New Smashbox Fade to Black Collection: Fall 2013

When I popped across to London last month for Smashbox's Fall collection launch I was sure their naming cue came from the old Metallica choon, I was wrong - as I often am. Inspired by film and the drama of dimming the lights for dramatic effect, Fade to Black boasts the full spectrum from flattering neutrals to the most intense blacks. 

How 'Blondie' is that graphic?

I've been featuring this collection and drip feeding the products for weeks now but thought it best to give you the full low down, now that you can get your mitts on it this side of the Sea. 

Made up of two shadow palettes, two Be Legendary lipsticks and two Waterproof Shadow Liners but although it's not as large a collection as expected, there's some serious quality to be had with these products. 

Waterproof Shadow Liners: Blackest Black and Black Gold: €19

The Waterproof Shadow Liners are one of my favourite products from my Smashbox arsenal, so these new limited edition versions caught my attention immediately. Precision  smudgeable colour can be used as either a liner, a shadow or a shadow base for the lid. Black Gold needs to be seen with your very own eyeballs to appreciate the tarnished metallic loveliness that can be achieved with just one stroke. It'll be a staple in my Autumn/Winter rotation. 

Be Legendary Lipsticks: Cognac & Black Cherry: €19

Don't allow these lippies to fool you, the seemingly translucent nude, Cognac is actually a warm caramel once on the lips and Black Cherry, while the deepest of plums in the bullet is more a sheer plum once applied. Both are more than suited to a Fall make up look, though Black Cherry has been on my lips for weeks now. 

Fade to Black Palette: €39.50

The first of the two palettes, containing 7 shades each, boasts 4 mattes and 3 shimmers. Colours are richly pigmented despite their creamy soft formulation and blend easily on the lid to create a dramatic smokey or stripped back neutral look. I'm getting an entire working day without creasing or fading with these shades, though have tended to use the lightest as a base only. 

Leaning more toward the purple hues, the second palette contains 3 mattes and 4 shimmers. Again the consistency is faultless. Truth be told this is the one I'm reaching for more often as the shades complement blue/green eyes and the neutrals are more deeply pigmented. As with all Smashbox shadows you're never left second guessing placement, a quick scan of the QR code on the reverse will bring you straight to a How To video, filmed in the LA studio. 

I've never made a secret of my grá for Smashbox as a woefully overlooked brand in Ireland and their products as some of my go to saviours since I can remember. While the price point is slightly higher than off the shelf make up, the quality of the pigments and the fact that they just bloody work, means I recommend them over and over when asked (and sometimes when I'm not).

The Fade to Black collection is on counters next month, the sales girls are some of the most helpful, non pushy make up ladies there are so I'd recommend stopping by for a scout when you're next in Boots or Arnott's. 

Are you a Smashbox fan? Anything here grabbing your attention?