Smashbox Muse Spring 2009 Collection-Makeup, Videos and More

If you're checking out new products to pick a palette of cosmetics for Spring 2009, check out the Muse Collection by Smashbox. These sheer and uplifting colors will encourage you to play with the products, and create a vision for Spring that's yours, alone. I didn't check out all of the products, but I did road test the Hybrid 2-in-1 Luminizing Primer $34.00, the Lip Paints $21.00 and the Blush Rush in "Masterpiece." Your "inner artist" may also crave the latest Bionic Mascara $19.00 in "lack Violet," the Artist Eye Palette in "Muse," and the Cream Eye Liner Artist Pencils $26.00/4.




When an artist begins a new painting, s/he starts with a prepared canvas. The Smashbox Hybrid 2 IN 1 Luminizing Primer is the perfect way to perfect and prepare your own "canvas" -- your face! The shimmery formula in a recyclable tube, combines two Smashbox must-haves: Photo Finish Foundation Primer and Artificial Light, into one product, full of good-for-your-face vitamins, antioxidants and botanicals for added healthy skin benefits. You can wear this product under foundation to help it look smoother and last longer, or appy it over foundation on cheekbones for a highlight. You can also just wear it in bare skin for a truly sexy, radiant glow. One shade: "Bare Canvas" works for everyone. It's an instant pick-me-up for Winter weary skin.





Another way to "glow" is with a Spring time Blush. You don't want to wear a heavy plum, pink or brown when the weather gets warmer. The Smashbox Blush Rush in "Masterpiece." is a browned peach that's super-sheer (layerable, though) that makes you look healthy, but not obviously made up. The color is lovely -- one of the most universally flattering colors I've seen out for Spring.





If I have to pick just one new product for Spring, it will also be for the lips. A new lip color or lip gloss just makes a look come together. Since nude lips are the trendy opposite to the red lip that was on so many on runways for Spring, those who are "red-averse" have a trendy options as well. The sheer, creamy nude, lip gloss in a squeeze tube with wand (Lip Paints in "Luminary") is the easiest way to modernize your look and wear a nude gloss. There's also a creamy berry and a creamy pink. Layer these over other shades, or use a lip pencil to change the color and intensity.





There's a video showing how to use all these new products and colors, feating Hank Hoffman, Smashbox National Artist. However, if your inner artist isn't working for you, and you want a professional "how-to," here it is:




Step 1: Using the MUSE ARTIST EYE PALETTE and CREASE BRUSH #10, sweep the beige shadow all over lids up to brow bone.





Step 2: Sketch MUSE CREAM EYE LINER PENCIL in IMPERIAL along the upper lashline.





Step 3: Blend the deep orchid shadow from the MUSE ARTIST EYE PALETTE along the upper lashline using the ARTIST SHADOW BRUSH.





Step 4: Apply CREAM EYE LINER PENCIL in LAPIS along the lower lashline and in the inner rim.





Step 5: Using the ARTIST SHADOW BRUSH, blend the dark blue grey shadow from the ARTIST EYE PALETTE along the lower lashline.





Step 6: For eyes that really pop, apply multiple coats of BIONIC MASCARA in BLACK VIOLET to upper lashes, then sweep BIONIC MASCARA in JET BLACK along lower lashes.





Step 7: Add a soft highlight to cheeks by blending HYBRID 2 in 1 LUMINIZING PRIMER over the tops of cheekbones.





Step 8: Dust MUSE BLUSH RUSH in MASTERPIECE on cheeks using BLUSH BRUSH #16 for a warm peachy flush.





Step 9: Mix MUSE LIP PAINTS in LUMINARY & ARTISTE for glossy lips with a hint of color.

Go to www.smashbox.com or call 1-888-763-1361 or visit your favorite Smashbox makeup counter.