Smashbox • Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 • Tinted Moisturizer

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Woodnut on 1/23/2009 1:30:00 PM more reviews by Woodnut

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Other    

I've been using this for a few months, and it's worked quite well for me. It feels great on my skin, and it gives a very natural dewy finish (I've been using it with a light dusting of translucent powder).

As far as coverage, it's minimal. I wish it had just a tiny bit more. My face can get a little red, and it doesn't do much to cover that, but it does help to even out my skin tone overall.

My main complaint (and the only reason I probably won't buy it again) is that it doesn't come in a color that is quite light enough for me. I have very pale, cool-toned skin, and even the Fair shade is a tad too dark and yellow for me. It blends just fine - there's no line - but I'd prefer to find a tinted moisturized a little closer to my skin color.

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Nataliegx1 on 1/14/2009 8:14:00 PM more reviews by Nataliegx1

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I got this as a sample at Sephora and I have fallen in love with it. It provides excellent coverage for me and I have not broken out once from it (I have very sensitive skin). It is the perfect coverage and dewiness for me.

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*TOP REVIEWER* abfabjeanius on 1/11/2009 6:54:00 PM more reviews by abfabjeanius

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I got a sample from Sephora of this in Luminous. As far as tinted moisturizers go, this would not be my favorite, for sure. This is oil-free, but I found that it doesn't minimize the oilies in my t-zone. The finish is definitely dewy, which is fine, as far as TM's go, since they're supposed to be more natural looking anyway, but what bothers me is the total lack of coverage this has. I might as well not have even put anything on, and I don't have bad skin by any means. But this totally did not even out my skintone at all. I even asked my hubby if he could tell the difference between the side of my face where I applied this, and he said no. I guess if you're looking for a no-makeup effect, this is for you, but in my eyes, $30 is too much for that. For a good TM with light coverage, try Laura Mercier.

For reference, I have combo skin and am NC25 in MAC, Nude in Laura Mercier TM,4/4.5 in Armani.

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limoges on 1/5/2009 9:44:00 PM more reviews by limoges

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

So far, so good. After a couple of years of mineral foundation use, I thought it was time for a change. At 50, my skin needs more moisture and lasting color. I'm pleased with the light coverage and moisturizing protection that this product gives. Powdered blush goes over it nicely. All of it stays together for the day, unlike the mineral powder which fades away by lunchtime for me.

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volcomizedgrl on 12/31/2008 7:33:00 PM more reviews by volcomizedgrl

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

How much I really wanted this product to work; however, it made my skin breakout horribly! I know I should have heeded the warnings of previous reviewers, but I couldn't resist. I used it for about a week and half (gloriously) when my face suddenly grew three monstrosities--it was too late already. The week and half I was using it, though, it was nice. I purchased Luminous because the tinted colored ones weren't even close to matching my skin color. Luminous reminded me a lot of Stila's Illuminating Liquid Foundation. It gives you a subtler glow, though, without the colored tint. And because it's a moisturizer, it doesn't cake like foundations do. I still use a light moisturizer for drier spots, just in case. It's a great product for those looking for an understated "I look like I'm not wearing makeup but I really am" look.

On the flip side, I think this would be a perfect product if my face wasn't so sensitive and prone to breakouts. Too bad. But I've kept it because it's a product that I will still use--sparingly--though.

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*TOP REVIEWER* violet978 on 12/29/2008 1:39:00 PM more reviews by violet978

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

NC20, I got this in Luminous.

It is so sheer, colour-matching is very easy.

It is NOT mattifying as some of the ads claim, in fact it left me quite dewy and I certainly need loose powder over this.

I do like the texture, I like the way it makes my skin look and feel, but it is no friend to girls with oily skin.

I would repurchase this - even though it makes me very "dewy", there's something about it I like a lot - probably the sheer coverage.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* HotCurry on 12/19/2008 5:40:00 PM more reviews by HotCurry

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Tan, Warm   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

The shade "Fair" is still a little too dark for my pale NW15ish skintone, but it blends well enough. This has the most matte finish of all the TM's I've tried so far (and I've tried MANY), yet is smooth in texture and rubs in easily. I just apply it with fingertips, and set w/powder and it leaves a very smooth, natural looking finish. Decent coverage for a TM (some are just TOO sheer). I think I will love this in the summer, when my skin is super oily. have combo skin, that's oily yet dehydrated, so finding foundations or TM's that wear well is difficult for me. Would most likely re-purchase.

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Laurice928 on 12/16/2008 2:43:00 AM more reviews by Laurice928

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

it was WAYYY too orange on me.. i didnt like the way it felt when i put it on either. it felt hard to smooth on and blend. im def goin to return this at sephora and try a different TM.

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kristina86 on 12/10/2008 7:30:00 AM more reviews by kristina86

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Black    

This would have been perfect- except I broke out. My skin was clear and the moisturizer went on beautifully. The color was both even and subtle and I loved how it made my skin feel really soft. The product made me break out though with cystic, painful ance. I even took a 'break' from the product and tried it about a month later, just to be sure that it was in fact the culprit! Sadly, it broke me out again... :(

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mstokes84 on 11/26/2008 1:04:00 PM more reviews by mstokes84

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

My favorite foundation of all kind was Smashbox Photo Finish in Smashing Petal 1.25. I can't tell you how much I adored this product. But of course Smashbox decided to discontinue it and came out with this instead. My first complaint is that the colors are different than Photo Finish with no Petal to be found! The colors were Light/Medium/Dark and so on. ANNOYING! Additionally, it was like putting grease on my face. Yuck! I hate everything about it and am incredibly disappointed! If you want a tinted moisterizer, I suggest Laura Mercier's. Her's was the original and so far it can't be beat.

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*TOP REVIEWER* maliastyle on 11/13/2008 10:45:00 AM more reviews by maliastyle

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Smashbox Sheer Focus has changed my mind regarding tinted moisturizers. I'd always found them to be too greasy, even those that claimed to be oil-free, and didn't have a lick of lasting power, even under a veil of powder. But based on the great reviews here, I picked this up in Light to match my NC25-NC30, golden toned, Asian skin, and I am very, very pleased.




As you'd expect from a tinted moisturizer, color payoff is minimal, but it's enough to even out my skintone. The yellow base of Light is perfect for my skin, and it doesn't oxidize to orange throughout the day, nor does it have any pink to emphasize any redness I may have. It takes a couple of minutes to sink in and matte out, but as soon as it does, I use Cargo Blu Ray powder with my kabuki brush and my skin ends up looking flawless and velvety.




While I wouldn't say the oilies are kept at bay, it doesn't exacerbate the oil issue for me, either. I love how light this feels, and that it doesn't look like I'm wearing anything, even from close-up - it just looks like my skin is naturally even that way.




$35 CDN. Packaging is also convenient - the flat flip top can be stored on its bottom, so you'll always have the product ready to be dispensed without having to squeeze the life out of the tube.
EDIT: After using this for some time, I realized that Light was actually too dark and turned orange after about an hour of wear. On a quick trip to the store, I swatched Luminous, Light and Fair, and left with Luminous; it's very sheer, but when worn with Cargo Blu Ray powder, it's perfect.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

futalfufu on 11/10/2008 10:52:00 PM more reviews by futalfufu

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

I liked this moisturizer. I thought it was perfect for summer when I wanted something lighter but still gave me a little bit of color. I have oily skin and although I don't think it helped keep the oil at bay I also don't think that it contributed to more oil. It also felt good on. I would recommend this to anyone whi doesn't want full make up but still wants to look better than bare faced.

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shirlyxgurl on 11/9/2008 3:54:00 PM more reviews by shirlyxgurl

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This product worked well for me. I have oily skin and it kept most of the my oil breakthrough at bay, but I still have to blot at the end of the day but that's better than blotting all day. It's very sheer tho and I would recommend dusting a powder foundation over it if you need more coverage. One time, I put it on at 6:30 am, along with my BE mineral foundation and went swimming at around 2pm and it still stayed on. Might be a coincidence, but ever since I have been using it continuously, I have noticed an improvement with my skin. It's a lot smoother and I have less blemishes but my night time skin products might have helped with that also. I would only recommend this to someone who only wants something to even out tone and wants something lighter for the summer months.

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danadavies19 on 9/30/2008 12:56:00 PM more reviews by danadavies19

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I'm pretty lucky with my skin, it's almost always clear, maybe slight redness just from sensitivity. My main problem was being fair skinned and lacking and luster or color. I started using Sheer Focus in luminous and it gave me a healthy glow and the evenness of skin tone that I needed.

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orchid13 on 9/29/2008 12:03:00 AM more reviews by orchid13

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I received a sample of this product in Luminous from Sephora and i have to say it sucks, completely and utterly. I have pretty good skin, i sometimes get black heads here and there and i only get one or two pimples during that time of the month. In a rush to get ready the other night and being to lazy to get my normal foundation i decided to try this product out. I used a pea sized amount as a base on my skin and lightly buffed on a sheer layer of my BE mineral foundation. It looked beautiful... I had so many comments on how luminous and beautiful my skin was that night, i had thought i had found my HG combination. That was until the next day. By evening the next day for some reason i had developed a large, deep, painful pimple on my chin. FYI i haven't had acne on my chin since i was 15 and those were only blackheads. This pimple was so painful it actually woke me up in the middle of the night from the throbbing. It has finally gotten better due to some hot and cold packs. but now i have another one on my chin forming! God must be laughing at me. I am usually not a sensitive gal when it comes to products, but this TM did a number on me.... hopefully during these next few days i don't get any more of these deep pimples , but honestly people stay away from this product....

4 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

orchid13 on 9/28/2008 11:57:00 PM more reviews by orchid13

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I received a sample of this product in Luminous from Sephora and i have to say it sucks, completely and utterly. I have pretty good skin, i sometimes get black heads here and there and i only get one or two pimples during that time of the month. In a rush to get ready the other night and being to lazy to get my normal foundation i decided to try this product out. I used a pea sized amount as a base on my skin and lightly buffed on a sheer layer of my BE mineral foundation. It looked beautiful... I had so many comments on how luminous and beautiful my skin was that night, i had thought i had found my HG combination. That was until the next day. By evening the next day for some reason i had developed a large, deep, painful pimple on my chin. FYI i haven't had acne on my chin since i was 15 and those were only blackheads. This pimple was so painful it actually woke me up in the middle of the night from the throbbing. It has finally gotten better due to some hot and cold packs. but now i have another one on my chin forming! God must be laughing at me. I am usually not a sensitive gal when it comes to products, but this TM did a number on me.... hopefully during these next few days i don't get any more of these deep pimples , but honestly people stay away from this product....

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potatolove on 9/28/2008 1:33:00 PM more reviews by potatolove

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

i used to use foundation from lancome, and yet it is good but i decided that i didnt need that much coverage or that heavy of make up on my face at the age of 21. foundation tends to get oil and yucky after a few hours and you would then have to apply powder or use some other tactics so you dont look like ur overflowing with oil on your t zone. i bought this tinted moisturizer last week, and i like it a lot. hours after using it u dont feel that heavy feeling of oil over your face and i practically even forgot i had it on. its very light, and for my skin, it covered well. since even with foundation, the freckles i have didnt cover up, and with this is was the same.
but i assume, if you have a lot of acne or break outs with scars, this isnt the product for you, this gives better coverage than most tinted moisturizers out in the market but certainly cant cover those.
i recommend this for people who just want a light - medium coverage thats easy to use/ apply and lasts for the whole day.

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cstanton00 on 9/26/2008 1:11:00 PM more reviews by cstanton00

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Blue    

I got a sample of this from Sephora in Luminous. I liked it and used it all up, so i decided to buy the full size.
Great coverage, and is sheer so you can build up color.

Great disadvantage for me....was after using it...it made me breakout.
Normally i'm not acre prone, or oily skin, nor am i dry skin. I'd say it's....normal hahahaha if that makes sense...so that's why i gave it 4 lippie things.

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kabuali689 on 9/25/2008 1:23:00 AM more reviews by kabuali689

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

I actually began using smashbox's original tint which was the back drop cooling tint, but then they discontinued that. Well, this TM is great! It's just like the other! It blends amazingly and the color works well for those with yellow undertones (I used light)!

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ToxicRose84 on 9/22/2008 8:16:00 PM more reviews by ToxicRose84

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I got a sample of this directly from Smashbox. I have to say, I wasn't really impressed. It pretty much went on my skin completely clear instead of leaving a slight "tint" like I expected. I thought it might hide some of the slight redness that I have on my cheeks, but it didn't. It also made my face really oily & shiny. I guess it could easily be fixed w/ some powder though. The only good thing I like about this product are all the vitamins in it. It made my skin look healthier (glowing) at the end of the day than when I just use my DDML by Clinique. It's way too expensive too, but if it were cheaper I would probably buy it to use as a moisturizer under my makeup along w/ my DDML. I definitely wouldn't wear it on its own. Not purchasing this product ever.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No