Smashbox is a beauty brand born out of a real photo studio—the legendary Smashbox Studios in L.A. which was founded by Dean and Davis Factor, great-grandsons of Hollywood Makeup Legend Max Factor. Smashbox Cosmetics launched in 1996 saying ‘If the products work in rough studio light, they will work in the real world’ and since then, it has some of the most amazing products and not to forget their signature product, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, which is still the best-seller from the brand since it launched. I am sharing a few products which I have been testing and were on rotation since last few days.
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer is a clear face primer gel smoothes skin and blurs flaws. It was developed to help makeup look better and last longer on set. I have combination skin and have skin imperfections like pigmentation and spots from my breakouts.
I have used this primer few times and it works pretty well with my skin, blurs the pores and imperfections, and I did notice the makeup stayed a bit longer than the days I am not using any primer. The foundation applied nicely over the primer.
Smashbox Cover Shot Eye Palette in Petal-Metal is a curated mix of colors, formulas, and finishes so you can nail the latest trends and create your own looks. Each portable palette includes six eyeshadows and two double-size base shades in a range of finishes. The shades give intense pigment payoff and blends is easy.
I love rose gold shades and this wearable rainbow of petal-soft rose gold glides on in one swipe, with amazing pigment in one swipe. The formula is very smooth and buttery. Each shade beautifully blooms to create effortless matte day looks and sultry metallic evening looks. I am really liking the formula, the shades are perfect to create multiple looks this season.
Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick is a liquid matte lipstick available in a range of new metallics, bolds, and nudes. It is specifically formulated to be comfortable and not dry out your lips.
The formula is lightweight and creamy, glides on easily on the lips and then it is all matte yet comfortable on the lips. It does not dry out the lips, and as mentioned it is very lightweight like I did forget a few times if I have something on my lips.
The staying power is really good considering it is comfortable and not drying. The liquid lipstick is available in a wide range of lip colors, from vibrant, bright shades to muted, neutrals.
Smashbox products are available at Smashbox.ca, beauty boutique by Shoppers Drug Mart, Sephora Canada, and Sephora.
*Press samples
With holiday and fall collections in full swing online and in stores, I am sharing one of the best collections you definitely need to check, whether you are a skincare junkie or someone who has just started to take skincare seriously, or want to try some amazing products all curated in one single box which is perfect for yourself and for gifting. I want to mention the packaging is another plus, it is so beautiful and it alone makes you feel so special and in the holiday mood. SkinStore’s 12 Miracles of Beauty advent calendar is the brand new and exclusive collection for 2018, has been carefully curated by the dedicated team at SkinStore for over 12 months. More than half of the products are full-size products.
‘SkinStore’s 12 Miracles of Beauty advent calendar is valued at USD $99 and has worth over USD $340, each product has been specifically picked to ensure that you discover a brand new treat that will provide you everyday confidence across your makeup, skin care, and hair care routines.’
The 2018 Christmas advent calendar comes in a beautiful presentation case that features 12 wonderful products from some of the world’s most premium beauty brands:
Erno Laszlo Phelityl Night Cream (15ml) is a lightweight and non-greasy, the night cream contains Dr. Laszlo’s unique moisturizing complex that delivers moisture into the skin by matching the natural pH and replenishing fatty acids essential to its health.
Caudalie Vinosource Sorbet (40ml – Full-Size) is gel-cream formula has immediate soothing properties and leaves skin refreshed and comfortable, it is a sensitive skin savior blended with organic grape water to hydrate and calming chamomile.
Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel (50ml – Full-Size) is a rinse-off at home facial peel that contains natural, exfoliating fruit enzymes. Papaya and calming Pineapple smooth and clarify one’s complexion.
This Works Power Nap Sleep Spray (10ml) is an easy-to-use sleep aid to improve your daytime performance. It is formulated with a relaxing blend of Lavender, Vetiver, and Chamomile to alleviate stress and tension and restore mental balance, the spray makes it easier to nod off quickly and stay asleep, even when under pressure.
First Aid Beauty Facial Cleanser (30ml) gently cleanses the skin, removes surface oils, makeup, dirt, and grime. Its whipped texture transforms into a rich cream when blended with water.
Eyeko Fat Stick Shade Satin (Full-Size) is a chubby crayon that applies effortlessly to deliver long-wearing, high-pigmented color. With a twist-up design, the easy-to-control jumbo pencil glides on without dragging or tugging.
Skinchemists Rose Quartz Youth Defence Lip Plump (8ml – Full-Size) helps improve the shape, texture, and volume of lips. Antioxidant-rich Vitamin E soothes against inflammation and protects against skin damage from UV rays and free-radicals. The treatment improves lip texture by synthesizing naturally occurring Hyaluronic acid, popular for its ability to retain and increase visible firmness and plumpness of the lips. Finished with a blend of Peppermint Oil producing a fresh, invigorating aroma.
Omorovicza Balancing Moisturiser (30ml) is a cooling, gel-cream moisturizer specially developed to help balance and regulate oily to combination skin. The moisturizer absorbs quickly into skin; it strikes the perfect balance between hydration and sebum regulation to control shine and help prevent blemishes. Rich in Apple Pectin and Ruby Crystal, it moisturizes skin whilst blurring the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, and utilizes a Hydro Mineral Transference™ delivery system that facilitates mineral absorption for maximum benefit within the skin. Please note the full size of this moisturizer is 50ml and retails at USD $135.
Dr. Botanicals Pomegranate Superfood Brightening Eye Serum (15ml – Full-Size) delivers a potent dose of antioxidant activity to the delicate tissue surrounding the eyes, smoothing and brightening for radiant-looking skin. This is a new brand for me and looking forward to incorporating this into my skincare routine.
Grow Gorgeous Hair Density Serum Intense (60ml – Full-Size) has a high concentration of technologies for maximum efficacy, the formula aims to enhance the appearance of fine, deflated hair to promote fuller, healthier-looking locks.
Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Gel (150ml – Full-Size) is formulated with effective pure essential oils of Rosemary, Black Pepper and Ginger, this gel helps to soothe an over-worked body.
SkinMedica: 1) SkinMedica TNS Repair (2ml) OR 2) SkinMedica Total Defense and Repair SPF34 (7ml) – This a new brand for me and I am looking forward to trying these, the sizes are good enough for me to test if it works.
The advent calendar is designed in holiday red and gold, it will make the perfect centerpiece in any home this holiday. After you’ve gotten over how big and gorgeous it is, open the doors to uncover 12 pull-out drawers that will reveal a magical discovery each day.
You need to be quick though, as SkinStore’s 12 Miracles of Beauty advent calendar 2018 is strictly limited edition and is available on a first-come, first served basis. I highly recommend you to check this out now to avoid disappointment and shop the 12 Miracles of Beauty advent calendar sale today here!
*Press samples
When it comes to hair care, I am as obsessed with it as I am with my other beauty rituals and routines for skincare and makeup. I keep alternating the products while trying new haircare and do stick to my staples too. I change the products for hair as the weather changes, and also as they say you should be changing the products in order for you to notice the difference and for the chemistry of hair to work on a different level or different way with the other product. By changing the products, I mean changing after a few months and I do not mean always keep on trying new products, I mean to say keep rotating on what works for you. When it comes to haircare brands which I stick to, Leonor Greyl is one of that brand. For my irritated, flaky, sensitive scalp, I was very much excited to try the new launch from the brand, Leonor Greyl Huile Apaisante.
Leonor Greyl Paris Huile Apaisante is a composition of natural oils with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties offers an immediate soothing effect thanks to its comprehensive action. It normalizes and purifies the scalp, rebalances sebum production, reduces dandruff and redness and repairs skin’s hydrolipidic film to prevent dehydration.
The roll-on bottle allows for precise application on targeted areas. The formula is fragrance-free and contains no essential oils. This has come as a savior for my scalp this season, and the application is so easy, I have never had to give two thoughts before using it, just grab and apply, then massage lightly. I really like how soothed and calm my scalp feels which is something so important for me, you might understand what I mean if you have scalp issues.
Leonor Greyl Paris Shampooing Crème Moelle de Bambou is a luxurious blend of bamboo marrow, plant extracts, Vitamin B and silk proteins work together to nourish, detangle, regenerate, smooth down and protect your hair. It is suitable for all hair types prone to dryness and per my understanding, the weather plays a major role here, as winter is approaching, I feel my hair are prone to more dryness.
My hair feels soft, clean, shiny, healthy, and moisturized (not greasy) after washing with this shampoo. It is gentle enough to not irritate my sensitive scalp. A little product is all I need for one time and the tube lasts for a long time. I do not use a conditioner with this shampoo, otherwise, it will be too heavy for my hair. And as I mentioned it is hydrating, so it is enough for my normal wavy hair.
Leonor Greyl Paris Masque Orchidee has Silk proteins, vegetal ceramides, and oils which work together to smooth, detangle, protect and restructure hair fiber. This mask is safe for colored hair.
It leaves hair soft, silky, and manageable. Not to mention about the heat, styling products, and whatnot we use on the hair, masking the hair is a great way to repair, manage, and protect the hair. I do like to use a mask on my hair weekly or biweekly as a treatment. The mask smells so amazing as the other Leonor Greyl products.
I am really happy with the results of the products, a staple brand in my hair care routine. I reviewed Regenerescence Naturelle, Creme aux Fleurs, and Bain Traitant a la Propolis in the past and are definitely the products I still love. Glad to have these new additions to my routine. If you want to try the products, they are available in deluxe sizes which are also perfect if you are traveling. Leonor Greyl Paris products are available on Leonor Greyl Paris Website, Net-A-Porter, Cult Beauty, Nordstrom, and SpaceNK.
*Press samples