Smashbox at Woolies

Smashbox has been at Woolies counters for exactly a week now so a review is definately overdue. How great are the Woolies beauty counters nowadays BTW? I just have to digress for a second for a short ode to the imported loveliness that is Benefit, REN, Frederic Fekkai, Bloom et al. I can spend hours there, in fact, i have spent hours there. If it wasn't for the plethora of persistant shop assistants, I could happily spend the entire day smearing things on my face and rubbing them off again.

So, Smashbox. Anyone familiar with the brand will know about their holy grail product - the Photo Finish primer. Its a primer to wear under foundation (or alone) - it smooths fine lines and creates a weirdly matte texture that is absolutely fantastic for making foundation stick and stay. Reviews that I have read say that it creates a defused light effect, softening lines and creases and making the contours of the face appear smoother. I tried the gel fluid on the back of my hand and I've got to say that my first impression was that it was d-r-y. It felt almost prickly on my moisturised hand. As soon as I got over the unusual texture, I realised how smooth my hand looked. The pores were magically gone.

I wasn't in the market for a primer, so I ventured to the colours and instantly fell in love with the eyeshadows, which are on a MAC price range of R130. They have a fine-milled, iridescent texture. I bought the "flirt" - a pinky beige with silver flecks. I have been wearing for two days now to work and, although it looks gorgeous freshly applied, it doesn't really make it past lunchtime. Also, the shimmer particles are too big, in my opinion, and end up all over my cheeks. Actually, looking at myself right now at 6.23pm, I look like I have morning after make-up on: faded eye shadow, smeared mascara and glitter all over my cheeks. Time to go home! Ok, I am being way too harsh on Smashbox, because its actually my fault I didn't put any primer on. But, the staying power on these is not great compared to MAC.

So my little rant out of the way, I am so happy to see this iconic brand in Woolies and my eyeshadow experience is not going to put me off from buying more. I already have my eye on the tinted moisturiser so will keep you posted.

Picture from smashbox.com