Smashbox Halo Sheer to Stay Color Tint in Terracotta Review

 

How do I love Smashbox?

In so many ways!  My first brush set ever was a WHITE synthetic brush haired Smashbox and it serves me pretty well it is still looking fab and wonderful even today. 

When I got my own Smahbox Halo Sheer to Stay Color Tint from my Sephora Haul.  I immediately tested it and will share a quick review as a dry-skinned gal.

Smashbox says —-

A primer-infused cream cheek and lip tint that gives you a flush of blendable and buildable matte color for a fresh, blurred look.

What it does:

This creamy multi-tasking formula puts sheer-to-medium coverage at your fingertips. Its powder-like matte finish refracts light to help create a blurred, soft-focus look. The lasting colour tint is also infused with a rich Primer Oil Complex for comfortable wear.

 

I personally felt scared to use a matte type of tint as I may end up with a big blob of unblended spot.  I have dry cheeks so. Most matte tints tend look uneven on me. 

After using this product for more than a month, I can say this is a great summer companion.  

Terracotta is a bright warm orange shade that looks bright on tube but quite natural once blended.  This may look bright if you have really fair complexion and would appear really pretty on users with medium to darker complexion.

Though pigmented, it blends into the skin upon application naturally giving a nice natural glow.  

On lips, it looked a bit brighter than that on cheeks so I prefer using this on cheeks rather than lips.  

Though I must say, color aside, the consistency of the product on cheeks and lips are both comfortable and it doesn’t sit on my lip lines!  Which is a super YES considering most matte lip products tend to dry out my already dry lips.

Cheek Color - Check.

When Highlighting Is Life, You Need This Palette

If you are like me who thinks "highlighting" is a very important step for daily makeup look, brace yourself as I've found a palette that gives you all your highlighting needs! 

Subtle Highlight, A bit dramatic highlight and the super spotlight-type of highlight.  Name it!  You got it all in this palette.

I know some of you thinks highlighting is the least important step so feel free just to scroll down and check out photos as I hope to change your mind!  For someone with fair yet very sallow skin, this extra step I do to get the "Ang Fresh mo naman!"  compliment.  I'm a girl, I crave for compliments every now and then! *winks*

But seriously, highlighting gives me the instant high especially when I feel tired and sleepy from my gazillion tasks!  It's just me giving my skin an "uplifting mood" on a blah day!  Just like coffee for my system, highlight for my skin!  (I hope you get my comparison :P)

Smashbox co-created this palette with highlighting guru and YouTube star Casey Holmes to create such palette inspired by Casey's ideal lighting to create that glowing look.  This palette includes 3 shades of highlighting to work for all skin tones!

Smashbox Launches New Palettes and Lipsticks!

When we talk about Smashbox, I will always think about the well-known PhotoFinish Primer which I used on both personal and professional level.  Then I went ahead and tried their concealers, eyeshadows and loved them all!

Then the brand took a bit of a break here in the Philippines, in a way, I always visit Beauty Bar to check out new releases but I always feel that I missed learning about big collection just like way back when I was just starting out on Blogging.

Then, the final quarter of 2017 is actually where Smashbox decided to get back right in the scene with a huge bang!  And they definitely didn't fail!

What made me even more happy is that they launched not one or two new collection, they actually launched 3 products where you can actually wear and go out!

Smashbox Cover Shot Eye Palette, Spotlight Palette and Always On Matte Liquid Lipsticks

How To Cover Dark Spots and Acne Marks

Yay for another "How To" series, this time for my dear readers who have been emailing me to learn tips on how to cover their pimple spots or acne marks.  

Thankfully, my dear client was so gracious to let me take a photo of her pre-makeover.  She actually has gorgeous glowing skin but because she is going through skin treatment through her dermatologist, she was left with marks (not scars) that is just on the verge of healing.  So, as her make up artist that day, I am tasked to make her look like herself, at the same time, cover the spots that hides her lovely face!

I personally have gone through a stage almost like my client, but most of the spots are on my cheeks so I looked like I had natural "blush" from afar.  It may sound silly to some but I almost never wanted to go to school!  I wished I knew about concealers back then! #hehehe

AMW Reports: My Favorite Beauty Bar Opens MORE Branches

I used to work at Libis area in a Fortune Top 500 company.  Everyday I would walk through Robinsons Galleria to wait for a bus or sometimes, my mom would pick me up!  While my thoughts were lingering on work, emails and client calls, there are 2 places that I love to visit that would temporarily put my stressful life on hold!  

Auntie Anne's for my quick Almond Pretzel fix then the Beauty Bar as I love to keep myself updated with brands, products and trends!

I do own a lot of makeup and skincare products at present but the first few significant ones are actually bought from various Beauty Bar Branches.

Weeks before my 25th birthday, Mr. AMW and I went inside the Beauty Bar, Shangri-La mall and he took notice on how much time I took staring at the Smashbox Beyond Beauty Encounter Brush Kit.  

Because I've been a very loving girlfriend *winks*  and I've been a super hardworking, Mr. AMW gifted me my first-ever full -sized brush set and that's when my goal to learn makeup professionally started. 

After receiving my first brush set, I started to build up my make up collection and I've always been very keen on buying the basics as a starter kit.

As seen on my first few months of blogging, I talk a lot about Burt's Bees products.  Some of the Burt's Bees products I used are ---

Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

(which I repurchased three times)

 Burt's Bees Lifeguard's Choice

I would hop from one Beauty Bar branch to another and always leave the store with at least something that would give me the push to learn more about makeup artistry!  I expanded my brush collection by purchasing Prestige brushes!  Since MAC was a bit too much for someone starting up on makeup at that time, I picked a MAC 224 dupe called Prestige #103 Shadow Crease Brush and then followed with  Prestige #102 Shadow Contour Brush.  Both brushes are still doing well at present and I'm glad I invested on them.

Birds of the same feathers flock together, they say.   I find this statement true as I found myself surrounded by friends who are into makeup too!  It was still fresh in my mind our fun Kris Kringle game!  The girl I picked wrote down here wish and it was the Prestige Eyeshadow Quad which made me extra happy as I get  to go back to the Beauty Bar!  I find roaming around the store gives me the relaxation and satisfaction.

Imagine the good news when I received an email recently advising me that Beauty Bar will be opening up more branches!  Yay for all of us!

• Bonifacio High Street – August 2012
• Magnolia Mall, Quezon City – September 2012
• Subic – September 2012
• Glorietta – October 2012
• Bacolod – December 2012

The news made me extra happy as I have more reasons to visit the store especially now that they have more brands!  They carry my favorite Andrea Modlash Adhesive and also my K-Palette 24H Real Lasting Eyebrow Liners and K-Palette 24H Real Lasting Eyeliner Waterproof.  Oh, don't even make me talk about the sponges, eyelashes and nail polishes!

Are you excited that more Beauty Bar stores are opening up soon?
What do you usually purchase inside the Beauty Bar?

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Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")  

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(this is a sponsored post.)

Tip for the Day: Primers

Good morning loves! :)  How's your day today?  Mine will definitely be filled with caffeine + loads of love!  :P  I am going into a super busy February and the coming months so please bear with me if your requests won't come in as fast as a lightning!  I will try my best to accommodate all your requests (Yes, even nude painting of myself) *gasps*  

You should know by now that I'm JUST JOKING!  :P

Today, I will continue my Twilight saga, I talked about my takes on Foundations that I've tried and heard about in THIS POST and a lot of you have been asking me to continue the series! 

So let's talk about Primers, primers that I've tried and used and see which ones could work for you too! :) Keep in mind to purchase at your own discretion, I write this post base on my personal usage and some to my clients.

For Dry Skin

Why should dry-skinned individuals use primers?  Well, it's a matter of choice but I suggest we do especially when attending special events. :)  Can you imagine a well-polished face cracks and peels after a couple of hours inside an air-conditioned room?  Charge it to experience, been there, done that! :)

SPEND

Becca Silky Hydrating Primer

I have been using this on mature skinned clients and they love the scent too!  This product feels like moisturizer and gets absorbed into the skin easily.

Benefit's That Gal Brightening Face Primer

Brightening is one way to fake healthy glow of a skin that is dry and you can definitely get that from Benefit's That Gal!

Paul & Joe Moisturizing Foundation Primer

I believe in its name because it felt like a light moisturizer upon application!  It gets absorbed into dry areas easily thus creating a nice, plump base to start with foundation application.

SAVE

Any moisturizer that works for you or your client.  Serums are wonderful option too!  I love serums from GoodSkin Labs.

For Oily Skin

I have used a lot of primers for Oily skinned as most of my clients suffer from this skin type!  Here are my top choices as of the moment.

SPEND 
Smashbox Photo Finish

This is one of the best oil-control primer available in the market and has been sold out when it first came into our market.  The problem with this product is the presence of "silicone" in it's list of  ingredients and may cause breakout to some people!  That's why I do not use this much on gigs as I don't want my client to wake up with pimples even though they tell me they aren't allergic to any ingredients.

Smashbox Photo Finish Light

I have finished 3 bottles of this and I really recommend them to brides!  This is lightweight and water-based.  So far, I do not have any texts or calls from clients telling me I ruined their skin!  *knocks on wood*.  

Make Up For Ever All Mat Face Mattifying Primer

I have tried a sample size of this and the texture and effect is similar to Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Light.

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation Primer

This one does not contain any silicone ingredients and it feels like an oil-free moisturizer when applied.  The good part of using this is that foundation can be applied with ease minus the oily feel.

SAVE

L'Oreal Paris Base Magique

I can't seem to find really good, inexpensive oil-control primers and one that pops inside my head right away for SAVE is L'Oreal Base Magique!  I have used this on clients who were off for an outdoor pre-nup pictorial!  This may not have the best oil-control power like those on the SPEND portion but for its price, it exceeds my expectation.

Ellana Make It Last Makeup Primer 

I'm not sure if this is still available but I got a sample size of this and have used this on oily-skinned friends and it does work wonders.  This product contains silicone.

Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer

Keep in mind that this could feel a bit heavy on skin and must be applied sparingly!  Not all skin type will agree with the ingredients of this primer!  I find this primer works better on male clients!

For Normal/Combination Skin

I try not to put much primer on a normal skin but only apply on areas that oil up or dries out!  I do use 2 primers at a time for one client as we should really put on products where it is needed! 

SPEND

Paul and Joe Protective Foundation Primer UV

Cover FX SkinPrep Primer

My dearest blogger friend Gracie sent me this and it pains me as I've been using this a lot on clients of any skin type and it worked on all of them!  I am done with this tube and I guess I have to search online to repurchase this! 

SAVE

You can go for any "save" items from above and apply only on areas needed.

Please do keep in mind that less is always more, try not to put a lot of products on your face as possible!  One huge tip:  If your current foundation or setting powder gives you the Oil-control or Hydration your skin needs, then you can always skip primer application and your skin will thank you for it! :)

Can you share more "Primer Finds" for our readers out there?
What's your skin type and what's your favorite primer?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Askmewhats Version: "Jessie Glova" look

Happy Tuesday people! :) I will take a rest from Work look but this is still a workable work look for everyone! I have tried the Jessie Glova 28pcs Neutral palette which is like the Coastal Scents 28pcs palette (thanks to Kim for the wonderful and quick shipping). I remembered one of my dear reader wanted me to do a neutral look that's focused more on mattes! This is the best palette to do a matte look and any other looks!

AMW Diagram

Step 1:

Prior to e/s application, I prime the eye with Fashion 21 Stick Eyeshadow Liner in Pearl. Blend using my fingers.

Using a flat shader brush, apply a matte cream e/s on the brow bone area going to the inner corner of the eye.

Step 2:

Using a crease brush (MAC's 226), apply a shimmery maroon e/s all over the outer corner of the eye. Blending it inwards.

Step 3:

Using the same brush, patte on matte black e/s on the outer v to deepen the look of the crease area.

Step 4:

Using my MAC's 217 brush or any blending brush, pat on shimmery brownish gold e/s on the center of the eye lid creating an illusion of a "bright eyed" look.

Step 5:

Line your upper lashline and lower lash line with Maybelline Eyestudio Vivid & Smooth Liner in Dark Purple blending it with my Smashbox's Pencil brush.

Do not forget to curl your lashes and apply 2 coats of mascara
using Maybelline's Volum' Express Cat Eyes in Feline Black



Final look :)

For the face:

Joppa Full Coverage Foundation
in Medium Light #2
buffed with Ecotools Kabuki Brush



For the cheeks:

Arezia Pinkish Blush
using Thevi Dome Blush 15



For the Lips:

NYX Round Lipstick in Jupiter
Shawill Gloss



Semi braid your hair, like a crown
and smile away!

I know I've been doing a lot of light and fresh looking makeup for the past few weeks! I'll be doing some request from readers for dark looks! Keep reading and I'll slowly do "most" of your requests! Thanks for being patient!

If you wonder how the Jessie Glova palette works, do watch out for my review on that palette as I'm still working my way creating different looks before I can do a final review! Again, thanks for being patient...I know..repetition....sign of old age! LOL

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Tip for the Day: Base Makeup/Primers

Hello Askmewhats Readers!

I have a very good question asked by my reader a couple of weeks ago and I do apologize for taking such a long time to answer it. I tried putting it up on my "Reader's Corner" episode but the answer gets longer and longer so I've decided to make this a series.

I will answer the question in mini series so we tackle as much as we can! :) Yay?

Here's the question:

"What do I need to purchase to start up my make-up collection?"

Now you know why it took me weeks or months to answer this!!! This is one question that has so many answers!

Before I get to answer, here's a question that I need to ask YOU!

"Are you collecting makeup for yourself?
Or are you planning to be a professional make-up artist someday?" When I told myself I will start to spend my hard earn money on make-up, I knew I wanted to be a make-up artist so I made sure to buy the best of the best on what's out there, at the same time, making sure not to over spend. Here are just some of the tips at the back of my head, there's always a different version out there, but this is my version, I'm sure there's gazillions out there so feel free to share yours ok?

Today, I will start with

Base Makeup/Primers

Foundation can be included under base makeup, but in this post, I will be mainly focusing on pre-foundation products. What must you purchase for yourself or others?
Before you purchase any makeup base/primer, you have to evaluate your skin or your clients' skin!

Dry Skin

• Sunblock
• a moisturizer meant for dry skin
• Primer: this may be skipped, if you have combination skin, you can applly primer only on areas that are oilier

Oily Skin

• Sunblock
• Moisturizer - yes you still need them, apply a thin layer of moisturizer on oily areas and more on the less oily areas
• Oil control primer - to prevent the oilies

Wrinkly Skin

• Sunblock - blocking the sun to prevent further wrinkles
• Moisturizer - meant for aged skin
• Primer - to fill in the lines to have a good canvass to start up with your foundation

Blemished Skin

• Sunblock
• Moisturizer - you can check with your dermathologist for a good moisturizer meant for your sensitive skin. Better to use light and oil free moisturizer
• Treatment cream - from your dermatologist
• Corrective Primer (only if needed) - try not to use primers as much as possible, try to stay away from putting more products on to your skin especially if it's on treatment

Uneven Skin Tone

• Sunblock
• Moisturizer
• Primer that has shade

The tips above are just basic! Rule of the thumb, try to use the least product as possible. Be sensitive on your skin's reaction to each product you've applied.

If you are doing base makeup/primers to a client, do communicate with them and ask them if they have any allergic reactions to certain ingreidents or brands.

Here's a photo on the primers I currently own. I don't use them all on myself, but I use them on clients who are comfortable with primers.

Left to Right

Elizabeth Arden Good Morning Skin Serum (from Gracie)
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Light
Lancome Pure Focus T-zone (from Gracie)
P&J Protective Foundation Primer UV
Bare Naturals Make It Last Makeup Primer (from Shen)
P&J Moisturizing Foundation Primer 03

Below are the photo of BB Creams I currently own. Because of the craze, BB creams are considered as base makeup worldwide. Here's what I own, not a lot! But I'm happy with all of them!

Left to Right

Lioele Beyond the Solution BB Cream (from Zyra)
Skin79 VIP Gold Collection Super BB Cream
L'egere White Multi BB cream
BRTC Cover BB Cream

Do you use primers/makeup base everyday?
I don't! I let my skin breathe on most days! :)
I use primers on special occasions!
Share your thoughts my friends!

Keep smilin!
Stay Happy!

Askmewhats Reviews: Coastal Scents White Angled Liner Brush

Who wouldn't want to purchase a $2.19 (approx Php106.00) brush and it'll work and last you forever right?

I'm one of those! I have a HG gel liner brush but I'm still on the lookout for something "more". When I say more, I don't even know what I want more :) But reading a lot of raves about angled liner brush, especially the Sonia Kashuk one, I want one myself. But since I don't have access to purchase the Sonia Kashuk angled liner brush, I settled for the Coastal Scents one. First because it's cheaper, 2nd because they ship international.

I finally got it and has been using it for more than weeks. I poked my own eye many times, but for the love of my readers who would love to read reviews about this brush, I kept on poking...ehm... using the brush for me to be able to do a proper review :)

Read on :)

Here's the CS White Angled Liner brush. yes, it is very slim
The length of the brush itself from end to end is approx 6.75 inches
The brush hair is 5cm



Here's a close up shot of the brush hair
I knew it's not pointed as seen on the CS website

Coastal Scents Says ---

The hairs are precisoin cut; white taklon; formed in a solid fluid line without a tapered pointed end for a beautiful flat line.
Long slim line black handle with shiny metal ferrule.
7" in length

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• very cheap (if you are living in the US and shipping amount is not calculated)
• no hair fall
• easy to create a wing look with this brush as the brush hairs are too short, easy to control
• brush is firm
  

Cons

• after a good first application, when you dip the brush again on the gel liner, it creates a big blob of gel liner on the tip, which makes it harder for me to create a fine line for the 2nd time.

• expensive shipping
• the handle is too slim, I had a hard time holding it
  

Overall

If you are gel-lining your eyes for the first time, as read on reviews, a lot of people prefer this angled liner brush as the angled portion of the brush assists you in lining your eyes without having a hard time in making sure it matches with the other eye. I think I am so used to using my flat liner brush from Smashbox that I prefer going back to it than the angled one. I find that the fine brush will give me more chance to poke my eye than the flat liner brush.

Here's my HG gel lining brush from Smashbox :)

Same brush as the Coastal Scents
White Taklon

Tips

• always start with a thin line then slowly re-apply to get the line you desire
• try to wipe your brush before the next application to prevent the gel liner from thickening on the brush tip
• do not be in a hurry if you are applying gel liner, as this could seriously poke your eye lol (I am writing based on personal experience)
  

Will I repurchase?

No, this is enough :)

Where can you purchase and how much?

At the Coastal Scents website for $2.19 (shipping not included)

There is nothing fabulous or bad with this brush,
if you have the means to purchase it, why not?
It is inexpensive and it's a great brush for you to start up your collection!
Always try out different brushes when you line your eyes for you to know which ones work for you!
Enjoy eyeliner brush hunting :)
Let me know what your HG eyeliner brush is :)
Stay happy!