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Welcome to Beautyistic, where we always bring you the latest and most honest beauty reviews. If you’ve ever struggled to find a foundation that balances hydration with long-lasting coverage, this might be the one for you. Let’s talk about the Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid—a product that promises medium-to-full coverage with a skin-loving formula that’s as hydrating as it is long-lasting.
So, what exactly does this foundation offer? Let’s break it down. First off, it’s designed for all skin types, from dry to oily, and even sensitive skin. The formulation contains hyaluronic acid, which is known for its ability to draw moisture into the skin. This means the foundation not only provides a smooth finish but also works to hydrate your skin throughout the day.
The texture is creamy, applying smoothly with a stick form that makes it convenient for both precise application and quick touch-ups on the go. I tried the shade 13 L20N, which has a neutral undertone and is great for those who fall within the light-medium skin tone spectrum. The natural finish is perfect for anyone looking for something that’s not too matte but still provides good coverage without looking too heavy.
I used this foundation for a few days in various conditions, from the office to a dinner out, and I have to say, the performance was impressive. It didn’t settle into fine lines, and it stayed in place throughout the day, even with a bit of sweating and mask-wearing. There’s something really satisfying about a foundation that stays put without feeling tight or dry—this one definitely delivered in that regard.
But let’s get into the details. The first thing I noticed was how comfortable it felt on the skin. Foundations with a hydrating component, like the hyaluronic acid here, can sometimes leave an oily or greasy feeling, but not this one. It felt lightweight and breathable while still giving me the coverage I wanted. I appreciate the balance between medium-to-full coverage that doesn’t feel like a heavy layer, which can often lead to clogged pores or breakouts.
On the flip side, I did notice that if you have extremely dry patches or areas with a lot of texture, you might want to exfoliate well beforehand. While the foundation itself is hydrating, it didn’t smooth over rough patches as seamlessly as some other more smoothing formulas I’ve tried.
Now, let’s talk about the value for money. At 1 fl oz, you get a decent amount for the price, especially considering how well it wears and the hydrating benefits it brings. With foundations, it’s always a balance between price, performance, and ingredients. Given the addition of hyaluronic acid, I think it offers a solid value for the price, especially if you’re someone who battles dryness or just likes a foundation that won’t leave your skin feeling parched.
When comparing it to similar products on the market, Smashbox’s formula stands out for its versatility in addressing various skin concerns, like hydration and long wear. Some foundations with similar coverage don’t offer that added skin care benefit. However, if you’re on a budget, there are alternatives that might offer similar coverage and finish, but without the hydrating boost of hyaluronic acid.
The packaging is simple, as you’d expect from Smashbox, but it’s durable and travel-friendly, especially with the stick form. It’s easy to throw in your bag for on-the-go application or touch-ups. As far as longevity goes, I’m impressed by how well it holds up throughout the day without requiring too much maintenance. I didn’t find myself needing to powder or reapply, which is a major plus in my book.
One thing I didn’t experience personally was any need to contact Smashbox customer service, but from a brand reputation standpoint, they’re known for their responsive support and customer service. So, if anything were to go wrong, I’m confident they’d handle it well.
If you’re looking for alternatives, foundations like the Fenty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation or even Maybelline’s Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation are worth checking out. They offer a similar finish and hydration, with some options at a lower price point.
So, does the Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation live up to its claims? Yes. It’s a solid foundation for those who want long-lasting, hydrating coverage with a natural finish. It’s ideal for normal to dry skin types but can work for oily and sensitive skin too, with a little prep. It might not be the perfect fit for those with textured skin, but overall, it’s a foundation that’s easy to love.
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