The Line Up Project: Smashbox
By MUA's Cavewoman

I admit that I bought this little Smashbox Wicked Lovely Cream Liner And Loose Shadow set only for the absolutely gorgeous loose shimmery shadow that's contained in the bottom part of this jar. It is the most amazing, cool-toned taupey-gray color that rivals the sparkle of any Bare Escentuals glimmers. I couldn't resist this pot. I never even thought of using the cream liners that are encased under the lid. I would have bought the shimmery loose shadow even without the liners, but they came with, so I have them. And I decided I should test them for this series, because Smashbox claims to be the first company to offer cream liners. I am not sure that's true, but it isn't important here. What is important is how the liners perform. There are three liners in the cap of this little container, one is taupe, the center one is a coppery-bronze shade, and the third is a gunmetal gray. All three have some degree of shimmer, which I don't mind a bit. I chose the gunmetal color to use for this test, because I don't even like the other two, those are not colors I would ever wear.

Using the bent-angle Kashuk brush on one eye and the Shu 5F on the other, I found the Smashbox easy to apply. It absolutely glides on, it's easy to get an even line, but it seemed a bit sheer to me, so I went over it a second time with another dip in the pot. It's a medium shade that I would not ordinarily choose as a liner, but it did look very pretty and I was pleased. The shimmer seems to lighten up the color just a bit. I was done in a flash, and ran out the door to head to my Mom's for the day.

I didn't have a chance to check the liner until I got home, about five hours later. I was surprised to see that it didn't even appear to be liner, it looked more as if I had used a soft, shimmery, medium-toned gray shadow to line my eyes, the line had softened and wasn't sharp and crisp anymore, and it had faded into just mostly shimmer and not much like liner. It definitely looked lighter in color than when I first applied it. I noticed signs of wear, some cracking and some gaps, too. But it didn't flake, so there weren't any chunks stuck to my lids or cheeks. Thank goodness for that. There just wasn't much left.

What did remain was easily removed with the Benefit Gee That Was Quick eyemakeup remover.

Smashbox makes another formula in their cream liners, called Jet Set Waterproof. I am eager to try this formula, and when I do, I will report. But for now, Smashbox Cream Liner formula gets a dismal 2 in the ratings. One point for pretty, and one for ease of application. I'll hold out on giving it a 1 rating, although I can't imagine anything performing more poorly than this one did.
But we shall see. On to the next liner, tomorrow is another day!

Disclaimer: All products mentioned in this review were purchased by the reviewer.