Smashbox

First Impressions

We put a lot into first impressions; it is often the most lasting and frankly, it may be the only one you get to leave.

As important as first impressions are, I can't help but wonder how often first impressions are wrong...Take the hubster and I...suffice it to say that it was definitely not love at first sight.  In fact, it took us 3 years and 2,061.9  miles to get over our first impressions, and finally get it right.

So in honor of second impressions, I thought I would share with you some beauty items that made me look twice; and perhaps inspire you to take a second look at the things around you (cosmetics or otherwise) too...because who knows, maybe the perfect guy  a "holy grail" has already been found but you just don't know it yet.

1. Smashbox Pro Palette

So many bloggers and youtubers raved about this palette that I knew I had to get it, but when I finally got it, I was thoroughly unimpressed.  The colors are so boring...or so I thought!   The colors are basic it's true, but the number of shimmery vs matte shades is genius!

The light shades are perfect for highlighting a variety of looks because you have a choice of matte or shimmery finishes and pink or yellow undertones.

Top: White, Cream, Taupe
Bottom: Nude, Champagne, Gold

The mid tone shades of pink, mauve, and brown are perfect for transition colors and the darker shades are so buttery and easy to blend.

Top: Pink, Mauve, Sable

Bottom: Lt. Bronze, Pewter, Garnet

Top: Expresso, Black

Bottom: Deep Purple, Slate

I use this palette daily either on its own or with another palette.  I need a backup...and I NEVER buy backups...

2. Smashbox powder

When I first used this many years ago I thought that it lacked coverage and lasting power.  Well recently I saw a youtuber use this powder and she looked so flawless that I bought it again.  This time I applied it over my foundation with a good brush and wow, so natural and so smooth!

I now use this powder every day to set my foundation and give me a little extra coverage.  Here it is swatched on the back of my *SUPER DUPER* dry hand but look how it doesn't settle into lines or dry patches!

Right:  Heavily swatched (you can see the powdery-ness here)

Left:  Blended out

3. Almay Smart Shade Mousse

While this particular product is new, I have used Almay's Smart Shade makeup in the past (the ones that come in a tube).  I thought that the tube versions lacked coverage and felt oily.  Well, this new Mousse version is definitely different.  The texture is soft and non-greasy and while the coverage is still light, it offers a beautiful finish: natural and not over done. 

Left: Blended out

Right: Heavily swatched (when you first put it on it looks white but see below!) 

It blended out beautifully to match my skin.  It looks natural but blurs imperfections just enough!

Well, I hope my experience inspires you to dig out a few neglected people products in your makeup drawer and give it another whirl...sometimes all we really need is a second chance.

Off to do laundry with my furriest helper!

TGIBF (Thank God it's Burberry Friday!)

Friday I came home to a little bag of goodies from my FANTABULOUS hubbie! What a nice surprise.  I had been going on and on about Burberry cosmetics for the past month and I guess he finally had enough =P. 

The hubster stole my shopping list which I keep in an ever so conspicuous place on my laptop and bought me the items on the list! Eyeshadows Midnight Brown and Mulberry and the lipstick in Blush.

The loot

No. 21 Midnight Brown

No. 24 Mulberry

Many bloggers and youtube gurus have sung the praises of Burberry eyeshadows but for some reason I kept putting off actually picking one up.  I think it's because the colors I wanted are so "basic" that I couldn't justify the purchase.  Boy was I wrong. 

Mulberry on the left and Midnight Brown on the right taken in different light

These pictures really do not do the shadows justice.  True, the colors I picked up are "basic" but they are definitely not the average brown or berry.  Both shadows have very fine shimmers in them that are not immediately visible but when the light hits it just right, it's divine......Since the glitters are so fine, these shadows are definitely work appropriate.

I was impressed by the sophistication of the colors but the most amazing thing about these shadows is their texture.  Some dark colors can be difficult to blend or chalky but not these babies!! they are so soft and creamy that they practically blend themselves!

The pigmentation is also quite amazing, with just a gentle tap into the shadow with my MAC 217 I was able to pick up enough color and blend it into my crease seamlessly. 

I am IN LOVE...in case you couldn't tell.  I am already composing a new list which I will find a way to use as a screen save (as you can tell, subtlety is not my thing)....for inspiration to the hubster!...lol

And last but not least:

Lip Cover No. 09 Blush 

The lipstick in Blush is a recent obsession.  I saw a picture of Rosie Huntington Whiteley at a premier wearing this lipstick.  Her makeup was so clean and classic and her lips look just bitten and perfect, I knew I had to get my hands on it.  Although the color appears rather intense in the tube, it is actually a very wearable and soft rose. 

The texture of this lipstick is once again what sold me, it is moisturizing and has a soft sheen when applied.  Perfect texture for the color.  Even though I have what I would consider to be the driest lips on earth (cue drama queen) the lipstick made my lips look soft and moisturized.  The finish is really impeccable.

And that wraps it up for my Friday night celebration, but since I have been quite "spendy" for the past couple of weeks here is a teaser of some products I will soon be reviewing. 

I hope you have enjoyed this weekend and kept warm...I really hate the cold.  I think the Mishe-ster agrees!  We are going to stay in today and watch HD discovery crime shows until we are both looking over our shoulders with paranoia.... fun times....=) See you next weekend!