Smashbox’s Summer Collection for 2010

Smashbox Cosmetics launched a new line for the summer called Naked Beauty. The basis behind this line is barely there colors that are meant to enhance your own natural (naked) beauty. The collection includes: eyelid primer, bronzer, blush/highlighter combo, and eight mini lip glosses.

I’ve heard of Smashbox Cosmetics, however I’ve never used their products until now. Needless to say I was very eager to be able to review this collection; so let’s get started.

Photo Finish Lid Primer in Golden Nude ($20) This is the second eyelid primer that I’ve tried and it is simply gorgeous. The color is a perfect golden nude with a hint of shimmer. You can use it as a base for your eyeshadows or wear it alone for a more natural look. The primer really helps to keep your shadows in place which is extremely essential during the hot months. Just dab a bit onto your eye (or finger) and gently rub/pat it to help blend it over your eyelid.

Halo Hydrating Perfecting Bronzer ($39) I tend to not use bronzer because I am so fair skinned; even in the summer I can’t achieve a tan. However, I gave this one a shot. I love that it gave my face that sun kissed glow and it didn’t feel heavy or cakey on my face which is a huge plus. According to Smashbox Cosmetics, this bronzer helps to fight the signs of aging. What woman wouldn’t love this? To use, just twist the container to release the desired amount of powder for a single use. Apply to your cheeks, bridge of your nose, and your forehead. Think of places where the sun naturally kisses your face.

Naked Beauty Lip Gloss Collection ($25) These mini glosses are very sheer, but they look and feel great! The shades in the collection include: Nude (pinkish brown with little shimmer), Bare (very sheer light pink), Exposed (bubblegum pink), Sun Kissed (shimmering brown), Naked (shimmering light brown), Buff (light peach), Pure (sheer hot pink), and Natural (sheer mauve). Each tube of gloss is 0.04 fl oz. Please note, the description of each shade is my personal description not Smashbox’s.

High Lights/Creamy Cheek Color in Naked Beauty ($26) Having never used a cream blush or highlighter I am a big fan of this duo. I feel as if I have more control over the application as well as the intensity of the color. The creamy cheek color is a pretty sheer red that gives your face a beautiful flushed look. Simply apply the creamy cheek color to the apples of your cheeks and blend outward. Then apply the high lights to the top of your cheek bones, down the bridge of your nose, and anywhere else the sun naturally kisses your face.

Overall, I am a big fan of this collection. Although this line is pricey, I think the quality speaks for itself. This collection is absolutely perfect if you’re looking to achieve a natural, beachy look for the summer. I recommend this collection 100%.

If you have this collection or some products from it, I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions.

Smashbox Cosmetics can be found on their website and at Sephora, Ulta, and now Nordstrom.

*FTC Disclaimer* This product was given to me, free, for review. I am not affiliated with this company nor am I receiving any compensation for my review. Everything posted here is my honest opinion.

**Photo courtesy of Tractenberg & Co.**

Nail Polish Colors for Spring/Summer 2010

Each season brings with it new trends and each new trend means new colors. The best and easiest way to keep yourself updated with the season’s hottest colors is to wear nail polish. So what exactly are the hottest nail polish colors for Spring and Summer this year? Keep reading!

I have to say that OPI’s Hong Kong Collection has completely summed up the best colors of the Spring and Summer.

Perhaps you’re thinking what I was thinking when I first saw this collection…these colors look like they’re meant for the Fall, but I promise you they’re not. This season the colors are kind of all over the place in regards to brights and darks. Personally, I love this collection (although I have not seen it in person just yet). The colors aren’t too funky so I wouldn’t hesitate to try any of them. I particularly love that blue and green (which some may consider to be the funkier colors) are being considered trendy!

Here are the names of the polishes:

Top Row Left to Right

Lucky Lucky Lavender, Jade is the New Black, Dim Sum Plum, Bling Dynasty, Hot & Spicy, Meet Me on the Star Ferry

Bottom Row Left to Right

A Good-Mandarin is Hard to Find, Pearl of Wisdom, Suzi Says Feng Shui, Chop-Sticking to My Story, Panda-monium Pink, Read My Fortune Cookie.

**OPI nail polish can be bought at Ulta, Sephora, and beauty salons. If you google OPI Nail Polish you will find a lot of sites that sell their product for a lot cheaper than in store.**

If this collection doesn’t really speak to you, have no fear. Here is a list of colors that are also hot this season:

Bright Pink -Try OPI Elephantastic Pink

Baby Blue – Try China Glaze For Audrey (think Tiffany’s blue!) **I have got to get my hands on this color!**

Mint Green – Try Essie’s Turquoise and Caicos

Classic Pale Pink – Try Revlon Sheer Rose

Periwinkle – Try Butter London Muggins

One of the hottest shades this summer I saved for last…I honestly don’t know how I feel about it. However, if you want to wear or want to know what the celebs are wearing it is called GREIGE (Grey and Beige). Chanel made this color famous with their Particuliere color. However, if you prefer not to spend $20+ on your nail polish there are plenty of alternatives.

Chanel Particuliere

OPI You Don’t Know Jacques

There’s plenty of different variations of this color…think beige, grey, even a mushroomy taupe. What do you think of this color? I’d love to hear your opinion!

I know there’s a lot of different colors in this post, but nail polish gets changed quite often.

Here’s a few more color palettes just to get your juices flowing:

As you can see brights, pastels, and neutrals are all in this season. The question is…what’s your color/shade of choice?!

These products can be found at your favorite retail stores like Sephora and Ulta, but try looking for them online as well. You can pay a lot less for each bottle which means you can buy more!

*This post was requested by Morgan*