July 9, 2009

Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation Review


I’ve been flirting with Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation for over a month now, probably longer. No one has said it yet and it needs to be said. Why the hell do we need HD foundation anyway? It’s not like we are on TV or doing photo shoots all day. At least I’m not, lucky you if you are.

In a bid to be the latest to jump on board the HD makeup craze bandwagon Smashbox has introduced a brand new HD ready line of products including foundation and concealer.

What do I think about the foundation?

Check it after the jump!

Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation is an oil-free liquid foundation that promises flawless skin.

Here’s the deal it’s advertised as providing the perfect finish for use with high definition film, so I can look great on film, television, and in my photos. But the fact is…my life is obviously boring…because I’m not on TV nor am I in the movies.

Damn.

But…I do want flawless skin anyway, I’m shallow like that.

The formula is oil free but in fact feels like a hot oily mess on my skin. Ugh totally a gross feeling. It’s a bit of a silicon nightmare going on here. Smashbox HD Foundation has a similar texture to Smashbox Photo Finish Primer but with a runny formula. We’ve established how much I hate silicon by now. It feels very strange on my skin and dry down takes a good deal longer than with my regular foundation.


Hmmmm…

It’s difficult to explain but the foundation does feel like it sits on top of my skin rather than absorbing. I chalk this effect up to the silicons that are in the product. Although I absolutely abhor the feeling of the foundation I really can’t deny the fact that my face does look smoother when it’s finally applied and in place. The foundation is weightless but does leave a tad bit of an oily residue on my skin.

I don’t recommend it for anyone with oily skin as this has the potential to be uncomfortable for extremely oily skin types. If you have dry skin or combination skin this should work a treat. The product contains an SPF 15 which isn’t substantial enough for me but I do appreciate SPF is included.

Overall, I wanted to love this but I just found too many faults with the formula. I love how smooth it makes my skin and the illusion of perfection it hints at but the uncomfortable oily formula makes me second guess it.

No likey.

Anyone try?

Loves it?

Leaves it?

Tell the Muse!

11 Comments

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • susie

    Hi
    I just found your blog and love it. It saves me so much time and money avoiding products I know I won’t like from your blog. Unfortunetly I did try this foundation and I hated it. I have been looking for a foundation that I like for years. Can you recommend one?

    Thanx

    • the Muse

      hi susie!

      So glad you found me and happy you’re enjoying the review. A foundation you like for years? Was there a foundation you used years ago and wanted to find again is that what you meant? Let me know 🙂

    • Miss J

      bare minerals if you have light acne scarring or acne in general, bad acne scarring, i like a liquid with no oil and no talc try physicians formula mineral wear if you like liquids.

  • aari

    hi, i just bought it and i hate it too.
    perfect color match , i love the color
    but the coverage SUCKS
    not HD at all either.
    im switching back to makeup forever

    • the Muse

      aari….same probs…so not into this one sadly 😛 I’ll stick with my BB’s!

  • Mal

    I have been using this Smashbox High Def. for over a year now and I love it. It gives me good coverage and doesn’t break me out, but maybe that’s cause I use two primers before I put this stuff on my face! Haha! I used the Clinque Superbalanced Powder to set it. I LOVE the coverage I get from it. I haven’t tried the Makeup Forever yet. I will after hearing it’s better than this though just for fun 🙂

  • jasmin

    I love the color, I’m M2 and the color is a perfect match, I do find that it feels and looks oily upon application but I usually do my blush and set it with MUFE’s HD Microfinishing Powder and find that it looks and feels better after that process. In the summer I prime for this foundation with OCC HD Primer I forgot what it’s called, and in the winter I prime with Laura Merciers Oil Free Primer. I don’t moisturize before because I find that it sticks better without unless my skin is particularly dry that day. MUFE’s HD foundation did not match my skin, and I have yet to try MAC

  • Kilian

    I was desperate for the right face-makeup and went to Sephora to find it. Unfortunately, when I went I didn’t really have an idea of what I wanted because I was so opposed to concealers and foundations in the past. My ignorance kicked me in the butt because the saleslady wound up selling me the smashbox high defintion kit. It included primer, iiquid foundation, liquid concealer, and powder. Ugh I hate it. Every single thing. The primer smells awful and makes my skin feel super-oily. The foundation is the most bizarre thick yet runny texture and feels oily on my skin. The concealer doesn’t conceal anything. The powder (and I am such a powder girl) was patchy and made my skin itch. Never again.

    I have been eyeing some benefit products, however… do you know anything about their foundations/concealers?

  • Christie

    If you have discoloration or blemishes this foundation is not for you. The coverage is light and is very similar to a tinted moisturizer. It also made my face shiny (some ladies like this dewy look…I don’t). I am thinking about trying MUFE but I have no clue what shade I am.