Smashbox

Smashbox is a renowned cosmetics brand from the legendary Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles. Founded by acclaimed photographer Davis Factor and his brother Dean in 1990, the studio quickly became a hub for world-class photographers, actors, models, and musicians.

In 1996, Davis launched Smashbox Cosmetics, driven by the need for makeup that could withstand long photo shoots without needing touch-ups.

The brand’s first product, the Photo Finish Primer, was introduced in 2000 and became a cult favourite among makeup artists and consumers.

Smashbox remains known for its photography-inspired makeup and cruelty-free products that cater to professionals and everyday users alike.

Short history of Smashbox

Smashbox has a rich history rooted in photography and beauty innovation. In 1990, Davis Factor and Dean Factor, great-grandsons of Hollywood makeup pioneer Max Factor, founded Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles as a creative hub for photographers, actors, and models.

The brothers launched Smashbox Cosmetics in 1996 to create makeup designed for photography, addressing the need for products that performed well under advanced lighting conditions.

Their first cult product was the Photo Finish Primer. Despite initial setbacks, the brand gained traction by leveraging QVC sales and emphasising its Hollywood heritage. It gained prominence through partnerships with fashion events like L.A. Fashion Week, and in 2010, Estée Lauder acquired Smashbox Cosmetics, marking a new era of growth and international distribution.

What is Smashbox all about?

Smashbox products are designed to perform flawlessly under the intense conditions of photo shoots, ensuring they look great both on and off camera.

The brand is committed to cruelty-free and vegan practices, aligning with ethical consumer preferences.

The company emphasises inclusion and diversity through initiatives like its Multi-Ethnicity Advisory Board, which amplifies Black and multi-ethnic voices, and its commitment to featuring Black talent in front of and behind the camera.

Smashbox also supports social causes, including donations to organisations like the NAACP Legal Defence Fund and Project Beauty Share, while exploring further opportunities to combat racial injustice.

The brand has collaborated with other beauty companies, such as BECCA, to introduce new products like the Under Eye Brightening Corrector and Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter.

Smashbox continues to innovate and push boundaries in the beauty industry, focusing on creativity, partnership, and high-quality products that make artistry accessible to everyone.

What do they have to offer?

Smashbox offers a diverse range of makeup products designed to enhance your beauty routine. It is known for its long-lasting, pigment-rich formulas that cater to both professionals and everyday users.

The company provides various primers tailored to specific skin types and makeup outcomes, with the Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer being a standout product.

There are several foundations, including the Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation, which offers instant hydration and oil control.

Their Halo Sculpt + Glow Contour, Blush + Highlighter Palette is crafted to add effortless dimension to your face, and the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter is another popular item in their lineup.

Smashbox offers eyeshadow palettes like the Always On Mood Board Eye Shadow Palette and individual shadows such as the Always On Shimmer Cream Shadow.

The Always Sharp Longwear Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner Pencil is a popular choice for its self-sharpening feature.

Lipsticks like the Always On Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick and the Be Legendary Prime & Plush Lipstick are also available, along with colour correctors like the Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector, which is highly regarded for its backlight technology.

What is the user experience like?

The Smashbox website is well-organised with clear categories for different types of makeup products, such as Bestsellers, New, Primers, Sets and Foundations. Users can easily search for specific products or browse through various collections.

The site features a clean and modern design, making navigation straightforward for users. Customers can access tools like a primer discovery quiz and foundation finder to help choose the right products for their needs, and they can leave reviews for products, helping others make informed purchasing decisions.

The website emphasises Smashbox’s commitment to cruelty-free and vegan products, appealing to users who prioritise these values, and it highlights its efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, reflecting a modern and socially conscious brand image.

Smashbox leverages social media to connect with customers, promote products, and share creative content. They maintain a presence on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok, and they have a significant following.

What are the prices like?

Smashbox frequently offers sales and discounts, and they also have a loyalty programme called Smashcash, which provides additional samples and exclusive offers.

Promotions, such as the Sunday Smashout with up to 60% off certain items and Studio Steals offering up to 50% off, are almost always on, so it is worth checking out the site for current prices.

Smashbox products are widely available at retailers like Sephora and ULTA, but prices can vary based on promotions, discounts, and location.

What are their shipping options?

Smashbox offers several shipping options for customers in the United States, but international shipping is currently not available for direct orders on smashbox.com.

For the United States, standard shipping, which takes 2-5 business days, is free for orders over $50, and costs $8 if the order is below $50. 2nd day shipping costs $15, and overnight shipping is $25.

After the order is shipped, the tracking number, if available, will be displayed. To track the order via the carrier’s website, you may click on the tracking number to view the delivery status of the order.

Conclusion!

Smashbox is recognised for its innovative products and studio-tested formulas, making it a leader in the beauty industry, and the brand continues to inspire creativity and collaboration through its products and educational initiatives.

The Smashbox site provides a seamless shopping experience with clear navigation, engaging visuals, and a strong emphasis on customer rewards and social responsibility.

The company stands out for its focus on quality and innovation, but may not suit budget-conscious shoppers or those seeking exclusively vegan options.