My Cream Blush Discovery: Smashbox Be Discovered Cream Cheek Trio In Lights Review

I've made it quite known on this blog that I love cream blushes. So imagine how excited I was to see Smashbox release a trio of cream blushers for spring:

This is the Cream Cheek Trio called In Lights, one of two trios released in Smashbox's Be Discovered collection for spring. This trio has warm shades and the other one has cool shades. 

I thought this would be the perfect travel companion, since it has a bright coral shade, a light pink highlight shade, and a natural mauve shade that could double as a pinky bronzer or a natural toned blush. Most of the cream blushers in makeup-land are super pigmented, so I expected the same from this. 

Swatches L-R: Coral shade heavy & blended, Mauve shade heavy & blended, Highlight shade heavy & blended

The coral shade is gorgeous, but the mauve and highlight colors have so little pigment that they are barely visible when blended. When I wore the mauve shade as a blusher it looked like I didn't even have any color on my cheeks. Here I am wearing the coral shade on the apples of my cheeks and the highlight shade on the top of my cheekbones:

There is absolutely no reflection of light on the top of my cheekbones. I don't need my highlighters to be super shimmery, but a good highlighter should at least reflect some light. 

In terms of performance, the 3 shades did last all day and were super easy to blend. I was just really disappointed in pigmentation, especially when there are such great cream blushers out there (like MAC Cremeblend Blushes, Sue Devitt's Gel-to-Powder Blushes and Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouges). 

Do you like cream blushes? What's your favorite?

Disclaimer: The product in this post was provided by PR for consideration. As always, my thoughts and review reflect my honest opinions. 

Alternatives to Black Eyeliner

Although black is the most commonly used eyeliner shade, there are 2 great alternatives that provide a dark line, but aren't as dramatic as black.

Clockwise from top: Smashbox Jet Set Eyeliner in Intrigue*, MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy, MAC Technakohl Eyeliner in Steelpoint (LE), Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in Chocolate Shimmer Ink

Brown Eyeliner: Brown eyeliner is great for fair to medium skined beauties because it is more natural looking than black. However, that doesn't mean dark skin tones can't rock brown. I like medium to dark shades of brown because it provides the intensity of dark eyeliner, without looking black. Personally, I wear a lot of brown eyeliner, both during the day and at night, most frequently when doing a brown smokey eye or when wearing natural or no shadow. My two favorites are Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in Chocolate Shimmer Ink and MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy (both are permanent products)

Grey Eyeliner: In the same vein, I LOVE grey eyeliner because it is much softer than black, and really complements brown and green eyes. Again, I like using grey eyeliner with little to no shadow on the eyes. I love using colored eyeliner and grey gives me the feel of using a colored liner, but is still very natural looking. The trick here is to use a grey that is dark, not silvery, like most grey liners are. My two favorites are Smashbox Jet Set Eyeliner in Intrigue (currently part of Smashbox's spring 2012 release and it comes with a mini liner brush) and MAC Technakohl Eyeliner in Steelpoint (a limited edition liner that came out a couple summers ago and I wish they would re-promote).

L-R in Natural Light: Smashbox Intrigue, MAC Steelpoint, BB Chocolate Shimmer Ink, MAC Teddy

L-R w/ Flash: Smashbox Intrigue, MAC Steelpoint, BB Chocolate Shimmer Ink, MAC Teddy

Other colors like dark navy and aubergine are also great alternatives to black, but are also a bit more adventurous than brown and grey. 

*Disclaimer: This product was provided by PR for consideration. As always, my thoughts and review reflect my honest opinions. 

2 Gifts or 10 Gifts - Smashbox Holiday Gift Ideas

I have professed my love for Smashbox makeup sets in the past, so I was super excited to try out some of the brand's holiday offerings: the Life is Your Set Holiday Pencil Kit and the Snap You're Fab Holiday Lip Gloss Set:

Top-Bottom: Sapphire, Espresso, Emerald, Black, and Gold

L-R: Lip Enhancing Gloss in Radiant, Pout, Luster, Infamous, Pink Sugar, and It Girl

Since I am an eyeliner-aholic, I was really excited to try out the pencil kit, until I read and re-read the box to find out that the liners in the set are NOT the Limitless Eye Liners that Smashbox is famous for. These are just regular pencil eyeliners. Still, the colors are gorgeous and highly pigmented:

Natural Light L-R: Sapphire, Espresso, Emerald, Black, and Gold

My Halloween Devil Look

I don't like Halloween.

There, I said it.

I know most beauty fanatics love this spooky holiday because it gives them the freedom to go cra-zay with makeup, and don't get me wrong, I like that too, but I hate the build-up around Halloween parties. Everyone always has such high expectations over Halloween party and inevitably, the party ends up being just ok. I did go to one really good Halloween party last year, and I think it was great because we didn't have any expectations and it was at my cousin's house so I was just excited to see my cousins.

In any case, I did end up going to a Halloween party this weekend and I wore my standard issue devil costume. This year I decided to do more of a beauty look with a little funky twist. 

Why I Love Smashbox Shadows

This morning I did a super quick eye look. I applied a dark brown gel liner on my top lash, followed by the bronze shadow from this Smashbox kit, and the light shade from that same kit on my browbone. This is what it looked like 6 hours later:

Normally, I wouldn't share such a simple look with you, but this was an exceptional one because this is what my eyes looked like 6 hours after application, without any primer! There is a tiny bit of creasing on the right eye above, but that's it! Smashbox shadows are so smooth and buttery, and with this type of performance I am definitely going to invest in more!

September Favorites

It's that time again....here are my faves from September:

1. MAC Lady Grey Shadow Quad - This quad is not at all special, yet so special! I was not planning to buy this, but when I swatched the colors I absolutely fell in love with the light purple and light green shades, and all 4 colors are unlike the shades I already have. Something about these colors is so magical...they complement each other and blend so seamlessly! These are the only shadows I have been using for the past few weeks! I love this quad so much I will do a separate post (including swatches) on it this week.



2. Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara - This was part of this and this set, and it fits all my requirements for a daily-use mascara. It doesn't smudge, doesn't flake, holds the curl, is a dark black color, doesn't clump even after 2-3 coats, and the brush is nice and large. Although this doesn't lengthen or thicken, you won't believe how hard it is to find a mascara that meets my requirements, so I can live with the lack of lengthening and thickening. If I really need the drama, I use a mascara base or combine this with other mascaras.



3. Stila One-Step Correct - I reviewed this almost exactly a year ago here, and I am still very much enjoying using it! I like that is doesn't break me out, provides a great surface for foundation, and helps minimize the appearance of pores. The one I have now is almost empty, and I will most likely pick up another instead of trying out any of the other great face primers on the market.



4. MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot - I have mentioned this as a staple many times, but I just can't stop loving it! I used this golden peachy base a lot this summer with nothing else on my eyes, and lately I have been using it as a base for the Lady Grey shadows mentioned above. This particular paint pot simply excels at lasting ALL day, on its own and as a primer for powder shadows. The color is simply perfect for any occasion, and it's just one of those fool-proof makeup products that I can always rely on.



September was a pretty simple makeup month for me, what about you?

Smashbox Luxe Metallics Glambox Swatches and Review

Smashbox does it again! Remember how much I loved the Smashbox Studio Stash set? I may have found another set I like even more! The Smashbox Luxe Metallics Glambox!! Smashbox releases a glambox set a couple times a year and they literally come in a cubed box:

This Luxe Metallics Glambox has 7 products in it:

- Fusion Soft Lights in Luster

- Blush Rush in Surge

- Eyelights Quad in Luxe

- Full Exposure Mascara Mini in Jet Black (the one pictured above is the full size because I misplaced the mini one that came with this set)

- Jet Set Waterprrof Eye Liner in Vamp

- Arced Liner Brush #21 (full size)

- Lip Enhancing Gloss in Gilded Nude

- Lip Enhancing Gloss in Rose Quartz

 Fusion Soft Lights in Luster and Blush Rush in Surge

L-R: Surge blush, Luster Fusion Soft Lights (the 3 individual shades, then all swirled) 

Eyelights Quad in Luxe and Full Exposure Mascara 

Eyelights Quad in Luxe

 

Jet Set Waterprrof Eye Liner in Vamp and Arced Liner Brush #21

Lip Enhancing Gloss in Gilded Nude and Rose Quartz

L-R: Jet Set Waterprrof Eye Liner in Vamp, Gilded Nude gloss and Rose Quartz gloss

The kit also includes a pamphlet with instructions on how to create a Bronze Glow look and a Metallic Smoke look:

My fave of the two looks is the Metallic Smoke look, so I tried that look first. I followed the instructions exactly, using only my own foundation, concealer, and brushes.

What I was most excited about in this kit was the Arced Liner Brush #21. I have been wanting a bent liner brush like this for a long time. I have only used it a few times but so far I like it. It is SO much easier to use than a regular liner brush that has a similar brush head but is not bent. However, since I have been using an angled brush (the MAC 208 is my fave) to apply gel/cream liner for many years, this is going to take some getting used to. I was also excited to try out the Blush Rush formula. I was a bit hesitant of the color because it appeared so bright on my hand, but when blended well, it adds a soft pink flush to the cheeks. 

Overall I really like this kit and will be using these products a lot, especially as Fall and the holiday season approach. Speaking of, this would make a great Christmas present! Or if you are like me and have no patience, a great anytime present to yourself! =)

Disclaimer: The products in this post were provided by PR for consideration. Please read my disclaimer for additional information.

Looks Using the Smashbox Studio Stash Set

Good Morning Dolls!! How was your weekend? Mine was....let's say...interesting. Thanks to Irene, I experienced my first hurricane. Luckily, the area I live in was not hit that bad and so fortunately we did not lose power and there was no flooding in our neighborhood. Nonetheless, it was a scary experience and it seems that ever since the hubby and I moved to Philly, the East Coast has been experiencing the worst natural disasters.....last winter was the worst snowstorm in years, last week was the first earthquake in years, and then last weekend was the first hurricane in years. Through all these events I am thankful to the powers above for keeping my family and friends safe. 

So back to makeup. Last week I raved about the new Smashbox Studio Stash Set, and I wanted to share with you a few eye looks that I have been wearing using the products from that set. Just to recap, I did all these looks using only these eye products:

Studio Stash Shadow Palette

 Shadow Swatches

 Cream Liner Palette in Perfect Frame

Top: Graphite, Taupe, Lilac, Lava, Blue Topaz

Bottom: Caviar, Picasso, Thunder, Midnight Purpe, Midnight Brown

Top: Graphite, Taupe, Lilac, Lava, Blue Topaz

Bottom: Caviar, Picasso, Thunder, Midnight Purpe, Midnight Brown

1. Natural Eye

- Cream Liner in Taupe (top row, 2nd from right) as base all over lid

- Shadow #2 all over lid

- Shadow #1 on browbone

- Cream Liner in Picasso (bottom row, 2nd from right) to line top lid

2. Anytime Eye

- Cream Liner in Lava (top row, 4th from right) as base all over lid

- Shadow #2 on inner corner 

- Shadow #3 on lid

- Shadow #4 in crease and outer v

- Shadow #1 on browbone

- Cream Liner in Graphite (top row, 1st from right) to line top lid

3. Smoky Eye

- Cream Liner in Thunder (bottom row, 3rd from right) as base all over lid

- Shadow #4 on lid and outer lower lid

- Mix of Shadows #3 and #4 in crease

- Shadow #2 on inner lower lid

- Shadow #1 on browbone

- Cream Liner in Graphite (top row, 1st from right) lightly smudged on upper lash line

- Full Exposure Mascara on upper and lower lashes

These pics made me realize I really need a new camera. The colors do look darker and more vibrant in real life. In any case, I do like the versatility of the neutral shadows and liner palette. As mentioned in my review, I like using the liners as cream shadows and bases because they really do last all day. 

I really think Smashbox makes the best and most useful makeup sets, and the Studio Stash set definitely proves that. What do you think?

A Set Worth Adding to Your Stash: Smashbox Studio Stash Set Review

As you know I am always looking for a great deal and when it comes to makeup sets sometimes it is a hit or miss. In the last couple years I have noticed that there is one brand that usually hits it out of the park when it comes to makeup sets: Smashbox.

Take for example the new Smashbox Studio Stash set:

First off, how adorable is the little makeup bag?

It looks like a brush roll but it opens up in to an amazingly useful makeup bag! It has an area to put a few brushes, then a clear pouch, and a black round pouch for larger items. 

The black round pouch is detachable via the magic of velcro!! How awesome is that!

I really wanted this makeup set for the pouch, but the products are just as awesome and travel-friendly. First off are the shadow quad and the cream liner palette, shown next to my iPhone so you get an idea of the size.

The Studio Stash Eye Shadow Palette contains 4 neutral shadows in the grey-plum color family:

All shadows are SUPER soft and very pigmented. They blend easily and last all day when worn over a cream shadow or eye primer. The first and third shades are matte, the second and last shades have a tiny bit of shimmer but are not shiny or glittery at all. I have been using this a lot lately for simple summer eye looks (which I will be posting soon).

Swatches of Studio Stash Eye Shadow Palette

My fave product from this set is the Cream Eye Liner Palette in Perfect Frame. Sure, you might look at some of the lighter shades and say "when would I use those as liner?" Ladies, just because it is called a cream liner doesn't mean you can't be creative with it. These creams really excel as a liner but also as a cream shadow on the whole lid! And the best part is these don't fade or crease, even without a base!

This little palette is almost the same size as a credit card and PERFECT for carrying in a purse for touchups or to transform a day look in to an evening look! I think it would be awesome to add a little cream shadow to the lid, a little dark liner and voila....a smoky eye in a pinch! Another plus: the palette includes a small brush and even has a mirror...though in my photo above the mirror still has the blue mirror cover on it. 

Swatches of Cream Eye Liner Palette in Perfect Frame

The Studio Stash set also includes a full-size Full Exposure Mascara, which I really like and will be showing off in an upcoming post illustrating a few recent eye looks using the products in this set.

When I was using the products in this set I was really impressed, but now as I write this post, I am realizing even more how wearable these products are! The lippie included in the Studio Stash set is such a great neutral that will flatter everyone! It is the Lip Enhancing Gloss in Smitten.

The Lip Enhancing Gloss formulas are non-sticky and last a good 3-ish hours on me. The gloss is very moisturizing and this shade is one of those easy ones you can apply without a mirror.

What face would be complete without blush? Gosh, Smashbox thinks of everything! This set does come with a Blush/Soft Lights duo in Split/Second, but unfortunately mine broke so I don't have a photo to show you, but I did gather enough crumbs to swatch the colors for you:

Look how the Soft Lights shade glimmers under the light of the flash! This is a great highlighter shade for many skin tones.

This set is $59 and currently available on Smashbox's website, or you may even be able to find it at Nordstrom, since this was one of the special sets for the Nordstrom Anniversary sale from July. It is a great deal considering how many products you get. The Studio Stash set has all the color products necessary to do a full face of makeup. All you have to do is add the base products (foundation, concealer, and powder) that match your skin tone, and a few brushes.  I HIGHLY recommend this set for yourself or as a gift....who wouldn't want to open a gift box and find this inside!

Disclaimer: The products in this post were provided by PR for consideration. Please read my disclaimer for additional information.