Review | Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream $39 (full size) $19.50 (travel/half size) 

Shade: Light (comes in 5 shades)

"This multitasking tinted cream formula with SPF 35 moisturizes, primes, perfects, controls oil, and protects for flawless skin on set and beyond. Formulated with emollients and optical pearl pigments, this BB Cream gives skin a glowing, ethereal look and provides a hydrating veil for the complexion to maintain moisture on the surface of the skin. With its ultrasmoothing finish, it instantly re-texturizes to create a smooth canvas and enhances the wear of makeup. Ideal even for oily complexions, this expert formula with UVA/UVB protection helps inhibit oil to prevent the complexion from getting shiny throughout the day without the typical chalky matte finish. " (copied from Sephora)

I love the idea of BB creams, but $39 is a bit on the expensive side for a product I was iffy to try. I was super excited while browsing at Sephora and found that they have a travel size option (haul is here)! It's $19.50 for 0.5 fl oz (while the full size is 1 oz). Although it's still on the pricey side, I figured why not.

This product claims to control oil and provide a smooth, glowy finish, and have SPF 35 (which is a huge plus, since I hate wearing SPF separately). I have to say that the product lives up to its claims! I have combination skin with an oily T-zone, and usually, when wearing foundations, I have to blot every couple of hours, or my face will be noticeably shiny (never cute). I didn't have to blot all day! (I did anyways after 8 hours, but I wasn't noticeably shiny).

At first, the BB cream comes off as a bit too light, but it warms up to my skintone as I blend it in. I set it with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish natural in Medium using the Real Techniques powder brush, and the combination provides for a natural looking finish that lasts all day! The consistency is similar, but probably a lighter than Laura Mercier's Silk Creme foundation (review here). LM's foundation is creamer though. It's definitely thicker than many BB creams, and doesn't smell like anything. The coverage more on the sheer side, but it does even out the skin pretty well. I use a bit of concealer to cover any problem spots. My go-to is MAC studio finish concealer.  I've tried a bunch of BB creams (Boscia, L'Oreal, Maybelline, Revlon), this one is probably my favorite.

Looks a little too light...

But blends in perfectly!

Repurchase? Yes

Review | Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

After so many recommendations of this product, I picked up the large one (in Honey- the bronze case) last year.

The color seemed to be delightfully nude- pigmented yet still understated, and it was. Sort of. Except that the color seemed a bit fake looking on me - almost an exaggerated nude that didn't go with my skin tone. I also wasn't a fan of the consistency. It's like a lipstick where too much comes off with even the lightest touch in application. I find it to be far too heavy, but then I thought that maybe it's just this particular color...

Then my birthday this year rolled around and Sephora's Beauty Insider birthday gift was this adorable duo of the same lip treatment! I was so excited to try the other colors- especially the Rose (apparently the most popular color).

Left swatch : Honey

Right Swatch: Rose

I love love love the Rose color, it's beautiful and gives just enough color and warmth to the face. Again, I don't like the consistency, although the Rose consistency is a bit lighter than the Sugar (clear) and the Honey. I used up the entire clear sample in a little over a week. I felt as though it made my lips more dry- I found myself applying it over and over again obsessively. I don't particularly like this product (even though I tried so hard to)! My favorite out of the three is the Rose, however I wouldn't recommend the product given the price and effectiveness. It made my lips feel really heavy with piled-on product. It was thick but not moisturizing- really disappointing. 

Overall:

Cost: $22.50

Repurchase: no

Recommend: no

Have you tried this product? What are your lip product recommendations? :-)

A Little Sephora Haul

Sephora recently had their VIB Friends&Family sale, and I just had to pick up a few products.

I tried to be good to my wallet and bought things that I "needed" (except the lipstick! and one could argue about the highlighter). I placed my order on Sunday and it arrived today- very prompt, despite Hurricane Sandy's aftermath.

Benefit Moon Beam

I loved Benefit's High Beam in high school (when it used to cost $23! now it's $28), and I figured I would try the other one, since I have warm undertones. It should add a nice little glow when mixed with foundation.

Origins Eye Doctor

My first eye cream purchase! The description sounds like exactly what I need, especially now that winter is coming up, and the effects can be rather harsh and drying to the skin. I was debating between this one and the Origins Gin-Zing. Have you tried that one?

Ren ClearCalm 3 Replenishing Night Serum

I've heard so much about REN products and thought I would give it a go. "A soothing and replenishing gel serum formulated for use overnight to leave blemish prone skin comfortable, clear, and calm". Sounds fantastic. The serum is formulated for acne prone skin, which I have. We'll see how it works!

NARS Lipstick

Cruising is described as a "nude pink", great for an every day lip color (pictured above). The Dolce Vita is a gift, so I didn't want to open that one!

Have you tried these products?