Hello, Again Smashbox!

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Smashbox Studio Skin Foundation 4.2, Smashbox Color Correcting Stick Dark

There are a lot of brands out there that don’t always get the love and recognition they deserve and Smashbox is certainly one of them. After discovering the magic of Smashbox recently, I decided to start paying a little more attention to the brand and trying out more products. If their blush and eyeshadow is good stuff then there has to be other hidden gems too, right? Right! Smashbox is actually a solid brand all around in terms of both color and complexion. But what Smashbox really excels in is complexion. For years, Smashbox has received the most love for their extensive collection of primer for all skin types and concerns. However, Smashbox isn’t all primer. They’ve got some other great complexion goodies too!

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

The Photo Finish Foundation Primer will probably always be the star of the show for Smashbox because it’s perhaps one of the best primers on the market. The Photo Finish Foundation Primer is a universal translucent silicone based formula that works for all skin types to smooth out the complexion by softening fine lines and blurring pores for a seamless makeup application. It’s formulated with a blend of vitamins and antioxidants to help nourish and perfect skin over time. Basically, Photo Finish Foundation Primer is your one step real-life Photoshop blurring tool that keeps you looking flawless from sun up to sun down. I just recently started using the Photo Finish Foundation Primer and I really like it so far. It does have that silicone-y feel to it but it’s not heavy at all and still manages to let my skin breathe while helping to keep my foundation and concealer out of my pesky fine lines.

Smashbox Studio Skin Foundation 4.2

For almost a year, I’ve been curious to try a Smashbox foundation but never could because their shade range sucked. Sorry, Smashbox, but I have to be honest. Until recently, Smashbox’s idea of dark and deep was like Rihanna’s complexion. Which isn’t really dark at all. And it damn sure isn’t deep! I guess Smashbox finally got the memo that there’s people out there way darker than Rihanna that actually wear makeup too so they relaunched their signature Studio Skin Foundation that now includes 22 shades. Finally!

Smashbox still has plenty of work to do but I was able to find a pretty good match in the shade 4.2. It’s a deep warm brown with golden undertones and a very lightweight formula sporting medium to full coverage. I like that the formula is very thin because it offers nice coverage without feeling too rich or thick making it a great foundation for summer and fall. I do wish there was a little more red in 4.2 because my skin has a strong red undertone but I like that 4.2 isn’t too golden so it doesn’t pull too yellow. Here’s to hoping that Smashbox continues to expand their shade range!

Smashbox Color Correcting Stick Dark

The newest addition to my Smashbox complexion collection is the new Color Correcting Stick in Dark. It’s meant to make you look less tired by brightening your dark spots. There’s 3 Color Correcting Sticks available but the Dark is the best option for me as it’s a vibrant orange that works like a charm to cancel out the brown in dark spots and hyper pigmentation. On days that I don’t have time to go all out with highlighting and contouring, I like to pop the Smashbox Color Correcting Stick under my eyes to help perk and brighten ’em up. But my favorite way to use the Color Correcting Stick is around my mouth where my hyper pigmentation is the most prominent. When applied under my foundation, the Color Correcting Stick brightens those dark spots without looking cakey or unnatural. My only gripe is that like most correctors the Color Correcting Stick is a bit creamy so it settles under my eyes. However, it’s really easy to blend out and I find that applying a light layer and setting with a powder really helps too. Out of all my new Smashbox complexion goodies, the Color Correcting Stick is my favorite because it’s super easy to use and much more convenient than my Bobbi Brown Corrector. I love that I can use it all over the face and that it comes in a sleek chubby pencil that makes it easy to swipe on, blend and go. Flawless made easy!

Have you tried any of Smashbox’s complexion products? What’s your favorite?

Smashbox Color Correcting Stick Dark

Smashbox Color Correcting Stick in Dark

Smashbox Studio Skin Foundation 4.2

Smashbox Studio Skin Foundation in 4.2