Smashbox Complexion Perfection

What first prompted me to try Smashbox was their Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer, which is amazing! I did some research on their foundation, concealer, and powder and decided to give it a whirl. I went to Sephora just to check it out, and tried it on. Low and behold - ran into a friend (RF) who complimented and asked me what I had done differently to my skin. Well, if that was the reaction, then I had to get it! So I did, after pay day. Let me tell you what I love and don't love. Now mind you, I bought the sampler kit, which comes in only 4 colors. I bought the light color. I maybe should have bought fair.

High Definition Foundation - I really like this foundation. I think it has great coverage and leaves my skin looking great! (minus my truck sized pores)

High Definition Concealer - I really like this concealer as well. Although it has great coverage,it's just a little too liquidy for me.

Photo Finish Foundation Powder - This stuff is absolutely amazing! I mix this with the color corrector primer and my face feels like velvet. You will not regret buying this, even if you do just separately.

Halo to-go Hydrating Perfection Powder - I really like this powder. I'm still looking for better, but it's the best I've found yet!

Love,
Robin Bird

8 out 10!

Kat Von D - True Romance Palette - Ludwig

When I bought this palette, I was really looking to get a Laura Luke palette, but was unimpressed. I love, love, love this palette!!! The black and brown are matte, so I can tell you right off the bat, I don't use them often. I don't do matte eyeshadow. The others are great, and perfect for those natural days. Way to go Kat Von D! I can't wait to get more palettes!!!

Palette:

- Lucifer (matte charcoal black)
- Orbi (golden green shimmer)
- Dimebag (metallic lime green)
- Clay (beige with gold glitter)
- Tequila (metallic cornsilk shimmer)
- Downtown (metallic light copper shimmer)
- Baroque (golden bronze shimmer)
- Leather (deep chocolate brown sheen)
- Two double-ended applicator brushes

7 out of 10!

Sephora - Eyeshadow, gloss, blush, bronzer palette

I bought this palette because I was awed by such a great deal. ($23) Now first with the blush. I like that it has three colors of blush. Most of the time I use a dusty rose color (all purpose). But in the fall and in the evenings I use a little bit different shades. So yes, I mix a bit with these three colors. BTW - I'm out! The bronzer is a good bronzer. It's not too orangy, and looks natural. Now am I going to seek out buying more bronzer and blush from Sephora, odds are - no. The glosses I have not used. Reason? The shadow, blush and bronzer have made their way into the glosses, which is gross. Why they put glosses in this palette is beyond me. A palette with 36 eyeshadow, 3 blushes, and a bronzer and they thought no powder would make their way to the glosses!? Ok so eyeshadows. If this was the only eyeshadow palette that I owned, I might be in love with it, but I'm not. I'd much rather use other brands, even Loreal from the grocery. The shadows are matte, which I hate, and are not concentrated my any means. If you like a light dusting of eyeshadow, this may actually be for you. I like concentrated, even when I'm going natural. One pro about Sephora shadows, they do not crease!

Love,
Robin Bird

Eyeshadows - 4 out of 10
Lip Gloss - NA
Bronzer - 6 out 10
Blush - 6 out of 10

MAC - Paints

One of the most important tips I've ever received in applying make-up is to have a good primer on my lids before eyeshadow application. Now let's be honest - eyes are very important, next to a flawless complexion! Although many, and I do mean many people swear by the Urban Decay Primer Potion, I use MAC paints - bare canvas. It does come in a very small tube, ($17) but I promise it will last forever if used properly. I have one in skin tone - bare canvas, and one in a light gold. (can't remember the color) I love them and swear by them!!!

10 out 10!!!

Neutrogena - Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Cream Cleanser

So, I normally do not use Neutrogena face wash, but I was broke, and going to Macy's was not an immediate option. I chose this cleanser because I thought it would be good for my oily skin. This product STINKS, as in SMELLS BAD! Not only is the odor extremely offensive, if does not cleanse my face well at all! Now some of you may enjoy the smell of grapefruit. Me? No! I can't wait to get rid of this product and my hands on my usual Clinque face wash.

Tip from me, smell products before you buy them!

Love,
Robin Bird

2 out of 10!!!

Clinique - Even Better Skin Tone Corrector

On my 28th birthday I discovered a horrible brown spot above my upper lip. Then another, then some discoloration around my hairline. To my dismay, I did the first thing I knew to do, I went straight to older females for advice and consult. After listening to wiser women than I, an esthetician (thank Katie M ), and research online, I discovered my birth control pills were giving brown spots on my skin. I'm 28!!! I can't have spots on my face! Well, I looked up some economical solutions and found an astringent I can make myself, and found a cream at CVS. None of this made me completely satisfied. My luck, Clinique just came out with just the thing I needed! Well, I waited for pay day, (I think it was $45!), and got the skin tone corrector. I've been using it for more than a month, and I have noticed a difference. Now, something as difficult as changing your skin color is not going to happen over night. But, I am quite pleased with the progress. I put the corrector on before my make-up in the morning and when I wash my face before bed. The great thing about this is, it is light enough for long term use. Although this product is not cheap, I think it's definitely going to be a daily part of my life.

Love,
Robin Bird

Urban Decay - Ammo Shadowbox

Let me begin by saying Urban Decay has the best eyeshadow ever! I have others, and I've tried others. None compares.

I love the Ammo Shadowbox. It is definitely a part of my routine beauty rituals. Let me give you a break down of the colors. Not all I like, not all I use.

Smog - I have smog in several palettes, and I love it! It is a deep coppery bronze with a metallic finish. Perfect for natural looks!

Mildew - This color upsets me. I feel it has so much potential, but never does right for me. It is a deep green with metallic shimmer.

Oil Slick - Honeslty, oil slick is not my go-to black. It is black with silver glitter. But when I am going for glitter look - this is a perfect black!

Last Call - This is a "plum punch" color with a metallic finish. Last call is loaded with color! I love it!

Chopper - Urban Decay describes this color as coppery fawn w/ silver microglitter. I really don't go for the glitter colors. BUT if you love a little glitter in your eyeshadow, and you want a light natural color, this is it!

Maui Wowie - Well I'm almost out of this one! I love Maui Wowie!!! I use this color with any combination you can think of. This color is medium gold w/ silver glitter. Perfect for fall colors and your WHO DAT make up!!!

Shattered - This color will give your make up a kick! Described as "bright green/blue shift." (Sometimes I have to dig my brush in the color a lil too much for my taste though.)

Polyester Bride - Again with the glitter. Not my fave. BUT if it's yours, this is a great white with silver gliter!

Grifter - I don't use this one much, because of the glitter. This is a sheer lavender w/ lots of silver microglitter.

Sin - This color is perfect for natural days. This color is a champagne color and a definite must for those quick make-up days!

Well although this palette has several glitter colors, I still think it's a great deal and a must have!

Love,
Robin Bird

9 out of 10!!!