Camilla and I are both longtime fans of Smashbox so you will have seen the brand’s name many times on this blog. We’ve mentioned their amazing range of primers in monthly favourites, product reviews and video tutorials, included Photo Matt Anti-Shine in our beauty wishlist, and banged on about the Brow Tech To Go which is the best eyebrow pencil on the local market, IMHO. So we were understandably thrilled to crack the nod to a showcase of their newest products, which I attended with my main girl, Miss Emma Jude, last week.
The event was fittingly held at Roodebloem Studios and attended by some of our favourite local beauty bloggers, like Leigh from Lip Gloss is my Life and Shahnaz from Shahnaz Loves Beauty (winner of this year’s Fair Lady Best Beauty Blogger Award!). Lauren Engelbrecht, the brand’s training and sales exec, enthusiastically took us through the new goodies and got us all VERY excited about the quality and effectiveness of everything in the range. After the show-and-tell, we were treated to a makeover so we could try some more products, and a professional photoshoot so we could see how the make-up looked on camera.
It probably won’t surprise you to know that we’re not only completely sold on the new products, but also every other piece from the range. I’ve already got Photo Set Finishing Powder (airbrushing in a pot!) on my shopping list, as well as the Sunkissed Matte bronzer and the Wondervision Eye Sets from their Christmas collection. Ok, enough rambling – let’s get into it:
Photo Finish Foundation Primer Blemish Control – R390
The brand’s primers are no doubt the jewel in their crown – they smooth out your skin and help make-up to last all day, while being packed with skincare ingredients. There are now thirteen (THIRTEEN!) different primers in the range, including variants that control oil, correct colour, hydrate, illuminate and treat dark spots. Their latest innovation contains 2% salicylic acid which exfoliates the skin and reduces inflammation, helping to clear breakouts and keep skin looking healthy.
Liquid Halo HD Foundation – R370
If you like weightless, medium-coverage foundation that blurs imperfections and leaves skin looking smooth and glowing (who DOESN’T?!) then this one is for you. The cutting-edge formula allows light to bounce off the surface of your skin, the foundation pigments AND the gel they are suspended in, giving you a luminous but natural finish. It has a very light, long-wearing texture boasting SPF 15 and is available in 10 shades, including a great selection for darker-skinned ladies.
Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner – R200
There are three things I want from an eyeliner: a smooth, creamy consistency that applies easily, full-on pigmentation in one swipe and a stay-all-day, budge-proof formula. Well, these new waterproof kohl liners from Smashbox fit the bill and them some! Not only are the colours gorgeous and super-wearable (including a great nude shade!) but they glide on like a dream and stay put all day long without smudging or transferring. The best bit? The nib self-sharpens every time you twist the cap off so you’ll always get a precise line.
Special thanks to Kerry and Carine for having us. You can like Smashbox South Africa on Facebook and find your nearest stockist here.