Smashbox Contour Kit |
I picked up the Smashbox Contour Kit from Boots a few weeks ago on
a whim Link! The kit contains: the palette, and a small
angled contour brush. There is also a detailed leaflet included showing how to contour different
shaped faces - as well as a sticker on the mirror of the palette with
a diagram showing where to place the different powders on the face.
Smashbox Contour Kit (from left) Contour, Bronzer, Highlight |
The palette contains three matte powders,
a contour shade, a bronzer shade and a highlight shade.
The contour is a pale brown shade with a strong grey undertone. The grey undertone is ideal for creating shadows to help sculpt the face - I love this shade- it applies evenly, blends beautifully and lasts all day. While the shade is pigmented it is not so pigmented that you have to be careful not to over do it. I apply the contour shade just under my cheekbones in the hollow of my cheeks.
The bronzer is a warm tan shade, it blends beautifully and is pigmented. Because it has such a warm undertone I have to use a very light hand when applying it- if I overdo it, I can look slightly orange. However because this powder blends so nicely, it is easy to fix any mistakes (I usually just go back in with my foundation or powder brush and blend, blend, blend). I like to apply this bronzer to the side of my forehead (from the arches of my eyebrows out) and across my hairline, as well as just above the contour shade along my cheekbones to warm up my face a little.
The bronzer is a warm tan shade, it blends beautifully and is pigmented. Because it has such a warm undertone I have to use a very light hand when applying it- if I overdo it, I can look slightly orange. However because this powder blends so nicely, it is easy to fix any mistakes (I usually just go back in with my foundation or powder brush and blend, blend, blend). I like to apply this bronzer to the side of my forehead (from the arches of my eyebrows out) and across my hairline, as well as just above the contour shade along my cheekbones to warm up my face a little.
The highlight shade is very subtle; it is a warm, slightly yellow toned matte shade. I like to apply it along the tops of my
cheekbones to brighten the area. I tried to use this powder to set concealer
under my eyes, and although it did set the concealer unfortunately the powder did
emphasis the fine lines around my eyes.
Swatches Smashbox Contour Kit (from left): Contour, Bronzer, Highlight |
I have used the brush that came with the
palette to apply all three shades and I was actually really impressed with it. The only other Smashbox brush I've tried was the eyeshadow brush that came with the Full Exposure palette, which I also really liked. Check out my review here.
This contour brush feels soft on the skin and is quite small and narrow, which allows you to precisely place the powders wherever you want. Even though it is small it still allows you to blend the powders out nicely.
Smashbox Contour Brush |
Smashbox Contour Brush |
Although the palette is expensive at €44, I
think it's worth it. I love the texture of the powders, their lasting power is
great (about 9 hours on me), the shades are perfect for me and the real bonus for me - is
that my skin hasn't reacted to these powders (see Ingredients list below). The only slightly negative thing I have to say is that although I have found that the shades are perfect for my pale skin tone (MAC NC20/ YSL BD20), if you are much darker then me I think you might find the shades a little too pale.
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Smashbox Contour Kit Ingredients List |
This palette contains 11.5g of product and is €44. Just for comparison, the Anastasia contour kit contains 18.88g and is €52. Many may argue that the Anastasia palette is better value for money as you get six shades instead of three. However if
I had the choice between the two palettes (although I do really like the Anastasia palette) I would choose the Smashbox contour kit - as I think the shades suit my skintone better, I prefer the texture of the powders and I think the wear-time is a little better. Check out my review of the Anastasia contour kit here.
I will be doing a beauty look with this Smashbox palette during the week - so you can see what the palette looks like in action!
After trying this palette I really want to
try the new Smashbox contour and highlighting cream sticks. If anyone has tried
them I would love to know what you thought of them.
Please note I purchased all of the
products mentioned. The above links are not affiliate links.
I hope you have enjoyed this post and
found it useful!
LL
What a great post! Although I think the shades would be too light for me :( otherwise I would have probably bought it haha
ReplyDeleteXx
leoniesthoughts.blogspot.com
Thanks Leonie, I'm glad you liked it. It's a pity that the shades wouldn't suit u. It would be great if they would come out with more palettes with different shades in them. :)
DeleteI'm currently looking for a contour palette. I've had my eye on the Anastasia one, of course. And, a couple of others. I'll definitely be looking into the Smashbox one now though. Very helpful review, thank you :)
ReplyDeleteChristina x
Christina Campbell Hughes
Thank you so much Christina, I'm glad you found the review helpful. Let me know what you think of the palette if you do pick it up:)
DeleteIt's interesting to see a contour kit with a matte highlighter! I'd definitely like to give it a go. Although I must admit that I'm a big Sleek fan and that's a fraction of Smashbox's price! Great review/photos :)
ReplyDeletealittlesoapbox.com
Thank you Jill, I'd never tried a matte highlighter before this. It just brightens the area nicely. I really like the Sleek palette as well, I haven't used it in a while tho. I must root it out again! :)
DeleteI love the colours in this and the fact it comes with an angled brush. Just wish the highlighter was more shimmery, like the Mary Lou Manizer. x
ReplyDeleteRenata | Speaking Beauty UK
Hi Renata, I haven't tried the Mary Lou Manizer but I believe it's quite shimmery. I definitely on my wish list :)
ReplyDeleteI want to try this so much, I've been looking it a contour with a grey undertone after missing out on the chanel notorious a while back.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to try this.
Rosy
Sparklesoflight76.blogspot.co.uk