SMASHBOX - PHOTO FINISH FOUNDATION PRIMER

I've only begun to take primers seriously within the last two years. I have no idea what I was thinking before then. I can only think about all of that wasted make-up with a twinge of guilt. I could have upped my make-up game years ago if only I had listened to my Clinique lady when she recommended that I use a primer to help pro-long the longevity of my make-up an assist with creating a perfect base. I'm a few years older now, and thankfully a little bit wiser. Primers are the life-blood of a perfect base. They are used to smooth out skin, reduce the appearance of fine-lines and wrinkles, and minimise pores. Some primers even assist with oil control (holy grail!).

After recently finishing a MAC primer that I was semi-impressed with, I decided to venture out and see what else was on the market. I'm all for trying new products and hadn't been overly satisfied with the oil control with my previous primer. So of course, I popped on over to the MECCA website and began reading some reviews from other make-up fanatics. The Smashbox Photo Finish Primer has some amazing reviews from other users. So amazing in fact that I had to try it myself.

Smashbox 'Photo Finish Foundation Primer' alongside some of my everyday flawless base products

'An award-winning primer that delivers a silky finish, creates a smooth base and increases the wear of your foundation'.

Packaging

The packaging is sleek and refined, so much so that when I received my order it was in a mini Mecca box. What you see on the packaging box is exactly what the product looks like in person. 

What I really enjoy how the product packaging in particular is that it is see-through,  which allows me to  visibly see the product and how much I've used.

That packaging! Much wow. So sleek. Very refined.

'The unique oil-free formula soothes and hydrates the skin whilst extending the wear of your makeup. An essential must have for a velvet smooth finish'.

Texture & Comfort   

You don't need to use very much product to cover your face. I've found that a pea-sized amount of primer covers my entire face. The product itself is clear (as pictured) and is easily spreadable. It does have however a slippery silicone texture to it when applied.. 

I generally allow my primers 10-15 minutes to soak in and do what they need to before I begin applying my foundation. You don't need to leave this primer for long though as it is absorbed very quickly. The Photo Finish Foundation Primer is very light-weight and can't be felt on the skin once absorbed.

And according to Smashbox, this particular primer can also be used to tame frizzy hair. 

'Infused with a silky, lightweight blend of vitamins and antioxidants, this best-selling primer works to inhibit the destruction of collagen and reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores'. 

Awards

As I mentioned earlier, one of the reasons why I chose to try out this particular primer was because it had amazing reviews and apparently has won a tonne of awards!

• Martha Stewart Weddings Big-Day Beauty Awards Winner 2015 & 2013
• Brides - 2014 Beauty Awards winner
• New Beauty - The Best Beauty Essentials: The Best Makeup Primer 2014
• Winner of Best of Sephora Award for Best Primer
• One of Marie Claire's "25 Products That Will Change Your Life"
• InStyle Best Beauty Buy
• Featured in Brides Magazine
• Winner of the Nylon Beauty Award
• Total Beauty Reader's Choice: Best Primer
• Redbook MVP Award
• Allure Best of Beauty Award
• QVC Customer Choice Beauty Awards: Best Primer
• Shecky's Beauty at its Best Award

'We developed a formula that diffuses the light hitting skin to blur out imperfections for an even, soft-focus look'.

Affordability & Retailers

If you'd like to purchase your own Smashbox Primer you can do so, at my favourite store of all time, Mecca. The Photo finish Foundation primer is currently retailing for $54.00 AUD.

Mecca has EVERYTHING you need, and then some.

Final Verdict

My T-Zone can be particularly oily at times, so I was looking for a primer that would allow my make-up to stay put throughout the day. I generally trial the longevity of my beauty products by wearing them through a work day, where I spend a few hours both inside and outside, to see how effective the product really is.

What I found with this product is that it worked best when only minimal make-up was applied to my T-Zone. I experimented with my ABH Cream Contour on my nose and chin, using the primer as a base, however it wasn't able to hold the oil in my skin at bay and unfortunately  the heaviness of the cream contour with my oily skin had me looking less than fabulous. For me, less make-up is best when using this primer on my T-Zone.

Having said that, although it has the rest of my skin looking and feeling fabulous, this product doesn't do much more than my previous MAC primer did. It's okay, but I would consider trialling other primers in the future before returning to this one. My skin is not overly oily, so I was pretty disappointed.

On a positive note, the Photo Finish Primer did make my pores and fine lines practically disappear. If you're not prone to any kind of oily skin, I would still recommend this primer. Personally,  once this bad boy is all used up I'll be continue my search for the perfect primer to meet my skins needs. Until then!

Stay Updated

New product reviews are uploaded every Saturday in Australia, while Pro Tips are uploaded on the first Saturday of each month. 

 - B xo

BLACK MOON COSMETICS - LIQUID LIPSTICKS - WRATH, SELENE, HARVEST

My favourite lipstick brand had released new colours! Can life get any better than this? 

I've talked about my love for the Black Moon Cosmetics liquid lipsticks several times. Sometimes, my love for this brand even makes it way into other product reviews. That's how deeply I am in love with Black Moon. 

Pictured Top to Bottom: Selene, Harvest, Wrath

As you can imagine, I was over the moon (pun intended) when Black Moon Cosmetics released four new colours earlier this year. The new colours were Wrath, Selene, Harvest and Grim. Being a pale faced babe, I opted to not purchase Grim this time around as, well, I'm about as pale as Casper the ghost and there are some colours that I just can't wear. 

Packaging

I don't care what you say; there is no better liquid lipstick

There have been a few changes to the brand since their original release. Black Moon Cosmetics have since updated their product logo, which now features a BM with a crescent moon. The lipsticks have also been given a new wand, which is more of a flat rectangle as opposed to a rounded lip brush. I was a bit sceptical at first, but it actually worked really well at lining my lips and then applying all over.

In regard to the cardboard packaging, I find it very underwhelming compared to the actual product and gives the product a cheap impression. I hope Black Moon Cosmetics re-evaluate their cardboard packaging in the future.

'Our formula's uniqueness starts from our creamy, whipped texture allowing for buttery smooth application, to out moisturizing qualities leaving your pout so soft! Our flexible formula does not allow for any cracking or crumbling. It stays on for 5+ hours with no lip liner needed, is kiss-proof, and smells like a freshly baked vanilla cake!'

Shades & Textures

Black Moon Cosmetics have released four new colours to their liquid lipstick range. Here's a quick look at the newest additions to my collection:

Black Moon Cosmetics - Wrath

Wrath is described as "the perfect combination of mauve with a hint of pink and brown touch". What I first noticed about this colour it how dark it was on me! Hashtag pale girl problems. It's been compared to a purple version of Libra (Libra is supposed to be a light pink, but appears brown on me). 

Black Moon Cosmetics - Selene

Selene is described by Black Moon as a "beautiful deep plum with a gorgeous soft purple pearlescent sheen". And I must admit, that pearlescent sheen was the very reason why I purchased Selene. It's just too pretty to pass up!

Black Moon Cosmetics - Harvest

And lastly, Harvest is described as a "perfect soft burnt orange that is perfect on all skin tones. Not too bright, it is the perfect hue orange with a kiss of red which makes it the ultimate warm colour for fall, or any time of the year". I was actually  little surprised at how much I love Harvest. It really is that perfect burnt orange colour with hints of red. I'll be wearing this as much as possible during the colder months.

From L - R: Grim, Harvest, Selene & Wrath

'Colours may vary depending on screen and/or monitor resolution, lighting, and skin tones'.

Formula & Pigmentation

The formula for this liquid lippies buttery smooth and applies like a dream. The new applicator brush also allows or more precise application and lining of the lips. Each lipstick also dries within 3-5 minutes and can last all day, as long as you avoid greasy food. Otherwise, its food and water proof and make-out proof!

Again, it is important to remember that these liquid lipsticks will appear differently on different types of skin tones so if you're unsure if these colours are for you check them out on Instagram on a similar skin colour to your own.

Ingredients

Black Moon Cosmetics pride themselves on their products being vegan, cruelty free, paraben free and also gluten free. 

Each lipstick is extremely moisturising and enriched with both Vitamin E and Antioxidants.

Affordability & Retailers

Just a reminder that these liquid lipsticks are gluten free, cruelty free, paraben free and are vegan! Amazing! They are also currently retailing for $18.00USD, so get in while the exchange rate is a-okay. You can make your purchase here.

Final Verdict

Check out my earlier post on the rest of this collection for more details about this fabulous brand. I'll be buying Black Moon Cosmetic liquid lipsticks forever.

- B xo