Smashbox Soft Lights (Prism)

Smashbox Soft Lights is one of those hard to classify products. It's not exactly a blush and not really a bronzer. It's labeled as "luminizer", but if you're expecting one of those Chanel-style highlighting powders, this isn't it, either. A few years ago I bought Soft Lights in Lens, a warm light peach color. I've been using it since, but realized I much prefer it in the summer. It probably has something to do with my successful efforts to stay pale- heavy sun protection, no self tanners and fake tanners. The problem for someone with my skin color (light olive with the undertone of a malnourished frog) is how often we look sick.

Pinkification was required. Already familiar with the effect of this Smashbox product, I decided to find a more suitable color than Lens. Prism was a surprising choice, because it looks like a very cool toned pink and I hear it's quite popular amongst the fair skinned. But Prism is actually a medium natural rose and not plastic pink. It adds the right amount of healthy flush I need and can be worn light (use a fan brush) or heavy, alone or over a blush for some added depth. I especially like it over a cream blush both because of texture and added longevity.

The shimmer is very subtle and practically invisible under the lightest dusting of setting powder, so the look is very natural. Just like in my original review, Soft Lights needs a little time to settle on the skin (quicker on humid days), so take it into account when planning your activities. Other than that it's a fabulous little helper.

I bought my Smashbox Soft Lights ($28) online from smashbox.com. It's also available at Sephora.

All photos are mine.