Tried and Tested: Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream

Recently, after exclaiming how gorgeous my friends' skin looked (shout out to Amels!) she told me she was wearing the Smashbox BB Cream. Being a lover of all makeup/skincare hybrids I picked up a sample from Mecca Maxima after guessing I was the lightest shade (and I was...as usual).

Whilst the shade match was perfect for me I was less than impressed with the product overall.

Initially, I was happy with application. I tried applying the product with a flat foundation brush as well as a sponge and found both worked quite well. The product does set quite quickly l but still gives you enough time to blend it into your skin. The finish on the skin is definitely more matte and has decent coverage as you would expect from a BB Cream. Overall, I didn't have any trouble with application however, I do prefer base products which don't dry as fast on the skin as I found that powder just didn't sit right on top of the BB Cream.

After putting the BB Cream to the test over a six hour work shift I found that it just didn't wear as well through the day as similar products I've tried. I always use a primer under my foundation as well as a setting spray on top so I did the same thing with the Smashbox BB Cream. However, I found that especially on my nose, forehead and chin it had worn away unevenly which I was not very happy about.

After talking to a makeup artist at Mecca Maxima about my experience they agreed that it doesn't work well on everyone and that the Complexion Rescue from Bare Minerals is a product that seems to look and sit better on a wider range of skin types.

Overall, whilst my experience wasn't fantastic it is still a decent, natural coverage base product that would be nice for short time wear. In my opinion, however, there are much better options at better price points too.

Find Smashbox at Mecca Maxima, Kit Cosmetics or at mecca.com.au

xx Cat

Sweat-Proof Summer Makeup

It's gets pretty hot during summer in Australia. I'm not talking just warm enough to walk around in pretty dresses or cute shorts, but an average day usually includes being drenched in sweat as the wall of heat hits you. This is definitely not good news for the longevity of your makeup. Luckily there are a few great products that make wearing makeup wearable during the hottest times of the year and also actually stays on your face.

The worst thing I could possibly think of on super hot day is wearing a thick layer of stuff on my face, which is why a light weight foundation is a great option for warm weather. I like the Chi Chi Super BB Cream [$22.95] which gives decent coverage and evens out the skin tone. Another great option is MAC Face and Body Foundation [$49.00-$60.00], which is practically undetectable on the skin, has an amazing finish and can be built up for a fuller coverage without the cakey-ness.

Oh and of course a primer underneath your foundation will also help extend the life of your makeup look. I like Benefit's Porefessional [$53.00] to fill in pores and Laura Mercier Foundation Primer [$45.00] to lock in moisture.

Although I do prefer a fresh, dewy glow for a summer look, I definitely don't want to look either oily or sweaty. The line between 'glowy' and 'sweaty' is a fine one so setting your base with a powder is a must. My favourite this summer has definitely been MAC Mineralise Skin Finish Natural [$49.00]. This does everything you want from a setting powder - gives a flawless finish, sets your foundation in place and doesn't look cakey or powdery at all.

For the eyes, again a primer will help colour stay on your eyelid and not migrate into the crease. The NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk is a great base for powder shadows to stick to. However, I usually opt for a cream eyeshadow like the Maybelline Colour Tattoos which are also really easy to apply. And if you're looking for a long lasting blush, something like the Benefit Cheek Stains will stay on all day, or if you prefer a powder the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour blushes, really do last well, even in the heat.


xx Catherine

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Garnier BB Cream: First Impressions Review

I recently picked up the Garner BB cream for oily to combination skin at Priceline while it was 50% off! It usually retails for $13.99 but with all drugstore brands shop around at different chemists, supermarkets and department stores like KMart, Big W and Target because its bound to be on sale at one of them.

First Impressions:

The first thing I noticed when I started to apply this on my face was the smell of alcohol. I've never experienced this with a product before and was slightly shocked that the product could smell so strongly. I checked the packaging and alcohol is the third listed ingredient. I mean I know my skin is oily but I didn't think I would need this much alcohol to control it!

Despite there being an orange tint to the BB cream, the colour match was decent and the orange-ness blended away into my skin nicely. One layer definitely reduced my redness and smoothed out my skin overall but I was having a bit of a bad skin day and stubborn red spots around breakouts and sensitive areas were not hidden.

I added another layer which definitely improved the redness but I still went on and added concealer. I also felt this didn't do much to neutralise the puffiness/dark circles under my eyes. I know this is only a BB cream but I did have high expectations considering my Dr Dennis Gross CC Cream is really brightening under the eyes.

Garnier describes the finish as 'luminous matte'. There's nothing luminous about it to be honest which I prefer particularly since I didn't feel I needed to finish off with a powder.

Final Thoughts:

After a full day of wear, this product left me with a natural look for most of the day without a primer underneath. It wore away evenly and only really around my nose and mouth which I do have a habit to touch a lot. I really like the finish and was impressed with how natural it looked. However, it is a light coverage base and imperfections and redness aren't covered by this product.

This is not a bad BB cream, but not the best light coverage base I own and to be honest I'm quite skeptical about its claims that like a skincare product it will reduce pores, imperfections and dullness over time. The price is definitely reasonable though and considering I got it on sale for 50% off it was a fantastic deal and won't go unused. I will probably use this most if I want a little bit of coverage for work or if I need to leave the house in a rush. My word of warning for those with pale skin, even the light shade is likely to be too dark and for those with sensitive skin the amount of alcohol in this product probably won't do wonders for you either.

xx Catherine