When it comes to summer makeup I’m not going to lie I definitely ease off the full glam look. I’m not sure if it’s the salt water, the fresh air, or maybe the easing off of foundation, but my skin is always better in the summer, and thus I tend to opt for some key basics to get me through. At the recommendation from a friend, and fellow Beauty Blogger (Hey Zoe) I decided to test drive the Smash Box Camera Ready BB Cream, and course I was intrigued by a plethora of other products. From bb creams, to concealor, blush, and primers here’s the skinny on some of the products I test drove!

Beauty Balms or “BB Creams” were originally developed as a cream used to treat, hydrate, prime, protect, and camouflage the skin after a procedure, now they are widely used as everyday makeup! Whether you decide to wear the product as foundation or under it, BB Creams do offer a bit more bang for their buck that traditional tinted moisturizers.  

Smashbox Photo Ready BB Cream delivers on all fronts, if overs great coverage (blends exceptionally well), it’s dewy (perfect for summer) while providing light weight coverage. I will mention that the important thing to remember with BB Creams is that, while they suggest they control oil they do tend to be a bit more greasy than foundation given the contain SPF. I didn’t find the Smashbox version to be overly greasy, and certainly no where near a sunscreen, but it’s something to keep in mind. 

I really like this product, and would likely repurchase once I’m finished. I’d say give it a go. You can always get a sample at Sephora, and see how it feels on your skin. 

I’m also a fan of the Camera Ready BB Concealor. I’m not a fan of cream concealors, or anything super heavy. Depsite whatever coverage I need I find anything heavy just makes me look old, and wrinkled, and I’m almost better off with nothing. The Smashbox BB Cream Concealor is super light, but still provides great coverage (and it has SPF). I also use it for spot coverage too because lord knows I’m still getting zits at almost 30 years old.

While wearing lipstick with Invisalign has proven to be difficult it doesn’t mean I don’t like to slip in into photoshoots here and there. This lipstick is amazingly hydrating, and I loved this shade. I used Red Rage. And with the Insta-Matte Lipstick Transformer you literally turn any lipstick into a matte one. Which is really freaking cool for one, but also very helpful for me with my Invisalign. 

Every time I get my makeup done professional I always say “I like lots of blush”, but what I think I should say is “just go to town with the blush” because it’s never enough. I always end up applying more when I leave. It’s not their fault I wear what probably should an illegal amount of blush, but hey I like what I like, and it’s also kind of my trademark so #sorrynotsorry. 

I really think the issue really is that we all taught to apply blush to the apples of the cheeks, well this girl likes it all the way back to hair line, and mixed with some bronzer. What can I say I like to color outside the lines.

That being said, I like pigment. I was my blush lassssssssst as long (or maybe even longer than I do). Which is why I LOVE this Smashbox Palette the color is so saturated, and I love the mix of colors to give depth, and highlight all at the same time. 

While BB Creams are supposed to be a primer I do still like to use one sometimes especially depending on what kind of day I’m looking at. If I know I’m going to be FLAT OUT, or outside exposed to all kinds of elements I’ll usually opt for something like the Blemish Control Primer just to kind of damage control what I know I’m putting my skin through. 

The Blemish Control Primer (there are others for hydration and color correcting etc) contains two percent salicylic acid which we know combats breakouts and keeps the skin looking camera-ready. And bonus no Parabens, Sulfates, or Phthalates. THE BONUS: the super breathable formula can be layered under foundation without the worry of breakouts.  Sometimes I only apply it where I know I’m more likely to breakout (like my forehead, and my chin) I mean why knock on doors you don’t need to right? 

So that’s my review in a nutshell 🙂 If you’re interested in seeing how the insta-matte lipstick transformer works be sure to check me out on snapchat later today, and I’ll show you just how quick it is! You can find me at Shortpresents. 

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