Smash Cosmetics Eyeshadows and Primer - Review and Swatches

Hello,

I hauled these eyeshadows a little while back and since I didn't use them much when I first got them my review had been slightly delayed. I purchased them from an Etsy seller. You can view her store by clicking this link http://www.etsy.com/shop/SMASHCOSMETICS

These are the eyeshadows that I got from the Blogger Review Pack, which is a pretty awesome deal, if you ask me. $4.50 for 5 eyeshadow samples, 5 lipstick samples, 2 lipgloss samples, and 1 eyeshadow primer sample. I haven't review the rest yet.

Like most eyeshadow pigments, these can be messy. Ingredients consist of titanium dioxide, mica, magnesium stearate, jojoba oil and may contain chromium oxide green, iron oxide, and tin oxide.

I'm not one of those people who always lurk my attention to the ingredient label...Shame on me I know but that is because I have no freaking clue of what some of it means. Anyways, to spare you from my lack of emaducation, I did google up what those are used for. If you already know, feel free to skip or correct me if I'm wrong.

Titanium dioxide - a mineral used in cosmetics as an opacifier and sunscreen.
Mica - a mineral used as colorant and opacifier.
Magnesium Stearate - lightweight filler to help improve adhesion and work as a thickening and binding agent.
Chromium Oxide Green - mineral pigment used as colorant, green of course.
Iron Oxide - a binary compound consisting of iron and oxygen, mostly used for base colors reds and browns.
Tin Oxide - used to coat mica and to create more vibrant color

XXX is a dark matte grey with a subtle pink shimmer. When swatched dry, it looked muddy and flat but when I used it over a primer it looks so much better. The picture on the seller's site is way different. I think mine is more accurate.

Pulchritudinous is my favorite out of the bunch and I've used this one the most since it's easier to wear to work. I find this color hard to describe. Shimmery bronze with a mauvy color shift? Has a bit of a red undertone and some specks of blue. I find that this color was easier to apply and blend.

Hurricane is a shimmery medium blue with a subtle teal sheen to it. I don't think this color is available anymore.

Majestic is a medium reddish purple with a very subtle blue, pink, and silver shimmer.

Blue Steel is a dark dusty blue with subtle light blue, pink, and silver shimmers. Looks more vibrant on the seller's site but it's really much darker in real life.

I love the colors of the eyeshadow. They require a little bit more patience and the best way to make them look nice is to pat them on and layer them to build up the color intensity. Also it's important to use a good eyeshadow base or primer to help prolong the wear and minimize fading.

The cream eyeshadow primer is very thick but I didn't have any issue applying and blending it over the skin. I really like how the eyeshadows look when I use this primer. It really makes them pop and look more vibrant. It binds to the pigment like glue, yet allows them to flow and blend effortlessly. The only problem I had with it is that I notice some creasing and fading after 5 hours of wear.

Ingredients: Shea Butter, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Emulsifying Wax, Mica, Magnesium Stearate, Titanium Dioxide, B5, Acrylate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol

The seller has a very large selection of eyeshadow colors and they are reasonably priced. I did experience some delays in processing and shipping at the time I ordered so I hope that it is no longer an issue if these become of interest to you.