Introduction
Are you a beauty enthusiast who often relies on trusted recommendations? If so, you've probably experienced the urge to purchase a product after hearing someone rave about it. I too fell victim to this temptation when Tati, a popular YouTuber, claimed that the Smashbox Studio Skin Full Coverage Foundation was the "best foundation she ever tested." Intrigued, I promptly ordered it, along with countless others. However, my initial encounter with this foundation left me puzzled. How could Tati make such a bold statement? The foundation looked terrible on me! But wait, there's more to this story...
Smashbox Studio Skin Full Coverage Foundation
What Does Smashbox Studio Skin Full Coverage Do?
Smashbox claims that the Studio Skin Full Coverage foundation is a comfortable, 24-hour full coverage foundation that effortlessly glides over the skin. It controls oil and shine, providing a blurring effect. The foundation is also waterproof, sweat and humidity-resistant, and won't look cakey or cause acne. These claims are impressive, but do they hold true?
According to Smashbox, a little goes a long way with this foundation, and its matte formula reveals its true color within 60 seconds. It sets quickly, within seconds. The foundation is made with kaolin clay and bamboo powder to control oil and shine, as well as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and light scattering spheres to blur imperfections. Additionally, it is cruelty-free.
The texture of this foundation is incredibly thick. You can hold it upside-down in your hand, and it will stay put. It has no noticeable fragrance.
First Impressions of Smashbox Studio Skin + Struggles
As mentioned earlier, I initially despised this foundation. The first time I tried it, I applied it with a foundation brush, and it looked heavy and cakey. I regretted my decision instantly. Determined not to give up, I attempted to salvage the situation by using a damp makeup sponge instead. It improved the application significantly, but the foundation still felt heavy and was difficult to blend, even with a smoothing primer.
Refusing to admit defeat, I decided to add a few drops of my Beauty Creations primer oil, hoping it would enhance the application. Lo and behold, the foundation applied flawlessly with my damp sponge, resulting in a gorgeous finish. However, after a few hours, the foundation would start to cake up and lose its appeal. Could this be due to the added primer drops? I couldn't be certain.
I also experimented with mixing a small drop of the foundation into my other foundations, but it didn't yield satisfactory results. Feeling disheartened, I set the foundation aside for a while. However, when I switched to a heavier morning moisturizer for the winter, I decided to give it another chance.
Pros, Cons, and Application Tips for the Smashbox Studio Skin Full Coverage Foundation
Pros:
- Provides full coverage with minimal product usage
- Buildable in thin layers
- Feels lightweight on the skin
- Doesn't require powder setting
- Long-lasting wear without smudging or patchiness
- Suitable for normal to oily skin
Cons:
- Not recommended for dry or flaky skin
- Gives a super matte finish (although this can be altered with more moisturizer as a base)
- Can emphasize pores and texture if not properly primed
- Highlights dry patches
- Sets within seconds
- Requires application on a well-moisturized and primed face, especially for mature skin
- Can appear cakey or heavy if not blended well or applied heavily
Application Tips:
- This foundation sets quickly, so avoid dotting it all over your face. Instead, work in small areas.
- Begin with a small amount and apply thin layers, building up as needed.
- Use a damp makeup sponge for application.
- Ensure your skin is well moisturized and primed.
Is the Smashbox Studio Skin Full Coverage Foundation Right for You?
In conclusion, if you have normal to oily skin and don't mind prepping your skin before applying this foundation, the Smashbox Studio Skin Full Coverage Foundation might be a suitable choice for you. However, if you have dry, flaky skin or significant texture issues (such as large pores, bumpiness, or fine lines), this foundation may not be ideal due to its tendency to appear cakey and its flat-matte finish.
If you decide to give this foundation a try, you can purchase it from Smashbox or Sephora.
