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Beauty Best: Smashbox Be Discovered Blush Trios

Sarah Conley — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 15:07:14 EDT

Since I discovered Smashbox's Soft Lights blush, the brand has had my heart. As much I love bold lip and eye looks (though generally not together), I am admittedly terrified of blush. In recent years, I've moved towards cream blushes simply because it's much easier to control the amount of product applied and it blends so much easier. I recently had a chance to try out Smashbox's latest creation, the Be Discovered Blush Trios, from the spring collection. There's no way that I can convey how much I love these blushes without completely gushing all over this blog post, so I will simply say: I'm obsessed.

The trios come in two colorways, In Lights and Show Biz. In Lights is warmer toned, with a bright coral cream, a nude shimmer and a deeper bronze. Show Biz is cooler, with a rose cream, a pink-nude cream and a soft shimmer. Not only can you use these trios to highlight and brighten, but you can also use them to contour for more enhanced cheekbones.

The Be Discovered Blush Trios are a part of Smashbox's Be Discovered spring collection and retail for $29.

Beauty Bite: What's In My Makeup Bag + Fashion Targets Breast Cancer

Sarah Conley — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:16:06 EDT

This summer, I've tried to keep things fresh, fun and most importantly, light. That's why when I was asked to show you what's in my makeup bag in support of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, I jumped at the chance. Everyone needs to know about this fantastic charity (you know anything that comes from the CFDA is genius) and the Henri Bendel exclusive striped bag that donates 50% of the net proceeds back to the charity. Should I ever leave NYC, I will want my life peppered with Bendel's iconic brown and white stripes as a reminder of the city I love. Of course, I'd feel much better if 50% of the proceeds went to a great charity like FTBC (just sayin).

When repacking my makeup bag (daily) for the past couple of moths, I'd developed a real love for Beauty Balms, gloss/balm combos and rollerball fragrances. Naturally, I wanted this post to feature products that have captured my attention and most importantly, space in my makeup bag.

Amala's Rejuvinating Hand Cream with certified organic cocoa bean - If you're the least bit interested in natural beauty, I highly recommend giving Amala products a look. Highly effective made with natural ingredients and a great company philosophy. Can't be beat!

Lifetherapy's Vacation Pulse Point Oil - What can I say - Vacation's all I've ever wanted and this smart blend of white orchid, polynesian coconut flakes and sandalwood takes me away.

Smashbox's Limitless Lip Stain & Color Seal Balm - On a particularly important day, I left my makeup bag home like a dodo. After 30 minutes of debating in Sephora, this was by far the best (necessary) purchase.

Dior's Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen - At the end of a long day, we could all use a little highlighter pick me up. Dab this along your cheekbones and in your cupid's bow for an instant refresh.

Boscia's B.B. Cream - There's been a lot of talk lately about B.B. Creams (a seemingly miracle all-in-one product) and I've tried quite a few. The Boscia version lasts all day and has light reflecting particles for a truly flawless finish.

Boscia's Green Tea Blotting Linens - I hope that I don't have to convince you of the necessity of blotting sheets (drop me a line if you're not carrying a pack in your bag - we need to talk). This limited edition printed packaging and green tea infused linens are a total bringer of joy.

MAC's Studio Careblend Pressed Powder - A light powder specifically blended to provide a light, luminous finish that's the perfect powder for touchups in any season.

MOR Cassis Noir Lip Delight - Hands down the chicest lip balm I've ever owned.

MAC Cream Color Base in Seaside - From the upcoming MAC Me Over collection, Seaside is a gorgeous gentle coral with shimmer power. Perfect for sun kissed cheeks.

Want to know more about the secret lives of beauty bloggers (aka, what do we actually keep in our makeup bags)? Amber from Beauty Blogging Junkie spills her Henri Bendel exclusive Fashion Targets Breast Cancer bag, too.

The Glossy, Glossy: Smashbox's Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss SPF 15

Sarah Conley — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 16:42:48 EST

Smashbox Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss

$21.00 by Smashbox at Sephora

Earlier today, the Smashbox Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss in Endless Kiss landed on my desk. Naturally, like any good lip product obsessed lady would, I applied it immediately. In the tube, Endless Kiss appears to be a Spring-perfect melon gloss with subtle gold shimmer. On my lips, it's more of a very sheer version of the tube's initial color.

Since this is a long wearing lip gloss, it has a different texture than your typical lip product. After applying the product with the doe foot applicator, the initial slip is similar to a lip balm, creating a smooth and high-shine surface. After a bit of wear (and drinking) the formula can become sticky, but nothing unusual (comparable to a MAC Lipglass).

Bonus points and kudos to Smashbox for including SPF 15 in this formula. Our lips are often forgotten when applying sunscreen products, but like the rest of our body, they need protection too.

The Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss SPF 15 was just released as a part of Smashbox's latest collection, In Bloom.

Getting It Right: Keeping Dark Circles Away

Sarah Conley — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:28:30 EDT

Each morning, I look at myself before I apply my makeup. I stare intensely into the mirror, examining every pore, every bump, scar and patch of discoloration. The other imperfections can be dismissed and easily concealed, but for the life of me, I cannot spackle away my dark circles. Whenever a skincare expert takes a look at my skin, they swear that they cannot see them, but they will always be my first point of insecurity.

For about 30 minutes after I apply my foundation and concealer, I'm perfectly happy with how my eyes look. There's no puffiness, no hint of dark circles and I look as awake as I would if I had spent the entire morning attached to the coffee pot via IV. There are so many products on the market designed to treat this area, but it's always about finding the perfect mixture, a cocktail of sorts, that works best with your skin. Just 15 minutes ago, while reapplying my makeup in Starbucks, I found my magical combination.

Smashbox Halo Yellow Color Correcting Hydrating Powder

$39.00 by Smashbox at Sephora

Smashbox's Halo Yellow Hydrating Powder sat in my powder drawer for many months. Sure, it's great to correct redness, but I rarely have any red areas on my face. Recently, it hit me - why didn't I try using it to set my concealer and for touch-ups throughout the day? This thought ended up being the magic ticket to help conceal my dark circles and especially balance out the purple/grey tones that are often made more prominent when I wear these shades of eyeshadow. How is this hazel eyed girl supposed to not wear purple?!

The container is a bit bulkier than I might want to carry in my makeup bag every day, however with the powder shaving applicator, I can easily shave off a bit of the powder into a portable container for my on-the-go needs.

Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener

$18.00 by Smashbox at Sephora

There are those products that you "hear" about - and question whether or not they work the way it seems everyone is gushing about. For me, Smashbox's Photo Op Under Eye Brightener was one of those products. I've used so many highlighters and concealers that I wondered how this one could be different. Boy, was I wrong.

Highlighter formulas seem to fall into one of a few categories. Either the formula is a little too thick, or the "luminizing effect" comes from massive chunks of glitter that end up down your cheek or the formula is so thin that it ends up being watery. Photo Op doesn't fall into any of these categories.

The formula is thin and effective. A couple of swipes of the flexible brush tip applicator under each eye offers fantastic coverage and helps bounce light away from anything you might be trying to conceal. Set the area with the Halo Yellow powder, and you're ready for your close up.

Do you struggle with under eye circles like me? How do you treat them?

Gimme Your Love, Heartbreaker

Sarah Conley — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EDT

Heartbreaker Lip Shine

$19.00 at Smashbox

As you get older, the expression "Spring has sprung" takes on a whole new meaning. Shedding Winter layers for Spring's flirty looks generally only leads to one thing - take that where you will. Smashbox has aptly named their Spring color collection Heartbreaker, full of bright, flirtatious colors and bold, California Barbie-inspired packaging. How can you say no to a lipgloss named Berry Hot?

The Lip Shine is a great addition to a Spring color collection - it starts off sheer but easily allows for buildable color. Berry Hot is a fantastic plum-influenced fuchsia that can build to the color you see in the tube.

In addition to great pigmented lipglosses, the collection also includes a Fusion Soft Lights (a personal favorite of mine) and great eyeshadow palettes.

Of course, this collection also makes me think of Mariah Carey & Jay-Z's super catchy single, Heartbreaker.

Heartbreaker, you've got the best of me....

Mariah Carey - Heartbreaker

Getting Regal: Smashbox's Fall 2009 Reign Collection Featured In The Plaza Beauty By Warren Tricomi

Sarah Conley — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:36:01 EDT

Smashbox Reign Lash DNA Mascara, Plum $19

Smashbox Reign Fusion Blush, Regal $32

Smashbox Reign Eye Shadow Palette, Monarch $42

The coming of Fall means so many great things. The ability to wear deeper, richer shades and the return of Fall tv programming stick out most in my mind. Season 3 is about to begin and I'm pretty sure most of us are still having Gossip Girl fever. So many trends can find their roots in the fictional Upper East Side landscape that it can almost feel like Gossip Girl fever year round. When I saw the design of Smashbox's Fall 2009 collection, entitled Reign, my first thought was "Gossip Girl!". The burgundy leather, the embossed crest all feel so very regal.

The Fusion blush in Regal is a delightful warm peach shade, with one matte side and one shimmer side for highlighting. These shades are perfect for those days when Autumn's warm colors are all you can think about.

The Eyeshadow Palette in Monarch is a great collection of neutrals. Holding 6 shadows in total, each duo is combined within a circle. The center color can range in texture from matte to a soft sheen, while the outer colors are fiercely metallic.

The Reign Lash DNA Mascara in Plum is a perfect addition to this collection, as purple is the signifying color of royalty. Lash DNA utilizes a large, spiral set brush for maximum effect. The Plum shade is a metallic red-plum, straying it away from the traditional purple shades.

The Reign Fall 2009 Collection was selected to be a part of The Plaza Beauty by Warren Tricomi. Each product was selected for it's place as an essential beauty luxury by Joel Warren and Edward Tricomi. Set in The Plaza Hotel, it's no wonder The Reign was selected. The visitors who stay at The Plaza are known for their "impeccable taste". Other brands fortunate to be selected to take part in this curated shopping experience include Dianne Brill, Korres, M Lab Skincare, Becca Cosmetics, Tocca and of course Warren Tricomi products. The Plaza Hotel is located on the corner of 5th Avenue and Central Park in NYC.

Where do you go for a luxurious shopping experience?

The Makeup Show NYC Haul

Sarah Conley — Sun, 17 May 2009 20:04:08 EDT

It has a been a long (and exhausting) day spent at The Makeup Show NYC. More photos and recaps are coming, but I wanted to share with you some of the great brands and products that were represented (clockwise from left to right):

Smashbox Fushion Soft Lights in Sunset (can't seem to locate on their site)
Mini gloss in Accessories
Mini gloss in Happy Hour
Naked loose pigment in Urban Rustic #05
Luminess Tan Airbrush Tanning System
Giselle Cosmetics 6 in 1 Eyeshadows in Contradiction
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Loose Color in Glisten
3 Custom Color Lipstick in Frangipani
Pencil Me In Eye Accent Pencil in Indigo
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Grandma
Stila 24k Appreciation Gloss in Brilliant Pink
Stila 24k Appreciation Gloss in Golden Charm
Stila Convertible Mascara

Any favorites? Any products you wish you could get your hands on? Any products you want me to review? Tell me in the comments below!

Also, since the winner of the 2 tickets to The Makeup Show NYC didn't contact me, if anyone wants to attend tomorrow (May 18) leave a comment below - 2 tickets are still up for grabs, and the first comment wins!

Captured: My Greatest Eyeliner Moment

Sarah Conley — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:01:15 EDT

The photo at left was the greatest eye liner moment of my life. I have since attempted to recreate it unsuccessfully, and I'm nots sure it will ever occur again. I'm glad I had the ability to capture it. Products used:

L'Oreal's Lineur Intense Special Edition in Defined By Plum (no longer available)

Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer in Butter

Smashbox Soft Lights in Tint

MAC X Hello Kitty lipstick in Fashion Mews

If I ever perfect this look, I'll do a video tutorial on it. Deal?

The good news is my cable internet has been restored and StyleITOnline.com can return to it's regularly scheduled randomness.

Best Beauty Palette Smackdown

Sarah Conley — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:45:29 EDT

Sephora may have strarted the Holiday Blockbuster palette trend, but that doesn't necessarily mean they will be the ones to finish it. This Holiday season we are privy to a beauty palette smackdown of gargantuon purprotions. Compare the two eerily similar palettes below.

1: Sephora's Classic Blockbuster ($48)

The palette that started it all - what more is it to say. When it first hit shelves back in 2006 Sephora couldn't keep them in stock. Previously priced at $40 for the same size, this product is eerily close to becoming a classic.

2: Smashbox's Ultimate Beauty Palette ($59)

The designs are very similar, but in Smashbox's defense, how else would you fit so many products in one palette? For only $11 more, the Smashbox version boasts 70 eyeshadows, 8 lip glosses, 8 cream eyeliners, 6 brow tech powders, brow tech wax, 4 lip colors, 2 blushes, soft lights, cream liner brush, brow tech brush, eyeshadow brush and a lip brush.

Perhaps a good way to look at the differences in these two products is that the Sephora Blockbuster is good for those just entering makeup because of the more even distribution of eyeshadow and lipstick colors, but the Smashbox palette is a better fit for those who are more familiar with more advanced products.

I'm dying to know - which would you buy?

Get 4% of your total purchase from Sephora back by using Ebates.

Smashbox Gives Good Value

Sarah Conley — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:47:44 EDT

Smashbox Master's Class Vol. 2 Special
$59 - Sephora

Smashbox Face Forward Beauty Kit -
$64 - Beauty.com

Smashbox Try Me Set
$29 - Beauty.com

Smashbox Master's Class Vol. 3
$59 - Sephora

Honestly, Smashbox products when purchased individually are a bit overpriced. Their Photofinish Primer, while effective, is far too steep for my budget, and I'm not the kind of gal who will pay $30 for a tube of tinted moisturizer. However, Smashbox really knows how to build value into a set. After purchasing the Master's Class Volume 2 (pictured), I was hooked. In addition to the sets pictured, Sephora also has a Beauty Insider's exclusive set, as does Beauty.com.

I'm a sucker for multiple items in cute packaging, and I appreciate Smashbox's sponsorship of LA Fashion Week. Does your favorite beauty brand offer free gifts or special edition sets, and if so, does that affect your perception of them?