Smashbox Wish Holiday 2009
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If you read my post about the Smashbox Cosmetics Fall 2009 Reign collection, you know that I have been rather impressed with the offerings from this brand as of late. Just when it seems that most cosmetic companies are sacrificing quality and luxury, Smashbox continues to wow and impress with its Holiday 2009 Wish collection. With gifts starting at just $20, the new limited edition collection has something for everybody on your holiday shopping list.
If the dazzling sets weren’t enough to get you into the spirit of giving, $1 from every item purchased from the Wish collection will go to the Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization that provides care and life-saving research for millions of sick or injured children by raising funds for children’s hospitals. Giving has never been this beautiful!
The Smashbox Wish Holiday Collection includes…
Eye Wish Palette($44/$234 value)
This generously sized eye palette contains 12 gorgeous eye shadows, 4 cream eye liners, a Photo Finish Lid Primer and a Get-the-Look booklet with instructions on how to get party perfect. Every color in this set is wearable, so there won’t be a wasted shade in the bunch and with all the color combinations possible, this is one set that you can really play with. I am a big fan of Smashbox shadows because they are finely milled and stay put, even on my oily lids, so if you’ve never tried their shadows or cream liners, this palette is a great way to fall in love with this brand.
Wish for the Perfect Tools($49/$134 value)
This set, which I was lucky enough to receive, contains five travel-sized brushes, four which are exclusive to the set. The brushes come packaged in a shimmering raspberry leatherette carrying case and have coordinating shimmering raspberry handles. The set includes a travel-sized angled blush brush, and exclusive to the kit are a blending brush, crease brush, shadow liner brush and angled precision liner brush. As anyone who owns Smashbox cosmetic brushes knows, these are top of the line, high quality brushes. All of the brushes in this set are brushes that I feel everyone should own, but if you are like me and feel that the standard sized #15 Definer/shadow liner brush is a little too big for applying Smashbox’s shadow liner, then you need this brush set if only for the travel sized one. The smaller sized brush took a product that I was never quite wowed by and made it something I now use everyday. This set needs to be in everyone’s stocking!
Wish for the Stars ($20/$48 value)
This set contains holiday essentials in convenient travel sizes and includes Lash DNA Mascara in Jet Black, Lip Enhancing Gloss in Illume, and Fusion Soft Lights in Dusk. If you want gorgeous lashes, full lips, and a glow that only Smashbox can provide, then this is the set for you! (And what a bargain at only 20 bucks! ~wht)
Wish for a Flawless Complexion ($39/$52 value)
This gift set contains a full-size and travel-size Photo Finish Foundation Primer, perfect for at home or on the go, so you can have a flawless face anywhere. I’m not usually a primer kind of girl, but the one from Smashbox is a winner. You’d need a magnifying glass to see my pores when I use this, so trust me, that’s impressive. The regular size primer goes for $36, so if you already use it, you can restock for yourself and for only $3 more, share the travel size with someone special!
Wish for the Perfect Pout
($29/$96 value)
This set is perfect for the gloss addict on your list and includes both best selling shades and exclusive holiday colors: Pout (baby doll pink), Luster (sheer golden pink), Tease (juicy raspberry), Candy (cotton candy pink), Aura (shimmery pink nude) and Radiant (shimmery pink plum). If you have never experienced the beauty of a Smashbox lip gloss, now is the time to try it—they are long-lasting, high impact glosses and for only $29 for six shades, this set is a steal!
Two items we didn’t get the chance to review, but that deserve a big beautiful shout out:
Wish For The Perfect Palette ($59/$225 value, offered exclusively at Ulta)
This palette is beyond impressive! This would be a perfect gift for the woman who has everything or for a young tween/teen who is just getting introduced to makeup. This palette includes 64 eye shadows, 8 cream eye liners, 6 brow tech powders, brow tech wax, 8 lip glosses, 2 blushes, complexion brightener, bronzer, highlighter, mini brushes (eye shadow brush, eye liner brush, and angled brow & lip brush), and a Get-the-Look insert with application tips. I checked this palette out for myself during my last Ulta run and you would be amazed at how much product they fit into this little beauty. I was like a kid in a candy store when I saw all of the colors and products offered inside. This is one covet-worthy palette! Move quick on this one people! Out of stock at Smashbox, not on Ulta.com, but you still may be able to get it in store…
Wish For The Perfect Pencils($32/$80 value, offered exclusively at Sephora)
This set contains five long-wearing eye pencils in limited edition shades and includes: Celebrate (silver), Wish (peacock), Dream (black), Hope (purple), and Love (bronze). These eye pencils smudge nicely and have fantastic staying power. The Wish and Hope shades are especially stunning. For a holiday look, I love doing black liner on my top lid and then smudging a colored pencil into my lower lashes for a hint of drama. It’s subtle, but lovely. These were going quickly at my local Sephora, so if you are on the fence about these, don’t wait too long!
Review Team– let us know your thoughts on the set you received. And readers, is anybody else out there hoping to find a little something from Smashbox in their stocking this year?
Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. It also contains an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.
I really want to get my hands on the brush set and the gloss set!
I neeeeeeed that brush set! Mine are finally starting to fall to pieces, after one sad bout with the kitties. *sigh*
:)
.-= Lindsay Griffith´s last blog ..Smashbox Wish Holiday 2009 =-.
Lindsay, Kitties love brushes don’t they? The more expensive, the better! (so I guess they also have good taste)
.-= stef´s last blog ..Julie Hewett Organic Rose & Ruby Camellia Balm =-.
I got to try the Smashbox Wish for the Stars. The lip gloss is great. It has a smooth finish with a light sparkle. I like that it didn’t feel sticky. The color is great too. A nude with a hint of glitter. I actually put the Camellia Balm on first to help heal my chapped lips. Then put the gloss on top of that. I thought it was a great combo. My lips felt extra moisturized and still looked classy.
The Fusion Soft Lights in Dusk was also very nice. I brushed this lightly over my cheeks and it gave me a nice glow. On my fair/freckly skin it looked like a nice orangish red brown blush. It’s hard to explain, but trust me, it looked nice and classy. :)
The Lash DNA Mascara in Jet Black was a little hard for me to apply to my lashes. The brush was too large/fat. It made it difficult to put on my lashes. I managed to get it on the outside of my upper lashes but the inside and bottom lashes were hard to reach without poking my face or eye. This made me frustrated because the mascara gives great coverage. The parts of my lashes that I got it on looked good, dark black, and full. If the applicator was a bit more narrow I would have loved this mascara.
I have tried the Perfect Pencils from Sephoria, and just love both of them. Would love to try the vibrant eye shawdow colors from the Eyewish Colors Pallette.
I chose the Eye Wish Palette to review, as I am powerless to the pull of a palette! Though I’m also powerless to lip gloss sets too, so this was a hard to choice to make. I love the “Get the Look” booklet included. When I get a palette, I go straight to the same old colors and combos that I always use. But with this, I’ve made a point of trying all of the looks, even using the colors I normally skip (plums usually don’t work for me). And I’ve found a few new combos that I’m really loving! It’s made me branch out a bit. There’s a few colors that after trying once, won’t be used again (the signature wish Fuchsia shade looks awful on me) but for the most part, it’s a very wearable collection. The shimmery blue cream liner (it’s in the last slot) is one of the prettiest cream liner I’ve ever seen.
As Krista said, Smashbox makes the best eye shadows. I think the color payoff is great and they’re never TOO shimmery.
It’s a cool set up, the booklet slips into a slot next to the huge mirror, so you can read the directions while you apply. The only negative for me is that it’s a bit clunky. It’s really thick to accommodate the little primer tube fitting in it. It’s probably about an inch high which makes it a bit cumbersome and it takes up a lot of vanity real estate!
Still, a very pretty collection that I’m giving 4 stars. If it were a bit thinner, this would perfect for me.
.-= stef´s last blog ..Honey Apple Martini – Cocktail flashback =-.
The Smashbox lipgloss set is really an incredible value. Their glosses are extraordinary (never gloppy, no strong or offensive scent), color is just what you want a gloss to be (a hint…no major color depositing), and are super-flattering.
My favorites of this set that compliment my fair-skinned, brunette coloring? “Tease”, a sheer blackberry, “Radiant,” a shimmery mauve, and “Candy,” a shimmery deep pink. I liked “Aura” with a smokey eye…it’s a nude that’s deep enough for me. As for the other two, (the large-size “Pout” and “Luster”), well, I gave those to a blonde friend who appreciated them hugely. Since the cost of this gift pack costs less than a couple of their glosses, you’d do well to buy this, keep what you like and stuff the others in some grateful gal pal’s stocking.
Again, incredible bargain!
Krista, How big are the brushes in the set? I know they’re travel-sized, but how long are the handles roughly?
We’re not worthy! I don’t deserve this greatness in a bottle! Smashbox’s Photo Finish Foundation Primer is something you must have too! I must have lost a marble or two, again! I feel like I’ve missed out on a great product all these years without Smashbox’s Photo Finish Foundation Primer. Granted, I have used many other brands, but this one is outstanding! My face is super smooth and silky and any lines seem to vanish. Trust the directions, You only need ONE pump to cover your entire face and I even put this on my neck to help smooth out my foundation. For all you germ-a-phobics, this even has a new square airless pump to assure freshness to the last drop! It gets even cooler, this bottle of photo finish suggests taming your frizzy hair (wet or dry) with this product, and it does! No wonder it was the winner of best primer at Sephora! Now, I would love to check out the great looking brush sets! It’s hard not to give this anything other than 5 stars! So here you are FIVE BIG ONES!
I also tested the Eye Wish palette, and let me tell you, if you have either no clue what to do with eye shadows or even if you have a ton of different colors but not tons of ideas of how to use them (basically if you’re not a makeup artist!) – you NEED this! There are 12 different very wearable colors (except the fuscia for me also!) ranging from browns to grays to plums, blues, greens and four different BEAUTIFUL liners (plum, golden brown, black, blue).
The Look Book has 12 different eye look combinations using usually 3 shadows and one liner that range from different smoky eyes to daytime looks to runway-worthy looks. The colors are all numbered and the instructions tell you exactly where to place each number on your eyes – it’s like “paint by numbers” we used as kids! There’s a drawn picture too that is helpful.
The kit comes with a small amount of the popular photo finish primer for lids that really holds the color in place nicely all day. There’s also a decent mirror that’s been good enough for me to use each morning. It is difficult to stand the mirror up enough to use hands-free, which relates to the thickness Stef mentioned – but as far as taking up counter space – that is true, but if it’s one of your only palettes, it’s worth it.
I would highly suggest this as a wonderful gift for anyone, but especially someone delving into makeup that’s unsure of what to do with their eyes. If you got this plus some nice brushes, you’d make them a very happy woman! I use an eyeliner brush, a smudge brush, and a basic lid brush and that’s all I need to apply every look.
A VERY enthusiastic 5 stars from me on this one!!
I was the lucky recipient of WISH For The Stars and I can’t stress enough how awesome this set is. The lipgloss is so pretty. Nice shimmery neutral tone that has that wonderful Smashbox staying power. Smells good too!
And the Fusion Soft Lights in Dusk is the perfect pick me up for your face.. a soft glow that blends right in! I’m not usually to into bronzers but this is a lovely one. I think I will pass it on to a friend with a bit of a darker complexion.. I’m pretty ghostly white so it’s a bit tan for me, but as I said it is lovely!
The DNA Mascara is a very intense black.. it wears really well, no flakes!
The brush is a bit on the ginormous side, but I kind of liked it. Although it is hard to get the corner lashes, because it’s so big.
But the quality and the fact this set is only 20 dollars and they donate to the Children’s Miracle Network for every one sold… that all added up gets five stars from me.
This is the perfect gift for any makeup lovin’ gal. I love Smashbox!
The Eye Wish Palette and the Wish for the Perfect Tools just got added to my Christmas wish list!! They sound fab!
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer is the very first primer I ever used (over 10 years ago I believe!) and it’s still the very best. And now, with the improved pump delivery, there is just not one thing I can find fault with in this product. It wins countless awards every single year for good reason–it gives your skin the ideal conditions with which to apply your foundation. You skin will feel so smooth when you apply this primer to your face, and your foundation will just glide on like silk (even cheapie foundations–and believe me I’ve used the cheapest foundations in my stash with this primer!). Whether you’re using a $3 foundation or a $60 foundation, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer will make your foundation apply smoother, adhere better, and generally last sooo much longer than if you applied your foundation without it. For that, I will always return to the greatest primer of all time. How can I give it anything less than 5 stars?
I was lucky enough to receive the Wish for the Perfect Tools brush set. The packaging was so pretty and so practical. I kept opening and closing and staring at the sparkly pink box. (Oh yes, I’m easily impressed.) I kept trying to decide whether or not I was going to use the brushes or just use it as pretty decoration on my make-up table. My 4-year-old daughter made up my mind for me. A great lover of pink and purple, she couldn’t resist opening the box with the simple turn key. At that moment, I decided to give an improtu lesson on how to make up one’s eyes. (I did it on our forearms.)
I was quite impressed at the softness of the brushes (aside from the angled eyeliner brush). I usually find travel brushes to be flimsy, but these were not. Each brush did exactly as it was supposed to, and I was really impressed with how thin and acurate a line I got with shadow liner brush. I might use the angle liner brush to fill in my sparse brows. Definitely the perfect gift for your favorite make up user.
@Irene OMG! I’ve heard so much about Smashbox’s primer on QVC but I’ve never got up the nerve to buy it. Maybe I will after reading your review. I use Avon’s MagiX but it sounds like Smashbox’s is better.
Katie—the handles on the brushes are about 5 1/2 inches long. I actually find them less awkward to use than the regular brushes :)
To anyone who is wondering if they need the brush set, you really do. They are beyond fabulous! I heart Smashbox! I’m really coveting the Wish for the Perfect Palette now :)
Krista.. you are a Smashbox Christmas Elf.. I am now heading to Sephora to get the brushes I know I need!!! :) I’m so coveting the perfect palette too…ahhhhhhh
I received the Wish for the Stars set. I love Smashbox glosses, shadows, blush and primer so I was confident I’d love these items. Of course I am addicted to the gloss. Like others have said perfect light shimmer nude. The Fusion Soft Lights is great. It’s the perfect winter bronzer for those who aren’t really pale. The Lash DNA is a product I had never tried. I’ve become a bit of a mascara snob recently. So I took a very critical look at this mascara. Like others said the brush is just way too chunky. I also was not a fan of the wetness of it. It felt like a was dipping my eyelashes in an inkwell. It also didn’t stay on, the slightest touch to the eye and I had smudges. I’d certainly buy the gloss again, the Fusion Soft Lights will last me all winter and into spring as it’s a very generous size. The mascara I almost never want to try again. It’s possible I got a bad tube…..I’m going 3 1/2 for the set but keep in mind until I met the mascara I never met a Smashbox product I didn’t like.
I was overjoyed when I received the Wish For The Perfect Pout lip gloss set. I swear I was like a kid on Christmas morning when I opened up this package. Smashbox is one of my favorite cosmetic brands and I really love their lip glosses. They are just the right consistency…nice and moisturizing without being sticky. This set comes with 6 beautiful tubes of color that are the perfect shades for the holidays. I can’t even name one that is my favorite because I love them all! This set would make a fabulous gift or stocking stuffer! 5 stars from me!
Hey Rakisha, You are going to love this primer. I am so glad to come out from under that rock to find this – finally! I’m shocked at how smooth my skin feels and my wrinkles are really out of slight!
I literally squealed when I received the Eye Wish Palette. Smashbox has handsdown some of the best eyeshadows out there. They are velvety and soft and blend and they don’t get that cottage-cheesey look on your eyelid. And 12 shades with 4 cream eyeliners for $44? STEAL. They are full sized shadows too!
I can completely pass on Smashbox’s eye primer. Doesn’t do a thing, however.
The looks in the little spiral bound booklet are completely wearable and they look really good when you do them, I’ve tried about half of them so far!
Smashbox, you never disappoint me!
Sorry for my last post but i wanted to wait until i really used each tool in my awesome Smashbox brush set. My makeup brush collection is totally sad! But not anymore. As those who know me know that i’ve always wanted to be able to put on eye shadow but could never really do it right because i didn’t know what brushes to use or buy. When i got this I followed all the directions to make sure i was using the correct brush for each step. Well, i went to my first holiday party the other night and of course i had to put on more of a face then i normally do. Perfect timing! In between getting a lesson from Emily at Bare Essentials and this awesome set i did it! I lined my eyes over and UNDER! i have never been able to do that without it looking like a total mess! not anymore! i used every brush and i finally did it. i had real grown up eye makeup on! Thank you so much to you girls for giving me the tools to do it right and now i no longer have makeup anxiety knowing i have everything i need. Oh yeah and the carrying case it totally cute! Normally sparkely pink isn’t my thing but this i totally love and i love the pink handles on the brushes. Great gift for anyone or yourself!
I know exactly what you mean, Winnie! I’ve always had a hard time applying eye shadow the way you’re supposed to. I don’t really have a crease in my eye lids, so doing the crease shadow application usually didn’t turn out very well for me. These brushes seriously opened up whole new worlds for me b/c the brushes were that little bit smaller that I could actually apply the eye makeup and not look like I’m auditioning for a 3-ring circus pulling an endless handkerchief chain out of my front pocket. The smaller sized brush heads made application so much more precise—I really can’t say enough good things about this brush set. Get one before they’re gone!