Smashbox

I have Brewed which is a very richly pigmented cool toned dark brown eye pencil. Goes on without tagging, sets fast and stays put. Looks intense on the waterline too but as everything it does fade there as expected. No issues overall, too bad the other shades except from the black don't appeal to me because formulation is fantastic!

This is a great palette to create a natural, every day look. I was so glad when I found it's part of the permanent collection and it's the one palette I reach for when I'm in a hurry.
I use the bronzer and blush the most while I'll use the contour and highlight shades as eyeshadow. (I don't contour or highlight in my day to day makeup routine)

The pigment is good although I'd say it's more on the softer side. The packaging could be better as I'm not a fan of cardboard packaging, hence the four lipsticks. However, that's minor as it's very convenient for travel.
The shades are suitable for fair to medium skin tones and hopefully Smashbox will come out with a palette for darker skin tones.

The cost is reasonable compared to other palettes out there. A winner!

This has been my go to foundation for years and I'm not planning on switching anytime soon either. They have a good shade range for fair skin and 1.0 matches me perfectly. Most of the shades I've seen have been quite yellow though, so if you're on the colder and pinker side, this might not work for you.

I have combination acne prone skin and most foundations make me both dry and oily at the same time. This one keeps me hydrated, especially with the primerizer but lasts all day and doesn't get oily after a few hours. I love the fact that it's transfer proof, it literally will not move when dry.

Even though they market it as a medium-full coverage foundation, I'd say that its light-medium. It's buildable but doesn't go all the way to full coverage. It does look very natural and doesn't break me out which is definitely a big deal for me.

The only bad thing about this foundation is that it can feel quite heavy on the skin even though it's pretty light. I don't really mind that but if that bothers you, then it might not be for you.

One of the best eye primers that I've tried. Keeps my eyeshadow (whether cream or powder) in place the whole day, with zero creasing. I have very oily lids and find most primers don't work for me - this is a rare exception! Just be sure to use only a very small amount and make sure it's 100% dry before applying eyeshadow (something I failed to do the first time!). And despite how well it keeps eyeshadow on, it is also super-easy to remove at the end of the day! Admittedly it's one of the pricier primers in my collection, but totally worth it, especially as so little product is needed. A word of caution though - it is silicone heavy so if you're anything like me (sensitive, breakout prone) then you'll want to use this on special occasions and not on a daily basis. 


Selena x


~ My HG list ~

(As I've sampled 100s of skin, hair and m/u products over the last decade and a half, I thought it might be useful to share my top 10 must-have products, subject to change if and when I come across something more effective. I love constantly trying out new stuff - usually sample sizes via e-bay, also plenty courtesy of a friend who works at Sephora) 


1. Hair Loss Treatment: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Hair Oil
2. Lip Balm: 'Nuxe' - Reve De Miel Lip Balm
3. Pigmentation + Anti-Ageing Treatment: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Facial Treatment Serum
4. Cleanser: 'Paula's Choice' - Skin Balancing Cleanser
5. Concealer: ‘Mac’ - Studio Finish Concealer
6. Lash Growth Serum: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Divinelash
7. Foundation/SPF: ‘Juice Beauty’ - Stem Cellular Repair (warm glow)
8. Foot File/Callus/Heel Treatment - 'Microplane' - Colossal Pedicure Rasp Foot File
9. Ingrown Hair Treatment - 'Priva Shave' - Post Hair Removal Treatment
10. Hand Cream: 'Origins' - Make A Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment

My “go to” primer since the first time I tried it a decade ago to help hide the awful deep lines and pits I’m plagued with:/ I LoVe the illusion of healthier and smoother skin helps me to create af on good days though. Tried many similar-Porefessional, Baby Skin, Clinique, Revlon. and along with (more affordable opt ) NYXs Pore Filler and (pricier but great!) Dr. Brandt les they’re my faves Always eager to hear about newer and better options!