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Tag Archives: Smashbox

Smashbox ‘Light It Up’ Lipstick Set

01 Sunday Jan 2017

Posted by Lil Malteaser in Beauty; Make-Up

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

beauty addict, beauty blog, beauty buys, beauty products, beauty reviews, gift set, lipstick, makeup, matte, shimmer, Smashbox

Hello Readers,

I was so spoiled by my family and friends this Christmas so I have lots of new makeup to test and review for you all! 
I recently reviewed the Smashbox ‘Light It Up’ lipgloss set from my lovely boyfriend so now I wanted to review the lipstick version which was a present from my amazing Mam. A shade for nearly every mood! 

The colours range from nude to vivid purple with pinks and reds in between, subtle shades for daily wear and dramatic brights for nights out. They’re just the right mix between matte and shimmer and don’t feel heavy or drying on the lips, plus they’re super long lasting with a really surprising even fade; I didn’t experience the horrible lipstick ‘bleed’ that leaves you looking like you’re wearing only lipliner!

Smashbox products are always super glam and their staying power is second to none, I have lots of their eyeshadows and the pigmentation is stunning so I recently tried their lipsticks and wasn’t disappointed. The softer matte texture of these lipsticks means they stick around for hours without losing colour but don’t dry out or crack on the lips either! You can see in the picture below how shimmery they are under the light with just enough matte to bring out the pigment. 

From top to bottom: Famous, Primrose, Inspiration, Legendary, Fig and Tabloid. A perfect selection of 6 shades for day or night, mood dependant. I love these lipsticks, I’d buy them individually but as a set they’re the perfect present for any makeup lover!

Lauren,

              Xo 

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Smashbox ‘Light It Up’ Lip gloss Set

29 Thursday Dec 2016

Posted by Lil Malteaser in Beauty; Make-Up

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Beauty, beauty addict, beauty blog, beauty buys, beauty products, beauty review, gift set, gloss, lipgloss, makeup, review, Smashbox

Hello Readers,

Today I want to talk about the Smashbox lip gloss set I received as a present this Christmas! 

The first thing I loved about these glosses was how much product they contained, so many glosses these days are tiny tubes with even less product so they only last through a couple of uses. These glosses are in large square tubes that hold lots of product and another great thing; they’ll last even longer because you don’t need to pile on the gloss, they’re so pigmented! 

The names of these glosses are very easy to remember, from top to bottom: Fuchsia Light, Lilac Light, Ruby Light, Orange Light and Bare Light (which is a personal favourite – just look at that natural golden sparkle!) 

So basically Smashbox have done it again, gorgeously pigmented lipglosses that don’t make your lips sticky or turn to goo after a while. I’d definitely recommend these glosses to everyone especially those who either don’t like the intensity of lipstick or likes to wear something less glam day-to-day. 

Lauren,

              Xo 

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Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

06 Saturday Feb 2016

Posted by Lil Malteaser in Beauty; Make-Up

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

beauty addict, beauty advice, beauty blog, beauty buys, beauty products, beauty review, color correcting adjust, favourite, foundation, makeup, makeup tips, must have, oily skin, primer, red skin, rosacea, Smashbox

Hello Readers,

As I was applying my make-up last night I realised I had never dedicated an individual review to the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer despite referring to it in multiple posts about other products. I love this primer so much I can’t believe I haven’t reviewed it! This is actually a must before you apply make-up, I can’t imagine putting foundation on without it.

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Because I suffer with redness and rosacea I chose the Color Correcting Adjust primer, Smashbox have a whole range of different primers with added ingredients to suit all skin types and problems! The green colour is seriously off-putting, I know, but I actually received a tester pot of this when I bought their HD Foundation all those months ago (still one of my favourites). I was nervous about using this primer mainly because it was so outrageously green! But once I did, I haven’t looked back. A button sized blob blends smoothy and invisibly into the skin immediately covering any red or blotchy skin before you even put on your foundation!

The texture is amazing, it leaves the silkiest, smoothest finish I have ever felt which of course helps foundation to glide on effortlessly. Now, as if you needed another bonus aside from color correction and a smooth base, this also helps foundation stick around all day. I always finish with a spritz of Urban Decay Setting Spray or, on nights out, Smashbox Photo Finish Setting Powder but this is mainly because I have naturally oily skin, if you don’t suffer with this problem I doubt you’d need these extra measures.

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Above is a picture of last night’s make-up, as you can see all redness is gone and my skin looks smooth and flawless (trust me, without that primer it’s really not!)

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As well as all of the above benefits I also find that this primer just makes your foundation look better! The color correcting obviously eliminates the redness that can ruin a finished face and the silky finish helps prevent lumps, bumps and cracked foundation marks but this texture also gives a dewy finish to foundation. In both pictures I’m wearing Armani Luminous Silk Foundation which of course is amazing, I blogged all about this a few months back.

Smashbox is without a doubt one of my favourite brands, although it’s a little more expensive than the majority of high-street cosmetics it’s still affordable and I’ve always found the products last longer than average. They’re so jam packed with product and they’re always good sized bottles. I’d definitely recommend heading in to Boots and talking to the girls behind the counter to figure out which primer would be best for you, in fact I don’t think there’d be a problem getting a tester pot for a few different ones to see how you get on, the staff are always so friendly and helpful! So if you buy some of their other products or have your eye on one, head in to pick it up and ask for some testers! You’ll never look back.

Lauren,
            Xo

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Smashbox Full Exposure

15 Tuesday Dec 2015

Posted by Lil Malteaser in Beauty; Make-Up

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beauty addict, beauty advice, beauty blog, beauty buys, beauty products, eyeshadow, Full Exposure Palette, makeup, makeup blog, makeup tips, product review, review, Smashbox, tips and tricks

Hello Readers,

Today I wanted to finally do a quick review of the Smashbox Full Exposure palette.

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I actually went in intending to buy the Double Exposure palette, having suddenly got a craving for it but when I compared the two, it seemed to me that the Full Exposure palette was more my style. I love a good smoky eye, full of natural coppers and golds to flatter my blue eyes. The Double Exposure looked beautiful, and the idea that wetting your brush completely transformed the colour was astounding but the colours were brighter and this palette just looked like it had been made for me and anyone with blue eyes for that matter!

It comprises of 7 metallic and 7 matte shadows, with the promise that all can be blended with each other to complement. This is absolutely true! There’s not a single shade in the palette that doesn’t work with every other shade, they’re all so close in tone! The metallics and mattes actually blend beautifully into one another. The only thing I will say is that the brush isn’t as good as it should be. Unfortunately, as much as I adore Smashbox, a lot of their brushes are less than perfect. I prefer to use my own to apply and blend.

At €45 it does seem a bit pricey but when you consider you’re getting 14 shades, reasonably sized too, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth. Smashbox eyeshadows are some of my favourites out there, next to Urban Decay there’s very little else I keep returning to. They’re beautifully pigmented and true to colour when transferred onto the skin and they really do stick around. Especially when you use a primer and setting spray. One of the toughest shadows on the market! I really love this palette, it’s perfect for all occasions and so easy to use. It’s all you’d need in your make-up bag for a weekend away, or even a full holiday!

Lauren,
             Xo

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Contouring Product Review

04 Saturday Apr 2015

Posted by Lil Malteaser in Beauty; Make-Up

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Tags

Beauty, beauty blog, bronzer, contour palette, contouring, foundation, highlighting, make up product, make-up, product review, Smashbox, tips, Tom Ford, tricks

Hello Bloggers,

As promised, today I’m going to review my contouring palettes: Tom Ford and Smashbox.

I have been obsessed with finding a contouring palette since it became the latest craze sometime last year. I searched everywhere in Dublin, tried every different brand, asked at all the counters/departments to no avail. Even online there didn’t seem to be any specific palette for contouring available to us Irish girls.

I was advised by multiple sales assistants, including at the Dior counter that they had to make do with using bronzers and foundation to achieve a contoured look. My first attempt at this was the Dior Nude Skin face powder which I do love, it’s actually better used to top up during the day if you are prone to oily skin (no real need for topping up since I started using Smashbox products as reviewed previously) If you do feel you need a touch up throughout the day this is a great product, very light and gentle on the skin, I actually use it sometimes if I want coverage without foundation for a quick trip out.

Eventually I found a contouring palette at Tom Ford in Brown Thomas. This is a definite must-have if you love a strong contour as the creamy palettes really highlight and define your face with a noticeable difference. There are only 2 shades in this palette, a contour and a highlighter so it’s not the most diverse palette out there and certainly wouldn’t cater for all skin tones, which could explain why I feel it creates a very dramatic look – I’m very pale.

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It’s not the cheapest out there, I think I paid just over €60 for mine in December 2014 but it was worth it. Though there are only two palettes, they both work extremely well. Cream is difficult to work with, especially when it comes to blending. I always found it easier to contour and highlight before applying my foundation with this palette and topping up slightly afterwards if needs be. Although I use liquid foundation, the cream is a different texture to this and it can be very time consuming to try to blend in. Below is an example of how this palette works (I didn’t go overboard here, I think a lot of contouring actually looks quite fake!)

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Recently I purchased the Smashbox contouring palette which had been sold out evertwhere (including online) for months! I was so delighted to pick up this genuine palette, specifically designed for a girl’s contouring needs! There are three palettes in this, a contour, a bronzer and a highlighter. These are a powder format, much easier to work with and blend than creams as any excess product can be buffed away without endless scrubbing and cover-up. I love this palette, again not exactly cheap but when looking for decent products that will go a long way the price shouldn’t put you off. This palette even comes with a special brush to get you on your way.

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I can’t rate Smashbox products highly enough, as you may have read in previous posts I’m a convert; their products are just so pigmented and long-lasting, perfectky designed for all skin types – I’ve definitely got combination oily and sensitive skin which makes most foundations and contour application a nightmare but not with these. Below is an example of how the Smashbox palette looks when used with other Smashbox Products (liquid HD Halo foundation, Photo Finish Colour Corrector primer).

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So, to sum it all up, I would advise going for a powder contour palette if you want a subtly defined look without having to spend ages blending. The cream palette is amazing and I definitely haven’t stopped using it but I do keep it for occasions when I want a little more drama and have the time to spend making sure it’s perfect. I never go over the top contouring because it’s just too much in my opinion, I’ve seen some really amazing contouring but I don’t want to look that heavily made up! Whatever suits you it can easily be obtained with either of these palettes.

Lauren,
            Xo

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Smashbox Obsession!

14 Saturday Mar 2015

Posted by Lil Malteaser in Beauty; Make-Up

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Beauty, beauty tips, contouring, eyeshadow, foundation, make-up, oily skin, powder, primer, product, redness, review, rosacea, Smashbox, tips and tricks

Hello Bloggers,

I’m so sorry I’ve been away so long, had no idea the time was passing so quickly! I feel like I have so much to update you with so hopefully I’ll have a good few posts over the coming weeks.
I have to start with my latest brand obsession: Smashbox. It’s definitely become my go-to brand and I have a feeling this one is here to stay.

It all started with the On the Rocks eyeshadow palette my mam bought me for Christmas. This is a must-have for anyone who loves a feature eye – so many colours, in different shades, you literally wouldn’t need another palette! Given the number of colours it is slightly larger than most palettes on the market but still fits easily into a handbag if you think you’ll need to touch up on a night out – these shadows have great staying power though and when combined with the Urban Decay primer there’s no sliding whatsoever!

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As you can see above, the amount of colours really covers all bases. I find myself using this palette all the time, so easy to grab and create a smokey eye with, and handily enough you’ll see they’ve placed the compatible colours together so it’s never been easier to pick out 3/4 colours to complement one another if you aren’t used to creating your own Smokey eye.

My mam also bought me the On the Rocks brush set, I would definitely recommend these brushes. They’re absolutely brilliant and don’t lose hairs while you’re applying make up which is a huge pet peeve of mine. I particularly like their eyeshadow brushes (as pictured above) which are double ended – essential for a smokey eye!

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Next up I decided to try their Liquid Halo HD Foundation as I’d read some amazing reviews. There are a couple of different shades to choose from, I’d assumed that I would be the lightest considering I’m very pale but actually a 2 suited my skin tone more – the 1 is very pale, it has a yellow hue to it that stands out against my skin too noticably. As a brand it’s a little more expensive than Rimmel or Maybelline in the €20-€30 range but it’s absolutely worth it.

I use a Real Techniques angled foundation brush to apply this, you can pick one up in Superdrug or Boots for around €12. The application is perfect, it couldn’t be smoother, I believe the brush does its job excellently but the foundation itself is perfectly designed to slide over the skin – there’s no patches or uneven spots where it doesn’t grip. The texture is super light and creamy – blob a few dots on your hand and dip the brush in before applying to your face – it’s a little thing I’ve started doing that actually helps the foundation to spread easier without overapplying.

I then bought the Photoset Finishing Powder to set my foundation and make sure it stays in place all day – I really suffer from oily skin and if I don’t use any sticking or setting agent the foundation will just wear off throughout the day. This powder is amazing! A tiny dip of the brush will pick up plenty, just sweep over your face lightly (careful not to pick up too much as it is a white powder!) It doesn’t leave any heavy, powdery feeling, honestly it makes it feel as if you’re not wearing ANY make-up! It definitely keeps the foundation in place while giving a subtle glow that, as the name suggests, is captured in photos perfectly.

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While buying the foundation and powder I received a tester of their Photo Finish Foundation Primer. I spoke with one of the lovely girls behind the counter at length while choosing my foundation, although she did suggest the 1 I tested both and while blending noticed that the 2 suited my tone better which she also noticed so they are brilliant – they don’t pressure you like some staff at counters and your opinion is accepted. We spoke about my pale but warm complexion and the fact I suffered with redness and rosacea so she recommended I try their Colour Corrector Adjust primer, I got a generous tester to bring home and test, and guess what…. I’ve used it all up and gone out to buy one!

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This primer is by far the best I’ve ever tried, firstly it feels like velvet! Honestly, it has the softest, smoothest texture on the skin and glides over easily to even out any redness, lumps and bumps. The bright green colour unsettled me at first but the colour disappears once on the skin. Leave for a couple of minutes before applying foundation and watch how perfectly the foundation settles – even though this is a brilliant foundation in itself, the primer really takes away any redness in the skin. Below is a picture from last night, my rosacea is actually flaring up at the moment and without the make-up is really raw, red and angry but you can’t even tell with these products!! I’ve never found a set of products that hide it so well, usually I’m left with a horrible patch of breaking foundation at the side of my nose.

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Finally, I purchased their Contour Palette. I had been searching endlessly for a palette in the last year with no luck, eventually I found a creamy palette in Tom Ford which has been doing the trick, I’ll review this in another post soon! But I was still searching for a palette with at least three colours in a powder texture. I used it for the first time last night, very lightly as I was conscious of the rosacea and not using too much product in case it became further irritated. The powder is super easy to blend into the skin and there’s a handy little guide to contouring on the inside. I love this palette and can’t wait to really try contouring for that Kim K look! It is a little pricey but I’d definitely recommend investing before it sells out again!

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All Smashbox products were bought in Boots which I think is the only stockist in Ireland. I really can’t see myself wanting to try anything else!

Lauren,
             Xo
     

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