I have no problem asking for samples, especially of foundation as I think that it is vital that you get to try before taking any twenty pound notes from your pocket. On a recent trip to one of the larger boots stores, I asked for a Smashbox sample of their foundation, and was advised that I could try some on my hand. For that… the sales assistant received one raised eyebrow. I then explained that I wanted to try it so that I could see the colour match in natural light and see how much it oxidised and transferred during the course of the day. I was then advised that I could try some on my neck. For that… the sales assistant received two raised eyebrows and a slight incline of the head. I explained to the assistant that I was going to buy a small container so that… and before I could finish my sentence, she delved behind the till and came out with a small container which she put one pump of product into and sent me on my way.
Sigh.
I have a large face that is round like a dinner plate, one pump of product is really not going to get very far but still, it gave me the opportunity to try it so here are my thoughts.
The tone was a pretty good match. It is the darkest colour that they do (Dark 2) and it matched my forehead and my chin. It has a slightly red undertone and because of all the different colours going on my face, and the fact that my neck has a very yellow undertone, I found that the difference between my face and neck was much more significant than I would normally wear, despite the fact that the colour match was not too bad. If did not transfer as much as other foundations that I have used and apart from my midday touch up, it did not leave me very oily.
Would I buy it – hmm… it is a nice foundation. Did not break me out (from one wearing) did not smell horrible or anything and I am not averse to mixing foundations but I think that I need to have a bit more of a play with it before I can say that I would add it to my collection.