I used to experiment with makeup a lot. I was constantly trying out new products and I had a pretty good handle on all of the new releases brands were launching each month. However, that started to change a couple of years ago. I had found my tried and true makeup products and it didn’t seem worth it to shift away from them. And although it’s a good thing that I had found such a reliable makeup routine, I must admit I really missed experimenting with new beauty items.
But, that all started to change when 2026 hit. My wedding is later this year (!!!) and I’m planning on doing my own makeup for it (risky, but worth it I hope). Therefore, my usual everyday makeup just ain’t gonna cut it. I’ve gone back to the trying and the testing and it’s reawakened my love of makeup. And one brand that I’ve started to re-try is Smashbox.
Over the years, I have tried so many different products from Smashbox. From primer to lipstick to mascara to eyeshadow, I’ve tried it all. So it’s been really fun revisiting the brand and trying out some of their classics, as well as some of their new launches. Let’s talk about the Smashbox Precision Contour Sticks ($37CAD/$26USD) first because I was probably most excited to try these out of everything I was sent. I’m not the biggest fan of contouring for an everyday makeup routine, but since we’re trying out potential wedding makeup, I was all in. However, this isn’t your regular contour stick. It’s a precision contour stick and you can see why by the size. It’s itty bitty. The size makes it so versatile. I can use it as a regular contour stick on my cheeks and forehead, but I can also be super precise on my nose or use it as eyeshadow in the crease of my eye. It makes contouring so easy, and it blends out effortlessly. The one thing that terrifies me about contouring is accidentally not blending it out enough and having a visible line or streak on my face. But that’s almost impossible with this Precision Contour Stick. It only takes a damp beauty blender and the slightest amount of pressure and tapping to blend it out. I received the Smashbox Precision Contour Stick in both Fair and Light – Fair is definitely my winter shade right now, but I’m looking forward to trying out the Light shade once I get a bit of a tan!
The next product is also a new release by Smashbox. It’s the Always On Eyeshadow Stick ($33CAD/$25USD) and if there’s a makeup product I’ve come to love in recent years, it’s eyeshadow sticks. I’ve shifted away from traditional powder eyeshadows in favour of these eyeshadow sticks. They’re just so convenient and provide that perfect subtle wash of colour, and in this case, shimmer. And this Smashbox Always On Eyeshadow Stick is a really good one. I got it in the shade Trouble, which is the prettiest metallic champagne. I can just draw it all over my lid and then use a fluffy brush to diffuse it. Easy peasy. It’s so creamy and blendable, yet once it sets, it ain’t budging. It’s truly the best of both worlds.
The next two products are true OG’s and both are ones I’ve tried before. The Smashbox Photo Finish Primer ($46CAD/$34USD) is probably one of Smashbox’s most iconic products. This primer has been around forever. I remember at a Smashbox training years (almost a decade) ago, they told us this primer was originally invented to help makeup stay and look it’s best under studio lights for photoshoot makeup. And so if that doesn’t make this primer suitable for wedding makeup, I don’t know what would! I think the two most important things about wedding makeup are that it photographs well and that it lasts all day long. So a primer that helps with both is absolutely essential. But I have to admit, this Smashbox Photo Finish Primer used to break me out back in the day, which is why I stopped using it. However, that was a long time ago and my skin has changed a lot since then, so I am fully committed to testing it out and seeing if that’s the case again. So far, so good! This is a super velvety silicone primer that instantly smooths and blurs fine lines and pores so makeup sits flawlessly on top. It also helps makeup stay on all day without separating or melting off. See, crucial for bridal makeup.
The last product we’re talking about today is the Smashbox Super Fan Mascara ($36CAD/$28USD). This is also one I used to use back in the day. It’s a wetter formula, but unlike other wet mascaras, it doesn’t smudge or flake throughout the day. And, as you can see in the photos above, it’s exceptional at not clumping when applied. It’s also a very light formula, meaning it doesn’t weigh down your lashes at all. You know when a leave-in conditioner doesn’t weigh down your hair? Yeah, it’s the same for this mascara but with your lashes. This is both a good and a bad thing. It helps keep your lashes lifted, but I also find it doesn’t have the weight to define and fan them out. Does that make sense? Overall, it’s still a really good mascara, but I would probably layer it with a second mascara to fully comb out and define my lashes. But for a lighter, more natural mascara day, this one is perfect.
So there you have it. A very long review of some of both some new Smashbox launches, as well as some beloved long-time faves. I genuinely forgot how much fun it is to just play with makeup. Thank you, Smashbox! You have made me fall in love with testing out makeup again.
Shop the Post:
Products were sent free of charge for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make When I’m Older possible!
