore shipments to stores have been delayed. I’ve been told to check back in two weeks or to order the products online. So, if you feel you absolutely must try out this new collection, your only option is through the Stila website now and soon the Sephora website. Both companies have decent return policies, i.e. dissatisfied customers will be promptly refunded. Details on the return policies are listed on the respective websites.

Overall, I personally feel the entire collection is boring. Yawn Yawn Yawn. India is such a beautiful place with such exuberant colors and traditions. I don’t see any of that really portrayed in the collection – they really missed the mark with this one. But, then again, I don’t know everything, I’d love to hear your opinion. What do you think, will you be rushing out to try this new line? Let us know in the comments section and the poll below.

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