Posts Tagged ‘christmas gifts’

This awesome foundation primer is suitable for any woman who uses even the tiniest amount of makeup.  Smashbox has created a winning product that is perfect for all skin types and all types of foundations from liquids to creams to powders and mineral makeups. Photo Finish is a silicone based gel that goes on smooth and grease free to fill in uneven bumpy skin.  As the name implies, this foundation primer gives a softly lit airbrushed effect to smooth out fine lines and pores.

Just imagine the type of lighting that Oprah uses on her show to get that perfectly made up look for her and her guests.  Now imagine what it would be like if you had that type of lighting following you around as you go about your day.  I’m being 100% serious when I tell you that THIS is what Smashbox Photo Finish does!

I will admit that I have been using this product for several years now and for years I have  guiltily refused to tell people about it because I rather like going around letting people think I’m naturally blessed with beautiful skin.  The truth is that I have acne scars and pigmentation from my teenage years that I hide very well with a combination of Photo Finish primer, Face Atelier concealer, and judicious use of mineral makeup to “fake” my naturally gorgeous skin, shhh don’t you tell anyone though!

What Smashbox’s foundation primer really excels at is filling in pores and lines.   So if you have ever put on your foundation only to see your pores and wrinkles grow larger and deeper, then you need to get this!  The difference is unbelievable and you will have to see it in  person to see what I’m talking about.  It is difficult to describe in words, but I would say that Smashbox Photo Finish tames flaky dry skin and gives your skin a dewy glow while at the same time it absorbs shiny grease/sweat and stops your foundation from melting off your face.  Sometimes if I’m running late in the mornings I’ll even skip my foundation all together and just put on a light layer of primer to “freshen up” my skin.

The great thing about the original  Smashbox Photo Finish Primer is that it is colorless so it will work with all skin tones without leaving white streaks.  I am reviewing the original Photo Finish formula, but there are other formulas for specific needs.  The different versions in the line range from SPF protection, color correcting for specific problems such as redness and bruising, to bronzing primers which give a nice pop of color just where you need it.

(Click here to see the full line of products @ Amazon.com)

Despite being a miracle product that keeps your makeup on all day, Photo Finish is easy to wash off.  You have to remember that it is a silicone based product so you will need to use an oil based cleanser to wipe off the product first and then you can just follow up with your usual face cleanser and toner.

You can get Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer with free Amazon prime shipping HERE AT Amazon.com

Is your favorite girl always on the go?  For women who are out and about, the worse thing is having to touch up their makeup in public.  Here are some great makeup gifts that will help busy ladies get on with their lives.

	Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eyeshadow smudges and flaking glitter are some of my biggest makeup pet peeves.  If you have oily skin, sweat throughout the day, or if your skin is too dry then your shadows will have a hard time staying on and will flake off.  Shadow Insurance fixes that problem by forming a base coat for your eyeshadow to stick to.  Too Faced Shadow Insurance makes eyeshadow colors pop so you can use less eyeshadow for the same effect.  Shadow Insurance also smooths wrinkles and makes blending colors easier.  There’s also a shimmer version called “Candlelight” and a “Glitter Glue” version for glitter and sparkle shadows. (Click to compare prices)
	Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Finally there’s a waterproof eye liner that won’t smudge or run with teary eyes.  Stila’s liquid eyeliner brush draws a clean bold line without tugging on delicate eyelids.  Unlike other liquid liners there’s no skipping or bleeding with Stila Stay All Day liquid eye liner.  Plus once it’s on skin it dries up quickly so you don’t have to wait forever before you can start blinking again!  Comes in a variety of colors including black, brown, silver, indigo, and green as well as a sparkle and shimmer version. (Click to compare prices)
	Stila Convertible Color Lipstick/Blush This all in one blush and lipgloss is perfect for a better than natural look. Stila’s convertible colors come in 8 different shades and goes on smoothly for a translucent pink / peach to brighten up your cheeks and lips.  Not only does these shades cut down on the amount of makeup you have to carry around but they are long lasting with colors still fresh after 8 hours.  The colors are subtle and forgiving so they suit all different types of skin tones. (Click to compare prices)
	Stila Smudge Pot A long time cult favorite, smudge pots are a triple duty makeup weapon.  This little jar is an eye liner, eye shadow, and brow pencil all in one!  Smudge pots are creamy and dry so they can be applied with a flat angled brush for a clean line or with your fingers for a softer blended smoky eye look.  I love smudge pots because the dry gel formula does not melt in hot weather and it doesn’t dry out like liquid formulas. A little goes a long way and one jar can last over half a year even with everyday use. (Click to compare prices)
	Too Faced Eye Palettes These pre selected eyeshadow “themes” are great for when you are traveling and do not want to bring along your entire makeup drawer!  Each palette comes with instructions for several looks using only the eyeshadows in the palette.  Set themes range from “natural eye”, “smoky eye”, to “romantic eye” these palettes are simple to use and easy to pack.  Too Faced eyeshadows blend easily and are deeply colored.  Pair this palette up with Too Faced Shadow Insurance and your eye makeup will stay touch up free for entire day. (Click to compare prices)
	Too Faced Retractable Kabuki Brush This retractable brush is an ultra portable and mess free solution for bronzers, blushes, and foundation.  This kabuki has a full sized brush head for full even coverage and quick application.   Teddy bear bristles are not made out of animal hairs so they are cruelty free as well as extra soft compared to animal hair kabuki brushes.  If you have sensitive skin and cannot use normal kabuki brushes then you should give Too Faced’s Teddy Bear hair line of brushes and see what the fuss is about! (Click to compare prices)