C.O. Bigelow’s Lavender Salve Review
Available at Bath & Body Works ($5.50)
Product Description: This calming all-purpose Lavender Salve helps to care for lips and beautify skin. Made with Lavender Extract which is shown to help comfort & soothe skin. 

I was genuinely excited to come across this product within this last week. I know a couple of my beauty colleagues on here are in love with the original Rose Salve (either Smith’s or C.O. Bigelow); well, here’s a new scent (flavor?) to be raved about! I’m absolutely in love with the scent of this product, I honestly think that’s what won me over. I already have the original Rose Salve & didn’t think I’d make much a fuss about this product- but let me tell you that this smells so delightful! It smells delicate & sweet like lavender macaroons (*mouth waters*) & offers this calming, soothing, euphoric feeling whenever you take a whiff of it. There is no taste to it sadly, but I’m okay with that. I would rather not be tempted to indulge in this product in such a manner. 

This product can be solely used as a moisturizing lip balm, for those who need extra care (sensitive skin) & a little added moisture to their lips orrrr- you can pretty much use it for anything- well, any needed areas such as:

• face (dry spots)
• cuticles
• elbows
• knees
• any rough or dry patches anywhere in the body.

So far, I’ve used this on my lips, face, & on some dry spots on my knuckles (I was my hands way tooo often than most). It’s worked well so far & deemed worthy of giving me that needed moisture to my skin.

Testimony time: A co-worker of mine (yes, we both work at B&BW) had gotten a weird allergic reaction to a bug bite, so we decided to put some of this stuff on there to see how it would work & within the hour the redness was gone and her skin was no longer irritated! She also has sensitive skin, so this stuff was gentle enough to not only take care or the problem, but not irritate her skin anymore than it was. Who knew that this multipurpose product could serve as a topical suspension as well! Watch out Windex! (BFGW inside joke). 

I love multipurpose items & getting more bang for your buck, so this product gets an A in my book. I will admit that I’m a bit head over heels for this product, which probably prompted me to do a quick review/rave about it. I’m not sure if it’s available in all stores currently, but I would call to check or maybe look online. I will advise you that this might be a seasonal product for the Spring, so if interested I would look into getting it as soon as you can. It also falls under the Buy 2 Get 1 Free promo (both in-store & online) so if you need to stock up on the original, might as well… right?
I hope you lovelies enjoyed this review & feel free to let me know your thoughts or if you’ve tried it and what you thought! :) 

I’ll try not to make this an in-depth review of these just because- let’s be honest, there are hundreds of reviews out there on these right now. I am going to give my personal insight and mention some things that I do like about these Lip Butters and give full-on descriptions on the shades that I got so far. Thus being said- without regret, I am proud to say that I jumped on the Revlon Lip Butter Craze/Buzz that has been going around our beauty community for the past 2 months or so. It took me a while to give into these Lip Butters for various of reasons: 1.) I could barely find any in my local drugstores or there were few shades left on display that I didn’t care for. 2.) The price. I found it hard to come around paying $8 for a drugstore lipstick/ tinted lip balm. 3.) I have way tooo many lipsticks & lip products in general- I knew it wasn’t necessary for me to purchase more.
Things took an unexpected turn on a given Sunday- when I went to Bed, Bath & Beyond  with my mom (and there’s a Harmon section/dept. that carries drugstore items for a very reasonable/ discounted price) & saw that they actually had a full display of these bad girls waiting for me to fawn over them. I was excited to see that they actually had a wider selection of colors than they had at the drugstores that  I usually go to… but what excited me the most was that they were on sale for $5.79. So, of course I jumped on the opportunity to try a couple of their shades out. I had previously seen reviews and swatches from several beauty gurus and already had in mind which shades to invest in (that would obviously interest me and match/go with my daily looks). So I picked up three different shades:

Brown Sugar: a nude beige with a sheer caramel finish.
Berry Smoothie:  a neutral subtle pink, with a slight golden mauve undertone.
Candy Apple: a bright, deep coral-opalescent red.

I wanted to get one color of each category (nude, pink, red) to try these lip butters out and to see how I would like them with my daily looks and to be honest with you, I was in love with these. They really did go on smooth and felt buttery on my lips (in a very good way) and the color pay-off was that of a regular lipstick. Candy Apple wore longer than most of the red lipsticks that I own and looked great paired with  lipliner! Berry Smoothie was one of the initial colors that I wanted to get because it was in most of the reviews that I read prior to purchasing these and it was described as being a very wearable pink- which it is! It looks so natural with my lip color and I am absolutely in love with the glossy finish it has as well. The color that surprised me the most was Brown Sugar only because I was afraid that it was going to look a little too brown on me, but I’m glad that it had a nice lustre texture (finish) to it and it complemented my neutral eyes very well.
The other night I went out with my sister because we were initially going to go get some ice cream at Rite Aid, but ended up buying beauty products instead. I came across some of the other colors that I wanted to try that weren’t offered at Harmon (BB&B) and I was excited to see that they actually had “Lollipop,” the first color that I actually wanted to get as a lip butter.  The only difference with this purchase was that each lip butter was retailed at it’s original price (~$7.49) & I had to bring myself to fork over $22 for 3 lipsticks… but it was totally worth it at the end because I was very pleased with the shades that I chose and like to think of these lip butters as a useful investment in my makeup collection. I went with 2 more pinks and one more red:

Sweet Tart: a neon pink with slight golden/coral undertone.
Lollipop: a sheer hot pink with a blue undertone (or duochrome).
Red Velvet: A deep crimson- velvet red.

Overall, I must say that I am truly satisfied with my lip butter purchases and can see why they’re a big deal now. They glide on smooth, make your lips feel soft, the color payoff is impressive, they don’t smell or taste funny- the formula in general is just great and very moisturizing for your lips. On another note- I also like the packaging because it is very sleek and cute; I love how the caps correspond with each color that you get. I love the amount of product that you get in each lip butter (which almost justifies the price you’re paying). I would definitely repurchase more in different shades and hope that they keep coming out with different colors! Sorry that this actually turned out longer than I expected it to be! I hope this was helpful! :)

What it is:
It’s an exclusive Neutral Eyeshadow Palette (with a hint of color) that includes a 24/7 Glide-on Pencil Liner in Whiskey and Lip Junkie in Crush (hot pink, not shown) that was released this last summer- still available at Urban Decay website for $18.

I came across this Quad this last August at my local Sephora was just intrigued by it. The last mini palettes that they came out with during the Spring time didn’t interest me- so this one naturally caught my attention with it’s shimmery neutrals and hot pink eyeshadow. Urban Decay is widely known for their amazing color selections for their eyeshadows- with their smash hit of the NAKED palette and shimmery neutrals- I was on the hunt for more! I purchased this palette when it went on sale with my Friends & Family Discount from Sephora and it was totally worth it!
I already own the first NAKED palette and I am obviously in love with it- I became truly obsessed with neutral eyeshadows ever since. So, this petite palette beckoned my attention only because it offered two new neutral shades that I had not tried out yet, and swatched wonderfully on my skin. I already have Darkhorse in my NAKED palette and use it as deep crease/ outer-v color. & I must say that it blends beautifully with both Verve and Suspect. A perfect ménage à trois!
BTW: This obviously took place before I found out about the NAKED2 palette that came out this winter which includes both Verve and Suspect. So, I’m getting my N2 fix for the time being with those two shades and my first NAKED palette. 

24/7: Glide-On Pencil in Whiskey: Dark Brown-Black Liner.
Darkhorse: Deep brown, cocoa color with a hint of golden shimmer as an undertone- *described as a “bronze-plum shimmer”.
Suspect: Golden Taupe- *described as a “pale golden beige with shimmering finish.”
Verve: pale taupe/champagne -*described as “oyster with shimmering finish.”
Woodstock: hot pink or deep magenta. (a bit washed out on the photo shown above, it doesn’t serve the color it’s justice that it deserves)
*As described on the Urban Decay website.   

I do feel bad for leaving Woodstock out of the picture, but it is a really bright and bold color- it can be used by itself or with Verve for a flirty, colorful eye. I barely use it with the other two… don’t get me wrong, it is a very pretty and vibrant color to have in your collection, but not an everyday color for my taste.
Finally, can we just talk about how crazy-pigmented Whiskey is?! I absolutely fell head over heels for that eyeliner. & I barely even use brown eyeliners for my day-to-day eye looks. (That swatch that you see above was just one swipe!) Whiskey definitely became one of my favorite eyeliners in the last month, that I might just look into buying new one. Unfortunately, I can’t say anything about the Lip Junkie… because I have not tried it yet and misplaced it >:/  When I do find it…. I’ll review it, promise! 
Overall, I am very satisfied with the Roller Girl Palette because of it’s colors, the pigmentation and the two extra items it comes with for $18! I would totally recommend this to any of you who want to try some neutrals from Urban Decay or can’t afford either NAKED(2) palette, but want your fix for the time being. I urge you to look at UD website because it might be going out of stock soon!  

What it is: HD Microperfecting Primer To Go
A lightweight, oil-free complexion corrector, which enhances the skin’s texture and primes the skin for makeup application, is now offered in a convenient travel size.

What it does:
HD Microperfecting Primer deeply nourishes, moisturizes, and softens the skin, creating a glowing effect. It forms a protective layer on the skin, which allows foundation to glide on easily and last longer.

Exclusively Sold at Sephora: $15.
 

I got this primer as part of the MUFE Rock For Ever Makeup Kit from last Christmas & didn’t start using it until these last two months, since I had misplaced it somewhere in the depths of my makeup collection. To be honest, this face primer caught me off guard since it is a lightweight, cream-based primer, with a  different texture, compared to prior primers that I had been previously using.   I love that it absorbs quickly and that you don’t have to wait for it to set into your face, so you can go right along with your foundation routine after applying it. Also, it doesn’t smell weird at all (unlike some primers that smell kind of funky or have an off-putting smell). This MUFE primer has a cucumber extract mixed with Vitamin E lotion scent, that is fresh, pure and clean- which I happen to like very much. The staying power for this primer is pretty exceptional- especially during the winter, when my skin gets a bit out of hand because my t-zone is still oily, but manage to have dry patches on certain parts on my face- so, this primer balances both moisturizing my skin and keeping it oil and shine free. Also, a little goes a long way- you do not need much of it to apply all over your face.
I honestly enjoyed using this primer during the winter time, so we’ll see if I still have some left to use during the spring (when my skin starts getting a bit more on the oily side) to see how it holds up my makeup.  I would probably repurchase this primer maybe next fall- the price isn’t that bad for the travel size, since you get about 0.5 oz and it’s lasted me about 2 months (granted, I do use a different primer on occasion). I would give this primer an A! I love it’s performance, packaging (squeeze tube, with a fine-point tip), lasting power and how it makes my skin feel after putting it on (soft and moisturized).

Now, that I magically got my laptop charger to work again (baby, I will never take you for granted, ever again)- I’ve given myself a couple of things to do & post up for you lovelies.
I’m going to finish my 50 Day Makeup Challenge. I have some on my queue already, I just need to edit them and publish them.
Also, more reviews! I have a couple lined up already:

• Revlon Lipbutters (in the shades that I got)
• Wet n Wild ColorIcon palette & swatches
• Real Techniques brushes
• Urban Decay Face Primer & All-Nighter Setting Spray
• MUFE HD Microperfecting Primer
• CARGO Bronzer
• An In-Depth Skin Care Review of several products that I used within the last year or so.

Feel free to let me know if there is anything else that any of you would like to see me review? I would very much appreciate your input! Also, what else would you lovelies like to see on my blog?

ELF Mineral Infused Mascara
Available at Target, eyeslipsface.com- $3

Product Claims and Description:
Provide your eyelashes with the beneficial effects of minerals with this mineral-infused mascara from ELF. The colored mascara works to define your eyelashes and make them stand out while the minerals work to make your eyelashes stronger. Mineral Infused Mascara creates fuller, healthier looking lashes. It enhances lashes for a naturally thicker and more volumized look. The long-wear formula and unique silicone brush creates clump free and defined lashes that last all day.
Review:
This mineral infused mascara is part of ELF’s Studio line that retails for $3 to $5 & for the most part, most of their products from their Studio Line have been great. However, I’m just going to be straight-forward and get to the point with this product: I did not like it, at all. I honestly tried to make it work for me, but this mascara was not cutting it for me. The formula was too wet and goopy, the brush did not separate my lashes nor added any volume or length to my lashes. If anything, it actually clumped my lashes together and when I tried separating them or comb them out with the wand (without adding anymore product) it just smeared on to my eye or just got worse. I was really disappointed in the performance of this mascara. I really had high hopes for it, because everything that I had tried in the Studio line has worked for me magnificently, but this mascara just fell short and did not meet up it’s standards or claims.
Things that could have made this mascara better would be the formula itself. If it had the right balance of moisture, I think it could live up to it’s expectations and give a better performance. As well as the brush/wand… the bristles were too short for my taste. If the bristles were a bit longer and fuller, I think this mascara would be awesome and deliver and live up to it’s expectations.  Overall, I would not look into repurchasing this mascara again, unless there were changes in the formula or the wand.
I would give this mascara 1 out of 5. Sorry :/

If any of you lovelies have tried this mascara and think otherwise, please let me know if it worked for you!
xoxo- Cynthia. 

+Mini Review of Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Loose Powder.
(yesterday’s post- 12.17.11) Most of you by now would probably already know the answer to this question- given that my mvp product of my collection would be Benefit’s Erase Paste & the countless times it’s been brought up on my blog haha. However, to shake things up a bit and bring another product into the B&E spotlight, I would have to go with Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Loose Powder.

I’ve used this powder foundation for almost four years! It’s another consistent item in my makeup collection that I always seem to go back to and it’s great to wear by itself and offers great coverage. I was introduced to this product by my friend Joanie and saw how much of a difference it made on her face and how much she loved it. So, I decided to try it out and fell in love with it. At the time mineral powders were becoming a big thing and Bare Minerals was really popular, but I really didn’t have that much money to splurge on makeup at the time since I was starting out in college, just getting my first part-time job & pretty much spent all of my money on school, books & film (for my photography class). This was my one of my staple makeup items throughout all of my four years of college (when I really started using makeup and doing a full-face on a regular basis) & it didn’t hurt my wallet at all. One container easily lasts me about 3 months. 
I love that this mineral powder doesn’t look heavy or cakey on your face and can be used by itself. You can also pair it with liquid foundation if you want super-flawless, full-on coverage for your skin. I usually alternate between two shades- Creamy Natural (for Fall/Winter) & Buff Beige (for Spring/Summer). I feel that both colors suit me well and don’t look too powdery or pasty- since in the past I honestly had a hard time finding the right shade of powder foundation- they were either too light, yellow or really pink. I’m really glad that I was introduced to this product because it really came in handy when I was going through that awful time period in my life, when I was constantly getting break outs and redness/unevenness all over my face. I loved that it felt lightweight, it wasn’t irritable and didn’t cause anymore break outs & the fact that it helped conceal my acne fairly well. Also, a big plus about this powder foundation is that it already comes with SPF & essential vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your face, so that’s awesome. 
Overall, I would call this one of my top 5 hero products in my makeup collection, along with erase paste. With those two, I feel satisfied and complete for a foundation/base face routine.  

Product Claims/ Info:
Benefit’s Project Flawless 
A four-piece makeup kit featuring Benefit’s top sellers.

 
What it does:
This set is the most flawless gift of all, featuring a watermelon-pink blush, an ultra-shine lip gloss, a do-it-all mascara, and a radiance-boosting luminizer, all tucked inside a brilliant, collectible box.

 
This set contains:
- 0.25 oz Girl Meets Pearl (pearly golden pink)
- 0.14 oz A Little Bit BADgal Lash Mascara in black
- 0.17 oz Ultra Shines in Foxy Lady (diamond rose)
- 0.28 oz Bella Bamba (watermelon pink)

Exclusively sold at Sephora: $32
 

Everyone should already know by now that Benefit is among one of my top 3 favorite makeup brands. I love most of their products that I have tried so far & I usually jump on an opportunity to try more of their products whenever they come in a kit because it is honestly a great chance to try some of their new or top selling products for a reasonable price. I was excited to see that this kit came with a full-sized Bella Bamba blush because I really wanted to purchase it & try it- but also pretty stoked that it came in a giftset with other great products. Thus being said, I’ll get on to my individual reviews:

Girl Meets Pearl- I would describe this being more of a pinky-champagne illuminator that absolutely goes great with Bella Bamba or any pink blush for that matter. I only use a little of it on the apples of my cheeks and above my cheekbones; it gives a great glow to the skin and if used lightly and blended out- it can give you a natural glow that doesn’t look super shimmery or shiny.

A Little Bit BADgal Lash Mascara- Okay, I was going to write a separate review for this product, but since I haven’t gotten around to it and I put it off, I guess here it goes… I have a love/hate relationship with this mascara. I LOVE the minis, but HATE the full-size. I don’t know if it was just the full-size product that I purchased that I didn’t like or I just didn’t get lucky. I love the mini BADgal Lash because the formula is perfect and so is the brush and love how it leaves my lashes looking. However,  the full-sized was just too dry for me, the brush wasn’t working for me and didn’t give my lashes that full-look. I don’t know what it is, but in this case the mini BADgal wins in my opinion. The bristles in the brush are full and add some volume to your lashes and it is a buildable mascara, you can go from a natural lash look to a bold, full, voluptuous lash look with a couple of coats.  Call me crazy, but… I know they’re the same product and all, yet there were some major differences performance-wise, between the sizes. Overall, I love the mini BGL- but I might give the full-size a second chance some other time.

Ultra Shines Lipgloss in Foxy Lady- I was actually excited to see that this shade of the Ultra Shines was in this kit because prior to knowing about this kit, I had swatched this lipgloss color and was just left amazed. Its a pretty pink, with a blue duochrome/undertone- that just looks great on the lips and very wearable. I honestly think the reason that I really like this lipgloss is because of the color and because I didn’t have anything like it in my lipgloss collection (& if you’ve seen my makeup collection- you already know that I have tons of lipglosses already). I also like that it’s not sticky, it doesn’t taste or smell weird and that it actually stays on my lips for a long time. So kudos Benefit, for making awesome lipglosses. I’ll definitely look into getting other shades some other time. * I also just remembered that I do have a mini ultra shine from “Her Name Was Glowla” kit, called ‘Life on the A List.’

Bella Bamba- Okay, this has got to be the star player of this kit. I had already been lusting after this blush after hearing and reading many good reviews on it and being on the search for a delightfully perfect pink blush- this had given me even more of a reason to purchase this kit.  Bella Bamba is described as being a 3D blush that will leave your skin instantly brightened and amplifies your cheekbones- giving that sculpted effect.  When I applied this blush, I didn’t really feel that it sculpted my face but it did brighten it and gave a nice look to my complexion. Also, the color really is watermelon pink color with shimmery gold undertones, similar to Coralista but much pinker. When you swatch it is truly comes out as a bit of a deep pink, but when you blend it out, it just gives you the nice pink flush over the apples of your cheeks. I can honestly recommend this to any skin tone , from fair to deeper or darker tones, because it will look flattering on either one (although, I would recommend for fair tones to use it a bit sparingly or blend it out, while deeper skin tones can have a buildable color applied to their cheeks for a nice glow). I’m honestly glad that I held off on getting this blush until it came out with this kit came out because the blush itself costs $28 when retailed by itself and for $4 more, you get a full sized lipgloss, travel-size mascara & mini illuminator. Now, that’s what I call a deal.

Overall, I’m pretty satisfied with this purchase and really glad that I got to try out new Benefit products for a decent price. I would honestly repurchase most of these items and recommend them to others to try them out & see how they like them.

***** GIVEAWAY*****
 
I will be giving away a few Benefit minis to one of my lucky followers this week! This giveaway includes a mini BADgal Lash mascara, Stay Don’t Stray Primer & Concealer, & Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow in R.V.S.P. 

How to Enter:

• you obviously must be following me
• like this post
• message me telling me that you want to want to be part of this giveaway
• & tell me if you have tried any Benefit products at all or you would like to try them.

I will be messaging you back to confirm your entry with a number & I will pick a random entry (number) through random.org on Saturday night, December 10th 11:59pm PST. Good luck! :)

Product Info/Claims:
A universal translucent finishing powder to be applied over foundation or worn alone.

What it does:
Sets the foundation and slightly mattifies skin without changing its natural contours. This 100% mineral silica powder softens the appearance of imperfections. Completely evens out the complexion for a glowing, radiant look. One universal shade for all skin tones.

What else you need to know:
It’s completely translucent and goes on any skintone. Its talc-free formula does not dry the skin and is formulated with 100% silica. Dermatologically tested. MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder is an Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner.

Exclusively Sold at Sephora: $30 for 0.35oz

I was really curious to try MUFE’s reputable High Definition Microfinishing Powder after hearing many good reviews about it. From my understanding it wasn’t just another mattifying transluscent powder, it was supposed to reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines and set your makeup regardless of the color of your foundation or you could just wear it by itself. I was introduced to this product about almost two years ago and was able to purchase it with a MUFE Christmas kit from last year and get it additionally as a deluxe sample with my Sephora VIB points. I’ve used this powder several times and liked what it did for my skin, especially since I’m always looking for products that can mattify my face and not look super shiny. I usually apply this right after using liquid foundation or concealer, making sure I blend it in evenly so it wouldn’t look cakey or too noticeable or powdery (or pasty white), like other translucent powders that don’t set in right with your skin (tone).

I found that you can use this specifically on your t-zone area especially if you have a oily/combination skin because it helps with oil control and shine. I’ve also used this by itself before putting on foundation and it felt just like a primer; mattified my skin and made it feel silky smooth like any other silica or gel based primer. I don’t use this product quite often; I find that it comes in handy during the summer time, when my skin starts to get a bit oily or have trouble setting my makeup to make it last longer. I find this HD powder to be very similar to Bare Escentual’s Mineral Veil. However, there are some distinct differences- the color and texture. Mineral Veil has more of a natural tint to it and is a light, smooth powder that easily blends in with your foundation, whereas the MUFE HD powder is a pure white-based, featherweight/light powder that kinda has this soft, airbrush finish to it if you use it properly.

I do suggest putting on this powder before you put on any blush or bronzer, just because it might not blend well and powder down the color your going for with either of those products.  Orrr-  you can also use MAC’s Fix+ to take away the powdery look and make it blend and set in along with your other makeup.

However, I have encountered a few cons with this product: I do suggest to use this product sparingly and make sure you take the time to blend it in right, because it can look a bit like baking flour on your face if you don’t buff it in. Also, I would only suggest this product to fair and light medium skin tones,  only because I’ve read reviews from people who were darker skin tones & didn’t like it for being more of a white based powder & were not able to blend it in to match their skin tone perfectly.  The price is quite steep for just this product alone that isn’t all that necessary to your everyday skin or makeup routine. I only find that this product is useful for me the summer, so I don’t use it quite often or need it as much.

Overall, it is a good product for what it does for me- keeps my face from looking all oily and shiny, it feels soft and lightweight- it isn’t cakey or heavy. I probably wouldn’t repurchase this product by itself unless it came in a kit, just because of the price and the amount of product you get in a little container. I do want to try other powders out there, but for now, I’ll just stick to what I have… my beloved mineral veil, but more on that later ;)

**** GIVEAWAY! ****
 

I do have a deluxe-sized sample (2g/0.07 oz- it’s just as big as the mini/travel size, just a bit smaller) to giveaway to one of my followers if any of you are interested in trying out this product or just ran out of yours. All you have to do is like this post & message me to enter (or reply) telling me either if you want to try it or if you have already tried it (& what you liked about it). I’ll be picking a winner on Monday night (11.28.11-11:59pm PST) & message you with details. 

A few disclaimers:

You must be 16 or older and live in the US. I’ll probably do an International giveaway later for those interested.

xoxo- Cynthia.

Product Info & Claims:

What it is:
A collection of Smashbox’s iconic product minis. 

What it does:
Ideal for sampling an array of Smashbox’s bestsellers, this kit will have your face and lids primed, your lids perfectly lined, and your lips shiny.

What it is formulated WITHOUT: Parabens

This set contains:

- 0.25 oz Photo Finish Foundation Primer 
- 0.02 oz Photo Finish Lid Primer 
- 0.13 oz Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout
- 0.14 oz Lip Enhancing Gloss in Illume
- 0.03 oz Limitless Eye Liner in Onyx

Exclusively sold at Sephora for $19

I was excited to try out this kit of minis from Smashbox because there were various items in it that I was very curious about and wanted to see if they lived up to hype. I was also enticed by the price, especially with all the items that it came with- being deluxe trial sizes and all. This a perfect chance to try out some of Smashbox’s best sellers or if you’re new to the brand, being a great introduction to some of their products for a good price. This might be a lengthy review, so let’s begin!

Photo Finish Foundation Primer: I was thrilled to see that this primer was included in the mini kit because I really wanted to try it and couldn’t bring myself to pay $36 for the full-size. I heard many a good things about this primer and it did live up to it’s expectations. It was silky smooth, non-oily or greasy, it did feel like it mattified my face prior to putting on foundation and I felt like it did it’s job as a primer by being long-wearing and not breaking down by the end of the day and leaving my skin blotchy like some primers do after wearing it for like 4-6 hours. I like to keep this primer in my travel bag, so whenever I go out somewhere & stay out for a period of time, I have it in handy to do my makeup the next day. I found that it worked just as well as the Bare Mineral’s Prime Time Face Primer, the only difference between the two is that the full size is a bit pricier…. I would hold off on buying the full-size only because I find the two products to be very similar to each other & it wouldn’t make any sense to pay more for a different brand name. 

Photo Finish Lid Primer: I’m on the fence with this lid primer, there are days I like it and others… not so much. It does serve it’s function and purpose as a eye primer and can be used as a concealer if you’re fair or light-skinned. It does even out the coloration of my eyelids & it has a nice matte base canvas for eyeshadow. It isn’t greasy or oily like other primers that have a liquid/oil base (that tend to breakdown inside the packaging causing the oil to come out first, then the product). There are only two problems I encountered with this primer: it is a dry formula and it’s packaging. Like I aforementioned, I don’t mind it being a dry formula so much that I’m kind of forced to use more product that I intend to… I find myself dipping the wand in a couple of times to get enough primer to cover one entire lid & I don’t like that so much. The packing frustrates me so much because it is so small & all of the product is in the bottom, so have to work & make an effort to get some of it out. I think this primer would be 10x better if it came in a squeeze tube, it just makes things easier & you’re able to use all of the product, instead of tossing it out when you finally give up trying to get it all out. Please take note, Smashbox. Too Face & UD did it, you should too… just putting it out there.

Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout: I like to think this mascara to be very neutral in my opinion & here’s why: there’s nothing really special about it, but it does it’s job. I like the wand (it’s sturdy and not flimsy like other  wands) & I like the rubber  bristles because they separate my lashes  evenly, making them  clump-free. However, hyperlash doesn’t add any volume or length… those are two things I look for in mascara and it wasn’t cutting it out for me.  I guess it’s one of those buildable mascaras, but I don’t want to take the extra time or effort into putting that much product on my lashes to get the look that I want. This mascara just gives me a natural look, nothing amped or dramatic. It is somewhat of a wet formula that kinda takes a bit of time to getting used to, but it’s better than it being dry and flaky. I like that the black is a true dark black (& not a generic off-black), so it makes it noticeable and not boring. I think this mascara would be a little better if the bristles were ample and longer, that would be my only complaint or improvement. Other than that, it’s an okay mascara at that. 

Lip Enhancing Gloss in Illume: Okay, I LOVE this lipgloss! Not because I’m a lipgloss junkie/hoarder/enthusiast, but the reason being that I’m in love with this color, the formula and the smell. It smells like vanilla or butter cream frosting or the blend between the two & it doesn’t taste weird (granted that it really doesn’t like anything, but I’m okay with that). I love that it isn’t sticky or leaves this weird dry rim around my lip (like other funky lipglosses do); it is long-wearing and compliments any skin tone. It is a sheer-nude gloss, with a hint of shimmer that is rather subtle than super-shiny. I can wear this gloss by itself or layered on top of a nude lipstick or other color to add a little shine, & it looks good with any eye look whether its neutral or smoky. I do look into buying more of the Smashbox lipglosses soon!

Limitless Eye Liner in Onyx:  This is a kohl eyeliner pencil, it’s very smooth and pigmented. I’m quite pleased with the formula because it offers that right amount of product to be smudgy for a smoked out or smoldered look, but can be refined for the waterline or tight-lining your lid. This eyeliner automatically reminded me of MAC’s Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Engraved, not only because of it’s look, but for it’s performance and use. It doesn’t transfer and is waterproof, & you can set it with a shadow so it can last longer, but an be used by itself. Again, I do like that it is a true black and can be very dramatic & noticeable if smoked out or smudged. I think this is the only product that I have consistently used in the whole kit because it is somewhat versatile & intended for basic use for any look. 

Bottom Line:
Overall, I was satisfied with the majority of these products. I would repurchase maybe 3 out of the 5 items in this kit, either in full-size or in a mini. It was worth the price, especially for a trial run and to experience other Smashbox items that I wasn’t able to try before. I think it was a great idea and offer in the making of this kit and I hope Smashbox comes out with more trial kits of other products for the same price.  Also, I liked that all of these products can go with every skin tone and most skin types, so no one misses out or is excluded from trying this kit- most of these items are universally flattering, unlike other brands that just do a medium or ‘neutral’ based trial kits.