I’m going to be straight with y’all.
I’m cheap.
I’m the type of girl who would never spend $80 on a pair of sunglasses, when she can find a similar style for under 10 bucks. I love to shop the outlet stores. I’d buy a no-name purse over a designer bag any day of the week.
And, truth be told, I rarely spend an exorbitant amount of money on makeup. (The only exception to this rule was Lancome mascara, and I managed to find a cheap substitute for that, too.)
I just don’t see the point of buying, say, a $38 foundation. I mean, can it really be that much different from the $12 Revlon version available at CVS?
Well, in a word, yes.
See, I’m slowly coming to the realization that when it comes to makeup, there are certain things you should spend a little more on, and other things you can afford to save money on. When it comes to foundation (i.e. creating a flawless "canvas" for makeup application), you’re better off spending a little more up front.
While on vacation, I happened to find my way to Sephora. I was going in to get a free sample of the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer that June had reviewed way back. Well, they didn’t have sample jars available that day (figures), but I decided to ask the sales associate’s recommendation for a good foundation.
She didn’t hesitate — Smashbox.
Within minutes, I was whisked into a makeup chair. The associate removed my makeup and began applying Smashbox High Definition Healthy/FX Foundation.
I was pretty impressed with the results. The foundation felt light on my face, yet provided pretty good coverage for all the sun damage I have managed to amass. Also, it blended seamlessly with my skin tone (something that I have a hard time getting drugstore foundation to do). I was pretty close to buying a bottle, in spite of the $38 price tag.
That was when my helpful sales associate mentioned that the foundation just happens to come in a kit. She ducked behind a display and returned with the Smashbox Master’s Class Vol. 3: Complexion Perfection.
The kit comes with:
High Definition Healthy/FX Foundation
Travel Foundation Brush
Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer
Pressed Powder/Bronze Lights Duo
Baby Buki Brush
Hybrid 2 in 1 Luminizing Primer
Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
Instructional DVD and Step-by-Step Guide
I’m pretty sure I rolled my eyes at that point. Here was the "upsell." With all the products contained in this "kit," I was sure I’d be mortgaging the house to pay for it. But, turns out I was dead wrong. The kit sold for $59.
Recognizing the value immediately, I figured I’d give it a shot.
Y’all, this kit rocks.
First, all the products included are full-size. That hardly ever happens. Secondly, when you use the products together, the final effect is nearly flawless without leaving you feeling overly "made up."
And, even though the kit includes a total of six products to apply before I even begin with my eye makeup, it only adds maybe three more minutes to my makeup routine. You don’t need to be a makeup artist to apply it correctly. It’s pretty fool-proof (the dvd walks you through each step). What’s more, because you’re applying the concealer and foundation with a brush, you don’t waste product.
The primer (which is a mix of a primer and a lightly tinted moisturizer) goes on like silk and seems to minimize my pores, while making my skin feel very smooth. The foundation didn’t feel greasy at all and the powder helps set it so that it lasts hours longer than the drugstore brand I was previously using. Here’s a look at the coverage. Here are my sun spots sans makeup (and let this be a lesson to you, btw — always wear sunscreen):
Here is what they look like with the Smashbox products:
Not too bad, right? And, because no one other than my husband and children should ever really get that close to my face, here’s a more macro view:
The Smashbox Master’s Class Vol. 3: Complexion Perfection is available in Fair, Light, Medium or Dark. Your best bet is to head in to Sephora and have them provide a complimentary color matching to make sure you get the right shade for you.
All in all, you get $176 worth of product for the bargain price of $59.
Near flawless skin in minutes.
That’s worth every penny in my book.
Michelle blogs regularly about life and family at her personal blog, Life with Three.
About Jo-Lynne
Lookin’ good, girlfriend! I am currently very dissatisfied with my makeup. Could be because I’m still doing basically the same thing I did as a freshman in college. SIXTEEN years ago. I am in the market for an overhaul that focuses more on skin care than makeup. Because makeup seems to enhance, rather than cover up, the majority of my skin issues. Maybe I’ll have to find a Sephora. I also have a friend trying to get me to try Mary Kay. Have you tried any of their stuff? (And, yeah, we do have the same haircut.)
Wow!
From your review this does look like a great product and an amazing retail value. I think I shall look into this!
You look great! What lipstick/gloss are you wearing? Thanks.
Hey, Sheila!
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! I am wearing Sally Hansen’s Smile Brightening Lip Treatment in Luminous. I wrote about it a while back. You can find more info here: http://www.chic-critique.com/2008/05/guest-blogger-m.html
I’m not sure if it really makes your teeth look whiter, but I love the color. It’s neutral, but not too much. I also like that it’s a good mix between a gloss and a lip stick.
Hey there, hot momma!! You look great!! I should go into Sephora, if only for someone to whisk me into a chair to put makeup on me!! I feel like Kristen — the same old routine for a LONG time now!
Michelle, you look amazing! Smashbox makes some of my favorite products and their kits are ALWAYS a great value!
Kristen, I used to sell MK and can give you the lowdown on what to buy and what not to, and how to avoid being recruited to sell it for yourself if you message me. 🙂
great post! i must go try it in my local sephora!
I love Smashbox. I just bought a similar kit recently after a Smashbox rep from Cali was doing makeovers (for free!) at Nordstrom. My three favorite products are their mascara, the photo finish primer, and a new tinted moisturizer foundation. So worth it. My face feels better with such a great “canvas”!
Your make-up looks fresh and fabulous! Thanks for sharing!
I know this a weird question, but is the foundation brush easy to use? I just purchased one off of ebay, [thank you for your post btw, it made me assured that my brush is not a knock off] and am kinda scared to use it.
Hey, Melissa:
It’s not a weird question at all. I felt awkward using the foundation brush in the beginning. It’s very much like “painting” your face. I squirt a small blob of foundation on the top of my hand (just down from my thumb), dab the brush in and apply the foundation to my face that way. Start with the areas where you want the most coverage. For me, that is either side of my nose. Then, keep applying and evening out with the brush until you get the coverage you want.
Once you start using a foundation brush, I think you’ll find you really like it. I wouldn’t apply foundation any other way. It goes on smoother, the coverage is better, I don’t feel like I’m rubbing the makeup into my pores, and you don’t use as much foundation (because the makeup isn’t getting “sucked” into a sponge).
Good luck — and let us know how it turns out!