Take 3: A/W Foundations ft Clarins Extra-Comfort, Shiseido Sheer and Perfect & Smashbox Liquid Halo

I mentioned last week the introduction of this new series, called Take 3. The idea is simple, I'll choose a beauty category and take 3 products that have been especially impressing me of late. As always, I'm a firm believer in sharing is caring and trying to support a friendly community within the beauty blogging world so your links in the comments are actively encouraged. 

First up... Autumn/Winter foundations:

Smashbox Liquid Halo
Clarins Extra Comfort
Shiseido Sheer & Perfect foundation

Smashbox Liquid Halo HD Foundation: €35.50: 10 shades available

True to their LA Studio roots, Smashbox's Liquid halo HD Foundation uses liquid light technology and has been developed specifically to look great on HD cameras. To give flattering, light responsive coverage without feeling heavy on the skin or be detectable on film. 

My first impressions of this oil free beauty were just how silky soft the microscopic gel covered pigments feel on your skin, second impressions were 'Oh Holy, I look FABULOUS'. I've been dusting Liquid Halo lightly with my Smashbox Halo powder but I'm talking luminous skin ALL DAY, I'm talking weightless wearibilty, I'm talking get your tuckus to a Smashbox stand and try this out for yourself come September 18th. Feeling really is believing. 

Clarins Extra Comfort Anti -Aging Foundation: €43: 9 shades available

The powerhouse of Clarin's A/W13 Graphic Expression collection, Extra-Comfort Foundation is not only comfortable to wear but its full coverage, organic Argan oil infused unctuous formulation is a manna for dry skinned beauties that have previously shied away from full coverage for fear of filling in lines and wrinkles.  

My only hesitation with Extra-Comfort is the initial scent, which I can't quite place but it's not unpleasant and dissipates once the foundation blends easily into my skin. I've had several compliments wearing this bright, hydrating foundation and despite feeling like I'm not wearing anything on my skin - my flannel tells a different story at night. We're talking serious staying power with zero touch ups. Who doesn't love that? 

Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation: €35: 18 Shads Available

 On our shelves since September 2nd, Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation was my first foray into the brand and I couldn't be more impressed. The first thing to strike me was the lightweight plastic, small but perfectly formed, travel friendly, handbag hero 30ml bottle. Genuinely, other beauty brands, you need to take note. 

And then I tried it... Sheer and Perfect is extremely fluid and surprisingly highly pigmented, given its formulation. Coloured powders are used to counterbalance and correct colour issues in skin tone and problem areas. Green powder to combat redness, blue powder to disguise purple tinged under eye circles and white powder to smooth over visible pores. 

Shiseido feels more like a moisturiser on the skin than any foundation I've tried. the luminous finish means that I don't need highlighter but still catch sight of my cheekbones in the mirror at the end of the day - UNHEARD OF. The colour correcting technology means I'm not covering myself in concealer or powder either, so my skin feels soft, supple and free to breathe all day long. It may be sheer but it is my perfect foundation. 


And now comes the community bit: Let me know in the comments which foundation you're loving of late and why. Absolutely feel free to include a link to your blog should you have a post to better show us why you're loving it so much. Here's hoping we'll all find something a little bit special foundation wise for Autumn/Winter. 

New Smashbox Fade to Black Collection: Fall 2013

When I popped across to London last month for Smashbox's Fall collection launch I was sure their naming cue came from the old Metallica choon, I was wrong - as I often am. Inspired by film and the drama of dimming the lights for dramatic effect, Fade to Black boasts the full spectrum from flattering neutrals to the most intense blacks. 

How 'Blondie' is that graphic?

I've been featuring this collection and drip feeding the products for weeks now but thought it best to give you the full low down, now that you can get your mitts on it this side of the Sea. 

Made up of two shadow palettes, two Be Legendary lipsticks and two Waterproof Shadow Liners but although it's not as large a collection as expected, there's some serious quality to be had with these products. 

Waterproof Shadow Liners: Blackest Black and Black Gold: €19

The Waterproof Shadow Liners are one of my favourite products from my Smashbox arsenal, so these new limited edition versions caught my attention immediately. Precision  smudgeable colour can be used as either a liner, a shadow or a shadow base for the lid. Black Gold needs to be seen with your very own eyeballs to appreciate the tarnished metallic loveliness that can be achieved with just one stroke. It'll be a staple in my Autumn/Winter rotation. 

Be Legendary Lipsticks: Cognac & Black Cherry: €19

Don't allow these lippies to fool you, the seemingly translucent nude, Cognac is actually a warm caramel once on the lips and Black Cherry, while the deepest of plums in the bullet is more a sheer plum once applied. Both are more than suited to a Fall make up look, though Black Cherry has been on my lips for weeks now. 

Fade to Black Palette: €39.50

The first of the two palettes, containing 7 shades each, boasts 4 mattes and 3 shimmers. Colours are richly pigmented despite their creamy soft formulation and blend easily on the lid to create a dramatic smokey or stripped back neutral look. I'm getting an entire working day without creasing or fading with these shades, though have tended to use the lightest as a base only. 

Leaning more toward the purple hues, the second palette contains 3 mattes and 4 shimmers. Again the consistency is faultless. Truth be told this is the one I'm reaching for more often as the shades complement blue/green eyes and the neutrals are more deeply pigmented. As with all Smashbox shadows you're never left second guessing placement, a quick scan of the QR code on the reverse will bring you straight to a How To video, filmed in the LA studio. 

I've never made a secret of my grá for Smashbox as a woefully overlooked brand in Ireland and their products as some of my go to saviours since I can remember. While the price point is slightly higher than off the shelf make up, the quality of the pigments and the fact that they just bloody work, means I recommend them over and over when asked (and sometimes when I'm not).

The Fade to Black collection is on counters next month, the sales girls are some of the most helpful, non pushy make up ladies there are so I'd recommend stopping by for a scout when you're next in Boots or Arnott's. 

Are you a Smashbox fan? Anything here grabbing your attention?