Smashbox Rocks

Recently doing make-up for a photo shoot at a local Kirkland Boutique, Chez Chic. I realized I was just not satisfied with the prime and prep products in my make-up kit. This began the journey...

This is for those of you who get sucked in by the cosmetic counters at the department stores. I can be talked into buying just about a beauty product there is...expensive habit. (Part of the reason I had to make Make-up it a job)
I have never subscribed to the idea that just one cosmetic line can do everything, I think they all have a unique strength, and one of my favorites is Smashbox. They have many fantastic products, but a few very important ones.

Although I have been a life-long MAC fan, I have not been impressed with their primers for eyes or face...so I went on the hunt for a better one. However I have to brag up a particular product from MAC... Strobe Cream is designed for us thirty-somethings...giving a little hint of glow without shimmer or shine.
I tried Nars...a little too light and just felt like more moisturizer.

Then onto Benefit...not impressed with the quality and it didn't last very long after I opened it.

Moving right along to Temptu...the makers of my favorite airbrush foundation, but again it didn't really prime my skin other than adding a little moisture to it.

I finally found The Promise Land at the Smashbox counter! Their Photo Finish Foundation Primer is a fabulous. It is just thick enough to even out my skin (after years of acne), but not so thick that it feels icky all day. You can apply any brand of foundation over the top of it, although I do prefer Smashbox foundation mixed with Studio Fix NC35 by MAC.

The price point for Smashbox is a little high at $36, however it lasts a long time and if you only need it once in a while they sell it in a travel size.

Final recommendations...Smashbox Foundation Primer, MAC Studio Fix mixed with a little Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation, contour with Smashbox Bronzer, and finish it off with Nars blush in Orgasm. Enjoy your springtime long lasting face make over!

Spring Break

To all the spring breakers who are getting ready to go somewhere sunny and beautiful and leave us here in rainy Seattle...

First of all "Wear sunscreen!" that is a given. To abolish a myth that is out there about tanning to get a base before going on vacation. Beware! A "base" tan from the tanning beds only gives you the equivalent protection of a SPF 4. That means you are wasting time, money, and most important your healthy skin cells for only a SPF 4 level of protection.

Instead, I recommend...
1.) Professional exfoliation or a fabulous sugar scrub a couple days before you leave

2.) Airbrush tan the day before you leave

3.) Aveeno SPF 30 in the aerosol spray can for easy and even application

4.) Glow on the Go sunless tanning extender to apply each night to help your sunless tan last through your entire vacation

5.) A yummy tropical smelling body butter to put on in the morning to keep your skin hydrated and glowing all day

Be safe and look fantastic this spring break.