Sephora 500 Point Perk: Smashbox Studio Lighting Secrets

It is a rare occasion that I use my beloved Sephora points. I hoard the heck out of them, because most of the things they offer do not make me want to spend them. Especially the 500 point sets. They often seem too small and hardly worth it. Then, I saw this Smashbox set being offered and I heard the angels sing. The best part is that I am not too familiar with the brand having only tried a handful of items in the past, so this has allowed me a chance to try out a few more.

The thing that won me over with this set is the Step-by-Step Contour Palette trio, it's nearly full-sized! And despite being a smaller version packaged in a cardboard material, they still included a mirror in the compact. The full-sized version has 11g of product and this one has 8.7g. It works well with my fair skin and I think it would work for those a few shades darker. There is a kit for darker skin, as well. The highlight powder is a little too light on me, but it serves well as a base layer for others. All three blend easily and work well together.

The Photo Op Eye Shadow trio in Screen Shot is a perfect little nude palette. The full-sized version has 2.76g of product versus this one with 1.20g. I couldn't find this exact trio offered anywhere together, so I'm assuming it is exclusive to this set. I love the color selection: Nectar, Cinnamon Toast, and Roast. The lid turns to reveal the shadows making this travel-friendly to throw in your bag. The pigmentation is there and blend easily without much fallout. For my first venture into Smashbox's eyeshadow formula, my first impression is a positive one!

The Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer is supposed to prime and brighten under your eyes before makeup application. The full-sized version has 10mL and this one has 5mL. It looks bright in my swatch and it does an okay job, but it's nothing that my beloved Maybelline Age Rewind concealer can't do in one step. I won't be purchasing this, but would not be opposed to using it if I get samples. It's good, it's not great.

And finally, we have the L.A. Lights Blendable Lip & Cheek Color in Hollywood & Highlight. The full-sized version has 5g and this one has 1.1g. Talk about waste of packaging- I twisted all of the product up in the above picture. That's it. All of that in a huge tube. With that said, the formula is super creamy and glides over the skin like a dream. I can't see using this specific one on both lips and cheeks, but I would with the other shades offered. I said that the highlight powder layered nicely with other products and this is one of them. They work nicely together to give you a glow. I like when products have multi-uses and might just have to put Echo Park Pink on my wishlist!

Left: Photo Op Eye Shadow trio in Screenshot and Contour Palette // Right: Photo Finish Eye Primer and LA Lights in Hollywood and Highlight

You might still be able to find this perk in your local Sephora, but I did not see them on Sephora the last I checked. I think this kit was worth spending 500 of my points on. Sometimes it is worth holding out on using them! So are you like me and hoard your points?