It's normal for us as consumers to stick to what we know, often we will head to the same counters for the same mascaras time and time again...But then somebody buys you something as a gift from a brand that you've never used before and it's like, WHO? WHAT? WHEN? WHY? The excitment came rushing through my veins when I received this little Smashbox Kit for my birthday off a gal pal. It's a brand that I was yet to sink my teeth into as I don't come across it often. The Light It Up - Face. Eyes. Lips. Kit (£25) is a great introduction to a brand as it has multiple products covering all the different areas of the face, giving you a real taster into where the brands strengths and weaknesses are (you can't be good at everything!). I decided to put these products to the test, create a makeup look and give you my first impressions.
Photo Finish Foundation Primer | This is a product that Smashbox are most known for as it is loved by so many, it's sort of a iconic item within their range. Whenever I see the words 'oil-free' on a primer, I slightly dread using it a little, as all oil-free primers that I have used tend to have the same effect on my skin, i.e. nothing. I found that the texture was somewhat in-between a silicone and a gel and surprisingly it applied quite well and easily smooths into the skin without creating any 'bits'. I was mostly surprised at the fact that unlike similar primers, it doesn't leave that tacky, sticky feeling on the face - which is something I'm totally not into. The primer definitely didn't give me any shine and provided a flawless base for my foundation. What do you think? Does it give a 'photo finish'?
LA Lights Blendable Lip & Cheek Colour | Before reading into this product, I assumed it was a highlighting stick, but I'm surprised to find that it is a lip color too! I think these sort of sticks can go either two ways, they are either brilliant, or not so much. Luckily, this may be my favorite product out of the whole bunch! I found it super easy and creamy to apply straight from the stick as it didn't drag the skin or wipe away any foundation that had already been applied. It gives a completely lit-from-within natural glow as it allows you to blend into the skin with your finger, meaning no tools necessary! I mean, looka that glow!
Full Exposure Mascara | It would be a whirlwind of thumbs up if I loved everything in this little box of delights, but this mascara unfortunately failed to impress my little ol' lashes! The brush is on the larger side of life but surprisingly doesn't clump the lashes at all, it in fact separates and gives a rather fluttery effect. This wand however, really lacks in giving the lift and curl that I need from a mascara, despite using lash curlers previously. Maybe I'll let it dry out a tad and see how it plays out then, but I won't be reaching for it anytime soon!
Be Legendary Lipstick | There is nothing more I love at this time of year than a beautiful red lipstick to welcome *ahem* Christmas season! Yes. I said it. The C word is out there. Is that Mariah Carey I hear playing through my Macbook? Maybe... Anyway, yes, red lipstick is what I have always been about since I first discovered makeup. This one isn't completely opaque upon first application, but can definitely be built up in terms of levels of pigmentation. It did have the tendency to bleed slightly around the edges, so may be best worn with a liner underneath to prevent this. But if you're after a glossy lookin' red that's comfortable to wear, this one is great to pop into your bag!
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