Smashbox | Beauty and Fashion Tech

Nov 2, 2009

Mascara Monday: Smashbox Bionic Mascara

November 2, 2009 By Carleenp 1 Comment

I was quite happy with Smashbox Bionic Mascara. In fact, it was one of the better mascaras I have tried in a while.

At first blush, Smashbox Bionic Mascara looks pretty standard. Standard black tube, fairly standard bristle brush, etc. But the brush has a bit of a different shape to the bristles, and I got really nice length from it. So much so, that I was rather surprised! I don’t normally get such length with a standard bristle brush. I also had no clumping or other issues. Definition was also nice, with a really natural look. So look to this one for length with definition, no so much for volume.

The Beauty.com link I gave does include a bad review of it though. That person reported smudging. I didn’t have any such problems though and have worn it all day several times now.

Shop for more Smashbox Cosmetics

Disclosures: Beauty and Fashion Tech at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page

Filed Under: Makeup, Mascara Tagged With: Mascara, Mascara Monday, Smashbox

Dec 4, 2008

Makeup Brushes Make Great Holiday Gifts

December 4, 2008 By Carleenp 1 Comment

Looking for a good beauty related gift? Consider brushes. During the holidays, a number of nice kits are available.

First off, this is one of the best times to get MAC brushes at a great value because MAC always puts out holiday travel brush kits with a good price. Take a look at the MAC Cosmetics Adoring Carmine Collection (one kit of several pictured below) for various selections.

For a great value, take a look at what Eco-tools has to offer. These environmentally friendly brushes are affordable, attractive, and good quality (read previous review). Comparison shop online for Eco Tools or look for them at CVS and Bamboo 5 Piece Brush Set .

I was eyeing this Smashbox Travel Brush Collection in the store the other day. Smashbox makes great brushes and this kit is adorable!

Looking for more choices? Comparison shop for makeup brushes at Shopzilla/Bizrate.

Filed Under: Brushes, Holiday Gifts, Shopping lists Tagged With: Brushes, Eco-Tools, Gifts, Holiday, M.A.C., Shopping, Smashbox

Sep 10, 2008

Elizabeth Arden Limited Edition For Fall

September 10, 2008 By Carleenp 1 Comment

Elizabeth Arden has a nice selection of limited edition duo eye shadows for fall, along with a nice gel eyeliner, eye primer, and other items.

I tried out one of the duos in Illusion (center left above) and loved it. Elizabeth Arden shadows are always quality. They are finely milled and have a particularly good color payoff. Arden's packaging is also always nice, with heavier attractive cases and many choices in palettes. The duo I tried is perfect for a light smoky effect. Pictured below are swatches from the duo:

I also was impressed with the gel liner,which comes packaged with a brush. The brush is useable, but I preferred to use my favorite, a Smashbox Arced Liner Brush. The gel goes on smooth and is easy to work with to create either a sharp or smudged line. There is an eye primer too that I have not tested yet. So keep an eye out for a later review of that!

Elizabeth Arden is available at better department stores, specialized beauty stores such as ULTA Beauty , and various online sources.

Comparison Shop for Elizabeth Arden Cosmetics