Summary
Cons• SPF causes very noticable shine in photographs
• Formula separates in tube – requires mixing when pumped out
• Not sweat proof
Pros
• Natural finish in daylight photographs
• Non-cakey
• Diverse shade selection
• Very little scent
• Sun protection - SPF 15
• Oil-Free
In-depth Review
My experience with Smashbox’s HD foundation has been quite variable. Being my first foundation I had no expectations however reviews were positive so I decided to make the purchase at Sephora.
The formula of this foundation is mediocre. Like I said previously, this is my first foundation and so I can’t compare to others however the consistency I found to be pretty good – not too runny and easy to blend – however it does have a tendency to be streaky, when applied with Smashbox’s own foundation brush; A few more brushstrokes will eliminate the streaks.
The foundation does have a distinctive scent to it however it is difficult to describe: nothing flowery, or fruity. It smells more like an everyday lotion but do not fret, the scent dissipates after 5 minutes of application. The finish of the foundation is quite flat/matte looking. I often have to apply a bronzer to give some natural definition to my face.
I have quite oily skin, so when looking for a foundation I make sure that its formula is oil-free. Nonetheless, this foundation does make my skin quite oily at the end of the day (I’d say it get’s noticeable after 4-5 hours). I haven’t experienced the foundation to slip on my skin, as oily as it sometimes gets, however what does cause it to slip is excessive sweating. More than likely, if you’re going to wear this foundation to go clubbing, or any other sweat-inducing activity, it’ll slide off almost completely within 1.5 to 2 hours (obviously depending on how much you sweat)
The real downfall for this product (for me) is its inability to photograph well in pictures with flash. This foundation does have an SPF of 15 which will cause you to appear extra reflective in photographs when a flash is used. Of course you can use less of a flash or no flash at all however sometimes it’s a must. My experience has been quite bad as I have often looked much more oily in photographs than I actually am, due to the light-reflecting properties of the active ingredients found in the foundation. On the flip side however, this foundation can be great for a daytime look when flash isn’t needed for your photographs – or when no photographs are being taken. The SPF makes it an excellent choice for days out in the sun as you know you’ll be getting some protection from harmful UV rays.
One pump is typically all I need to cover my entire face. I’ve had this foundation for seven months and I’ve used a little over a quarter of the tube. I do use this foundation sparingly (perhaps once a week?)
Overall, as my first foundation, Smashbox’s HD foundation is quite good however it does not suit my purposes. I will not be purchasing this again and will most likely go for a foundation with no SPF such as Make Up For Ever’s Mat Velvet +.
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