Smashbox

Smashbox is a brand that was introduced to me by my mother a few years ago, when she brought me an eyebrow/eyeliner palette kit.  Ever since I’ve adored all the products, including the hero product Photo Finish. Until recently QVC was the only retailer but since 2011 Debenhams have been selling the range also. So why isn’t the brand readily available here in the UK and who is behind these fantastic products?

Smashbox was launched in 1996 by two LA brothers Dean and Davis Factor, the grandsons of make-up legend Max Factor, Smashbox cosmetics focuses on long-lasting products that are designed to give a flawless look, worthy of Hollywood stars such as Drew Barrymore and Charlize Theron, who are known to be fans.

Smashbox Cosmetics are part of a larger empire of the Factor brothers; Smashbox Studios is where the inspiration for the cosmetic line began. Smashbox Studios includes a modeling agency, a photo studio and a clothing line. The cosmetics arm of the business was sold to Estee Lauder in the summer of 2010, yet the brothers still remain at the helm.

Smashbox were the first brand to create HD make-up, their products are not only created for models on set or celebrities, but also for the woman in the street. Offering the same hardwearing durability, coverage and steadfastness in everything they have produced. Smashbox has successfully brought several niche products out of the professional sphere and into the make-up bags of the masses. The Photo-Finish Primer, for example, which goes on before foundation so that it will ‘cling’ to your skin and eliminate shine; of the Eye-Beam Liner, a double-ended pencil that lightens the corner of the eye, as well and the lower rim. These may sound like products for obsessive compulsives, but it’s surprising what a difference they make. In fact they are extremely practical, easy to use, quick and versatile.

Smashbox was really ahead of its time back in the late 90’s an with today’s demand for a more professional feel to make-up and customers wanting well-considered products that will enhance what they have rather than redrawing their looks. Smashbox is for everyday not just those special occasions, it has done all the fiddly bits, and created solutions to your beauty problems so you get the easy task of playing with it all!

So why isn’t the brand so big here?

Smashbox had something of a trouble start to its UK breakthrough. On the night of their launch in 1998, a Smashbox PR was allegedly drugged and raped by someone thought to be a friend of the Factors. No one was charged, however, in the ensuing furore, many beauty press sidestepped Smashbox giving it little coverage. With the beauty industry turning its back on the brand, it struggled to make its mark.

Perhaps with Lauder acquiring Smashbox and its distribution in Debenhams, the brand will be able to be recognized for the quality of the products rather than past events.

Ax

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

Last year saw the launch of Maybelline’s Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black, this April, Brown is added to the colour range.

The gel eyeliner is inspired by the hottest catwalk looks and helps you achieve that cat-eye effect, while allowing you to highlight and frame your own eyes with ease and precision.  The beauty of this eyeliner is that it is an oil-free formula that doesn’t smudge. While being water resistant it allows you to go about your business from morning until night and will last, if you can, for 24 hours.

The colour pigment is true and rich, due to the clear gel base and high pigment concentration. For those of you with sensitive eyes, it has been ophthalmologist tested and is completely safe to use with contact lenses.

The tiny pot (which will last you a long while) comes with a very precise eyeliner brush, enabling you to use small strokes across the lash line from the inner corner of your eye to the outer corner.

Personally, I found the brush to be a little too thick and have opted to use my Smashbox Cream Eyeliner Brush, as it has a flat edge that lets me literally press he eyeliner onto my lash line with out having to worry about being too heavy handed with brush strokes.

Smashbox Cream Eyeliner Brush

To enhance your own eyes, you can extend and thicken the line from the outer corner up towards your brow, creating a winged look, which has been popular for decades.

For me the brown is best suited for a fair complexion and I would say the black could look too severe for the day, yet perfect for a night out.

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in brown is available nationwide this month, so keep your eyes open, it is not one to miss!

Ax

Jo Malone Parma Violet Tea Linen Spray

I love my bed, I adore crisp clean linen and that feeling on a Saturday morning when you wake up and realise that you don’t have to get up for work. You can turn over and doze off to sleep again, not before turning the pillow over to get the cold side. Bliss!

However, sometimes in fact most times, this doesn’t actually happen and even getting to sleep in the first instance can be a struggle. Stress of everyday life can get on top of you and churn over and over in your mind, preventing a calm and deep nights sleep, but I think I have found the solution. Jo Malone’s Parma Violets Tea Linen Spray.

This light linen spritz is a sophisticated blend of lavender, lime and parma violets. It delivers a crisp yet relaxing aroma that you can waft over your pillows before bed to help ease your overworked mind and help you drift off to sleep. For that added luxury, use this on napkins, tablecloths and towels too.

Like all of Jo Malone’s fragrances, this last for a long time, it had such staying power that often I wear this as a perfume, the scent is one that is quite moreish and I think, dare I say this about a linen spray, a little flirty.

This makes a lovely gift for those who have everything, or a nice alternative to wine or flowers for the host of a dinner party.

Ax