Smashing new stuff from Smashbox

CALIFORNIA-based cosmetics brand Smashbox has added new products to its already extensive line — four eyeshadow palettes, a highlight palette done in collaboration with a Youtuber, and 11 shades of velvet matte lipsticks.

“We chose the four Cover Shot Eye palettes — out of the seven eye palettes launched in the US — mostly because of how Filipinas prefer to do their own makeup. Here, it’s more neutral and the colors are not too crazy, and we chose accordingly,” a Smashbox cosmetics representative told BusinessWorld during the launch on Oct. 9 at Yes Please bar in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

The four palettes (P1,500) available in the Philippines are Ablaze, containing iridescent reds and browns “inspired by the sear and scorch of the desert,” according to a company press release; Golden Hour, promising a “soft inner glow reminiscent of the sun’s rising and setting” with a purple shimmer as “palate cleanser”; Matte, containing pigmented creamy shades “that go from neutral to dramatic”; and Metallic, featuring golds, silvers, and pearlescent colors with a foil finish.

During the launch, this writer was given the Ablaze palette to try out and though I do not focus the drama of my look on my eyes (so no smoky eye makeup for me), the palette caught my attention mostly because of its packaging which shows a holographic image of red-yellow sand exploding, and because of how travel-friendly it is — you get 6.2 grams of product in a palette — so it’s both entertaining and functional. Beautiful.

The palette gives you eight colors of mostly shimmer shades, though Relaxed (a tan which can be used as base) and Dark Horse (a deep brown-black which can be used to transition along the crease) are a bit more matte than the other colors.

Ablaze is mostly for those who like reds and browns in their eye looks and if you’re looking for an on-the-go palette you can take everywhere, unlike the recently launched Huda Beauty Desert Dusk palette which gives you 18 shades in one go (the colors are pretty, though).

True to the product description that it’s “packed with powerful pigments,” the product is pigmented, a little goes a long way, so don’t forget to go light on the product and dust off the excess from your blending brushes.

Aside from the eye palettes, Smashbox also launched its Spotlight Palette, done in collaboration with YouTuber Casey Holmes. The palette (P1,800) feature three highlight shades — Blow a Fuse, Crank it Up, and Turn it On. Blow a Fuse is a beige, high-shine shade perfect for those who want an understated, glow-from-within highlight, while Crank it Up and Turn it On are very similar shimmer shades in tan. Turn it On is a bit more shimmery, so for those who desire to have their faces used as beacons for lost ships at sea, go crazy with Turn it On.

Finally, the company also introduced the Always On Matte liquid lipsticks, touted as the “new holy grail” said the press release because it has “perfected the ultimate smudge, budge and kiss-proof lipstick” meant to be worn from day to night.

The lippies (P1,250) promise eight-hour staying power and this writer put it to the test with the shade Miss Conduct, a deep, deep red wine shade.

Eleven shades are available ranging from the neutrals, to the pinks and the reds.

And, yes, it does stay for eight hours (more or less) and through eating and drinking. It also has a nice texture — the Smashbox rep said it contains the brand’s Primer Oil Complex so it does not dry out the lips, which is a common problem when it comes to liquid mattes (though it’s not hydrating).

My only problem with this — and to be fair, this is a problem I have with other deep shades — is the patchiness when applied. The color payoff is amazing though, one swipe would have been good enough for me, if only it wasn’t patchy.

The new Smashbox products are available in Beauty Bar stores nationwide. — Zsarlene B. Chua