#Review: SmashBox Try It Kit

Got this at Sephora a while ago and realized that I'm slipping. No review was present for this 😭. This kit was originally purchased due to the bang vs buck ratio. You get five deluxe samples and it's pretty well rounded so that you can see what most if their line offers in the way of basics. 

 

 

SmashBox Try It Kit

$19USD, Sephora

 

 

This set includes:

-Photo Finish Foundation Primer

-Photo Finish Lid Primer

-Limitless Eyeliner in Onyx

-Full Exposure Mascara in Jet Black

-Lip Enhancing Gloss in Illume

Reviews

Photo Finish Foundation Primer

$36USD, Sephora

This primer was super similar to MAC's matte cream. It's convenient having clear primer because you don't have to deal with the potential lightening of the foundation by a lighter colored primer. I love that it has a matte effect. A little goes a long way with this product as well. But, if I had a dollop of the following: MAC Matte Creme, SootheCare Chafing Relief Powder-Gel & Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation primer, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference & you probably couldn't either. . I've seen the SootheCare laying around in a makeup artist's bag before. 

Verdict: Save your money. SootheCare is $12USD at your local Target. And you can use it on patent shoes. 

(Left) MAC Matte Creme

$ freaking lasts For. Ev. Er.

(Right) SootheCare Chafing Relief Powder-Gel

$12USD, Target

 

Photo Finish Lid Primer

$20USD, Sephora

Chalky. The first word that pops into my head when I think of this 'special' product. It feels as if SmashBox spent no time trying to curtail this product to match all skintones- if you catch my drift. I compared this to the Eye Potion from Urban Decay- which in my opinion is one of the best, reaseasonably priced in the cosmetics market. I applied eye shadow on top of ot thinking my problem would subside but you could Still see where it was applied. I was actually infuriated using this product because it was very difficult to remove. (Which is a good thing. Unless it doesn't match your skintone) 

Verdict: If you are white, like really white, go for it- you'll have no problems with this product. If you're tanned and didn't become a Disney Princess until post 1990, opt for for Urban Decay Eye Priner Potion- it comes in several shades that you could wear without shadow at all! 

 

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion comes in four colors-two shimmers, two matte. 

<http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/daily-beauty-cat/urban-decay-eyeshadow-primer-potion-tubes/>

 

 

 

Limitless Eyeliner in Onyx

$19USD Sephora

I was raving about this so much in another post, I may just go out on my lunch break and get this. This liner gets the best of both worlds. It is so bold but doesn't smudge so you can enjoy the wear until you decide to remove it. 

Verdict: I don't say this often but this is the best eyeliner I've used -to date. It his is my favorite. And I've used like 20 types. 

  

Full Exposure Mascara in Jet Black

$19.5USD, Sephora

I was annoyed more than anything because this was the mascara that took the place of my beloved LashDNA.  I gave it a chance hoping that the same magic would occur but no dice. The brush was basic, the application might as well have been CoverGirl or some other drugstore brand, I used this a grand total of six times before I gave it to my sister. 

Verdict: If you want to pay $13 more for the same results as Covergirl Lash Blast, by all means, buy this. Nothing will ever hold a candle to LashDNA, SmashBox, just bring it back already!😭

 

Lip Enhancing Gloss in Illume

$19USD, Sephora

This was terrible. I was probably dissapointed most by this of the five products in this package. I used this shortly after switching from MAC Lipglass. It took like five applications to get the lipgloss to where I wanted. Then it still wouldn't stay on. It was lackluster. I was struggling. Forget liking it, I was struggling to give it a chance. 

 

Verdict: Go out and buy real lipgloss. This is a sham. 

#Review: TooFaced Amazing Eyes Set

Got this combo on Black Friday from Sephora. This $10 wider was well worth the money. These products have replaced Bad Gal Lash & Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in my makeup bag. 

This set includes: 

-Better Than Sex Mascara (Black)

-Perfect Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Perfect Black

Reviews

Better Than Sex Mascara

This is the first mascara since Smashbox''s Lash DNA that I've actually felt like it could replace it. This is huge. I've been searching for a replacement since SmashBox makde the horrible decision to discontinue it. 

That's what you call a pretty great mascara brush. 

The brush is a lovely hybrid between the hourglass that I admired so much in Lash DNA and the traditional spiral that every other company feels the need to make. I pride myself on having real eyelashes that are so long that they look fake. This mascara does just that. I do use primer with it but it's just as good alone. This is an excellent product.

Verdict: Stop what you're doing, get in your car, drive to Sephora or Ulta, run to to Too Faced aisle, take it to the cashier and make it rain. This product needs to be in your makeup box. Today. 

Perfect Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in  Perfect Black

This liner is super bold which is awesome but doesn't stay put as well as I'd like. I'm used to waterproof liner being applied  and lasting till it is removed from your face. This tends to smudge. I'm not too fond of that because as bad as it sounds the 'tattoo' aspect of waterproof eyeliners is why I use them.

Verdict: Fantastic if you want the drama of bold eyeliner- this is one of the boldest that I've used (including MAC) but don't expect it to stick around. 

I'd rather the SmashBox Limitless Eyeliner in Onyx. It's bold and stays put. (FYI it is waterproof so if you hate that, don't bother. )

SmashBox Limitless Eyeliner in Onyx

$19USD, Sephora

<http://m.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=SMASHBOX%20Limitless%20Eye%20Liner%20-%20P260310&skuId=1239763&productId=P260310&_requestid=25140> 

Review: Lipservice Sephora Lipsampler

I finally decided on the final purchase to propel me into Sephora's 500 reward. I actually finagled a way to get Shopkicks points for this purchase by buying it in JC Penney! 

Buxom

In Kir Royale

It's a gloss. The color changes after it's gone on the lip from the burgundy to a raspberry. The finish is a little too shiny for my liking and the lipgloss itself has a menthe feel to it (similar to Vicks Vapor Rub). 

My analysis: I will continue to wear it but it's not something I'd rave about. The Vicks sensation truly freaked me out. 

Stila Lipglaze

In Apricot

I have a bone to pick with Sephora about choosing to put this in the sampler as this color is translucent! Why did this end up in this sampler? Normally I love lipgloss but this sampler should've been colors only. Now that my rant is over the review on the actual lipgloss. 

The consistency of this lipgloss isn't as sticky as I'd hoped (I prefer M.A.C.'s lipglass for the long wear aspect) but it wore for longer than I expected.  

My analysis: I'd love to try this in a more pigmented color. 

Bite 

In Pomegranate

This high pigmented lipstick alternative was less drying than I thought it would be. But it wasn't as long lasting as I'd hoped for. Even with the lip primer (Urban Decay) it still lost its lustre after a few drinks. 

My analysis: Great color, just don't leave it at home since you'll need several re-applications. 

After a few drinks. 

SmashBox

In Nylon Nude

This color is not for black people, plain & simple. It came out like lip primer on me. I ended up using it as a base and adding Buxom's Kir Royale on top for color. I will try to wear it alone for a bit so I can get a feel for the wear life & consistency. 

My analysis: Glides on smoothly but if I ever try anything again from this line, it will certainly be a different color. Will use this to lighten up colors that are too dark. 

Primer like color. 

After mixing the colors. 

(with Buxom's Kir Royale)

Tarte

In Inspired

The consistency is wonderful. This lipcolor is super hydrating, glides right on with no problem. The only issue was when the lipstick refused to stick to the 'wet line' which is wet by saliva most of the time. (Seen in picture below). That drive me bonkers. I did wear it without lip primer though. 

My analysis: I have to try wearing this with lip primer. This tube is too amazing to give up on right away. Would totally be open to trying different colors from this line. 

Wet line stays untouched. Otherwise, it's perfection. 

Lip Tar

In Pretty Boy

I was a bit dissapointed that this didn't stay on longer. (Maybe because I was drinking- a lot- at this event yesterday but) I guess I was expecting it to be in the caliber of Kat Von D as far as semi-permanency. Then again, I just realized that I wore this without lip primer. The color was a bit bright for me so I darkened it with black eyeshadow. (#blackgirlproblems) Otherwise, it's a gorgeous color. The annoying thing is having to apply it with a brush. Whenever I wear this out, a touch up is going to be a mission. The actual consistency and feel of the Lip Tar wasn't drying but it wasn't hydrating either. It kind of just lingered in limbo. The end of the night effect was a hot pink chonga lip line. 

My analysis: Tossing the brush in a ziplock bag the next time I wear this out and I'll make sure to wear it with lip primer as well. 

After wear: overnight. The perimeters are still there but I wish it was bionic. 

Holiday Kits: Brush Set now available from SmashBox

Wondervision Holiday Brush Set

This set is now available. I just received the email from SmashBox. I'll be going to Ulta in a few minutes to look at it.

So when I went in Ulta didn't have it 😭. I'll update later when I finally see it. 

The Holiday Value Sets are here! (Ulta)

I popped into Ulta yesterday to realize that there were different kits available here.

Among those seen were Smashbox, Tarte, Laura Geller, Lorac, PurMinerals, TooFaced, Anastacia, BareMinerals, Cargo and Benefit.

Smashbox

   

Tarte

Laura Geller

Lorac

PurMinerals

BareMinerals

Benefit

Cargo

TooFaced

Another trend that I'm seeing- especially from Benefit is stocking stuffers in the form of doubling up. Meaning- they sell two full sized or a full sized and a trial sized at a discounted 'combo' price.