CLASH OF THE FOUNDATIONS: URBAN DECAY SURREAL SKIN CREAM TO POWDER/ SMASHBOX CAMERA READY FULL COVERAGE!
Goddess Granny who just loves a good ol' "Titan Clash": Godzilla vs.Mothra...Alien vs. Predator...Megan vs. Angelina...(Note to Ms. Fox: you are totally STUNNING girl and being compared to one of THE most gorgeous creatures to ever walk the earth which IMO isn't a bad thing so please stopping whining about it and just smile/say thank-you?)
It's always good mud-slinging-fun and even a bit Larry the Cable Guy redneck-Titan to really get rowdy and cheer loudly for your favorite in any arena! No lacking of any bouts or battles these days,it's more like you have to dodge all those soggy beer cups flying around.
We all know it's an insane maze of products out there and as consumers and dedicated-divas,we need ALL the help we can get to navigate these snarky and sharky waters of beauty! I am devoting this post to some serious personal homework I recently finished. I was more than willing to "battle it out" with my vanity as the ring for the sake of Meg's!
Like so many of us,I have been on a lifelong quest for that Grail of foundations: why oh why is it that when you find something PERFECT about one, it's usually also got something less-than as well, be it price, availability, color-range, scent , SPF or not, coverage....the list of requirements for many of us is simply constantly changing and never ending. What may have been perfection a year ago might now be tossed into a drawer...am I right? Also,the evolving technology and range of choices would take a MUCH tougher chic than I to wallow through!
I decided to narrow down exactly what I "needed" at this point from my foundation: ease of application for rushed mornings, wearability in terms of staying fresh and color-true, a bit of real coverage, and something that I didn't cringe over the price every time I needed a different shade or a replacement. I wear foundation everyday so it helps to "keep it real!"
Little or no scent and minimal SPF as both tend to irritate me.I personally don't wear mineral foundations although I respect that many love them so they weren't a consideration for me.
I navigated those murky waters on line first and and charted what was "fresh" on the market.I also went for those companies I personally am a fan of and that I know produce high- quality and on point products.To my searching eyes did appear two new foundations from two companies I love: my MUCH revered "Urban Decay" (no, they don't pay me 
)and "Smashbox", another company who always hits the highest mark with their line of urbane and high-tech products!
I purchased both UD's "Surreal Skin Cream to Powder" in "Dream" and SB's "Camera Ready Full Coverage" in Light L2...both priced at @ $35.00. Color range of both products is excellent,I would say that UD offers slightly better choices for the "creamy complexions" out there and SB's range is a bit more "yellow undertone" based.
Both compacts are beautiful: UD's typical over the top glam violet with etched case and full mirror and SB's sleek black compact with techy-appeal lettering and half-mirror so that product can be seen through the top. Both products contain a fabulous high-quality what I call "Half Moon brush" nestled in an under compartment for application so both are totally portable for touchups or travel.
I tried out the SB "Camera Ready" first: gorgeous silky texture and totally effortless ap...seriously,I don't even need to blend this baby! A few swipes with the brush and my skin is even,the tiny uglies are under control,and it's truly seamless in that you cannot TELL you have a buildable and full-coverage foundation on! NO heaviness or caking,it's moist and natural and honestly wears like a dream! I can go most of the day without a touch up and if I DO need one,a couple of swipes does the trick and again,you cannot tell where the aps meets up! Smooth and glowing...
LOVE IT and when it's on, I find myself checking out my skin the the rear-view in awe! I give it an A+ on all counts! This is a really great product and I won't be without it! NO skin irritation even though it has a 15 SPF.
Gulping loudly now...how WILL my other purchase hold up in the ring??? Not sure anything would be "better" for me at this point but I switch to the UD "Surreal Cream" and hold my breath: the BIGGEST DIFFERENCE in the two foundations is that UD's is a "cream to powder" and not simply a cream like SB's...you apply in the same way with the brush and again, it can be layered as you wish! Turning blue here...still holding...OMG...it looks....JUST AS GOOD ON!!! It's a slightly "different" finish,a bit more polished than the SB cream,more matte but still glowing and the coverage, seamless ap,and color are simply AMAZING!!! I think UD's wears just a tiny bit longer but I will attribute that to the powder-microspheres although there is NOTHING powdery or cakey about it. Again, just a few swipes with little or no blending and my job is complete! This one is a must-have for me as well! Also an A+ from me with a gasp of disbelief!
Both contain skin-lovin' vitamins and are actually good for your skin.Both give that flawless finish without even trying look.Neither has a heavy or made-up look and both have no scent...UD's contains no sunscreen and both simply glide on like creamy-silk! Both can be used with a primer for great results and although "full coverage" can sound scary,this is simply light-reflecting and smoothing stuff at it's best,you control how much and where! Both can be applied sheer or layered for absolute glam!
I am THRILLED to announce Ladies and Gentlemen that we have a RARE in the world of cosmetics TIE!!!
Hand's down these products rival each other in the BEST possible way withe the BEST possible results!!! Evenly-matched for sure, slight difference in their "finish" but both manage to go the distance and please THIS demanding spectator in an un-rivaled until now WAY!!! You simply can't go wrong with either or one of them and if you haven't sampled this new technology and texture,you'll be amazed: this ain't your Granny's heavy- makeup,it's what the pros use for effortless and amazing results! Skin that looks natural only MUCH more refined and smoother and a canvas for the rest of your "face" that is crucial for a color-ho' like myself. :)
Do yourself a huge favor and try one or both,battle it out if you must but I will be amazed if one or both doesn't rate a "WIN" with just about everyone who wears foundation!
OK LADIES!! I'M READY FOR A KNOCK DOWN DRAG OUT! WHICH BRANDS COVERAGE ARE YOU GETTING ON THE MATT FOR?
BUY THEM HERE!
URBAN DECAY SURREAL SKIN TO POWDER
SMASHBOX CAMERA READY FULL COVERAGE
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Reviews
I love that moon brush!! The compact looks lovely and portable. I use mineral makeup because it's better for my skin, but after seeing this I'm really tempted to try these. I must resist!!!
I know, right? EDM isn't a great bargain anymore, and all these new foundations sound amazing, and I do love trying new products....MUST RESIST!
Well I think EDMs foundation at $12 is way cheaper than this at $35 !!!!
I think these would probably last longer - one EDM base lasts me ~2 months, compact foundations I've tried last me ~9 months.although that's not figuring in the discount.
Oh I see, mine last me about 3 months have you tried EDMs compact ??
I did try the new EDM compact, but it looked just awful on me. I've quite oily so it just didn't work.
Oh thats a shame :-( that Urban Decay one looks so pretty I'd get that one :-) x
Great review -- I love Urban Decay products and had been eyeing the new Surreal Skin foundation for a while. The compact is so pretty and some of my old favorite formulations were cream-to-powder, though I feel like that finish has gotten harder to find in recent years. I'll definitely consider giving it a try when one of my current favorites runs out.
right now, im into liquid foundation b/c i like a lighter coverage in the warmer months. for the cooler fall/winter months, i may turn to ur suggestions. im not a fan of mac's (my go-to brand) powder and cream foundations. thanks for the info!
http://www.youtube.com/ashleya1002
You know what's weird? I have liked every foundation/tinted moisturizer I have tried.. I don't know why, it's really hard to compare them, and you did a great job! I do wish there were pics or swatches included in the review..
Thanks for the review! The biggest problem for me and foundation is color. I am very fair skinned and I have some rosacea but yellow undertones. Everything is ALWAYS too dark or too pink. I'm using mineral foundation right now but in the winter I might need to switch it up with something more creamy. Portability is also an issue and if I can find my color in either of these that might just solve my problem.Thanks!
And I'll add the once again Urban Decay only registers as a 3 on the cosmetic database!!!Smashbox is a 4 which is still pretty good.
AHHHH YES, trying to find the perfect foundation.I recently tried "The Body Shop" cream to powder make up, it gets thumbs down. There is LOTS of good ingredients but it is smudgy and not an easy application. I was given Christian Dior Forever Foundation, I like it a lot, I just don't do liquids well. I am a powder foundation lover. I have tried many different ones but I am still looking for the PERFECT one. I like Aveda, Origins, SB, and many others. I think Lancomes Dual Finish is WONDERFUL.I just haven't found "the one" yet.
Ooh they both sound amazing.Once upon a time I had VERY bad acne and I couldnt even wear makeup. I found mineral makeup. It worked for me! Now I've had my acne under control for a few years with a few little breakouts around my chin here and there.Now im terrified to branch out and try other foundatons again... Of course I should start with a high quality product. And since ive been a member here I have slowly fallen in love with urban decay.am I ready???? lol I guess I'll never know till I try.
Tan is Love
Try Christopher Drummond's creamy Veludo Foundation. It's pricey but one jar lasts for months. It's all good for your skin too. I am very particular with what I put on my body. I have replaced my toxic chemical filled cosmetics with safer, smarter choices. I get compliments on my skin all the time.
This sounds great and the price is even better!
I'm happy to hear that you like both foundations! To be honest, I was about to give up on Smashbox, as I had never found a product of theirs that I loved. However, a couple weeks ago, I was given a sample of their new (I think) tinted moisturizer, it's actually a luminizer, but the perfect color for my skin. After trying it, I decided that I really decided that I really liked it. I'm not much of a foundation girl, more of a tinted moisturizer fan. I do have a MAC Select Spf foundation, and I don't really care for it. I feel that it accentutes my fine lines. I loved my Bobbi Brown tinted moisturizer. Clinique's tm was okay, but the color wasn't light enough for my fair skin.Despite my distaste of foundations, I think I'll give the UD foundation a try next. The Smashbox foundation sounds great, but it sounds like the UD will match my skintone better.
I'm a fan of Smashbox (forgot which one it was) but it's an illuminating bronzer and it feels really light on the skin and looks greatOtherwise I honestly don't stray too far from MAC because it gets the workdone!
-Miss Yaya
http://myownjudge.blogspot.com/
The perfect foundation, is, for me anyway, the Holy Grail. After years of revelling in an almost flawless complexion, I was struck down with acne at the tough old age of 43. Flawless complexion replaced with hot mess - scars, ruddiness, things popping up, and things disappearing both need equal attention. Foundation went from evenings and special occasions to don't go in the yard without it, lest you frighten little children. What a fab interview - guhahsp - who woulda thought a head to head 'Clash of the Titans' would result in a draw!!!! Brilliant review *****
Rie
Man these sound great! and I love the UD compact! Thanks for the review!!
I really wanna try the UD one, but 435 is a bit steep for me, and it seems like it would go fast, I've heard the pan is very shallow. I was tempted to buy during the UD F&F sale, but I'm wary of buying foundation without trying the colors in person first.
it seems like it would go fast, I've heard the pan is very shallowhmm well that blows my theory that it would last a long time
This was an excellent review. I am have been on the hunt for a new foundation. This gives me two great avenues to pursue. Thank you for testing these two products side by side Godess Granny. It is good to know how these products stack up.Have any of you ever been on the hunt for a new product at Ulta or Sephora and can get no real feedback from the folks working? It is frustrating. When I ask for someones opinion . . . I like a real opinion not lip service than boils down to no valuable information. I get better information here than I get anywhere!!
Awesome review! Thank you, Goddess Granny! I've been looking for a good foundation, but I probably will need to get one with SPF. Right now I'm taking Korres Watermelon Tinted Moisturizer with SPF for a test drive, and am surprised by the coverage, which is actually pretty decent! I can't decide if the coverage looks as natural as I'd like, Powder foundation tends to look... powdery! (on my skin). But I might consider giving one of these products a try...
♥ Lipgloss and Spandex: a blog for gals who look good and run fast
Absolutely great review! I'm tempting to try them both, but I'm afraid the shades are too dark for me...either they're too yellowy or to pink...I'm having a hard time finding the right shade, be it foundation or powder. I love the fact that one of them has SPF. I'm mostly all of the time allergic to products with SPF too.I ordered some foundation samples at Bobbi Brown yesterday, because I found out they have a wide range of shades, even very light ones and I'm gonna see how they turn out. In general I love the fact though that this one foundation (UD) goes on smooth and turns into a powdery finish. Reminds me of my HG (so far), Dream Matte mousse makeup from Maybelline. It's perfect, just the shades aren't.
Make up your beauty-full mind...www.myspace.com/blackdivaworld
I'm probably going to stick with my EDM just because it's mineral and cheaper. Thank you for the review though! Both of those sound amazing.
I've tried SB and absolutely loved it, I even used it all up, which is rare for me. I will definitely try the UD when the weather gets colder, thanks for the review.One of the things I liked most about the SB was that it was so easy to put on and looked incredible.
I love this topic. Foundation is such a hard thing to find, especially one that you actually LOVE. I found that I always just settled for something that matched my skin tone, and the price was right.But I have finally fallen in love with EDM. It matches my skin perfectly, the price is right (even with the price changes, it's still pretty affordable), and it doesnt make me break out AT ALL. It feels so light, I dont feel like Im wearing foundation. I tell my friends about it all the time, whenever the topic of makeup comes up, or they compliment me on my skin.
Thakns for the review! I personally love love urban decay.
I have been using MAC Studio Fix for a few years now, and have found it to be my Holy Grail of foundation. It's a powder based foundation that goes on very smoothly and gives me a gradual build-up of pigment on my skin. It's smooth and not oily at all [something I struggle with when using liquid foundation]. I top it up with powder every three hours or so as my naturally oily skin just seems to produce so darn much of it, but besides that it's everything I could ever want! Plus it's reasonably priced. :]Thanks for your reviews Goddess Granny, I wish we had Urban Decay here to compare MAC to!
I only recently got into pressed foundations (i'm such a make up noob!). at first it was allll liquid foundation... it was the only form of foundation i recognise... gradually i moved onto mineral make up and since i'm always in a rush or need it on the go i started using EDM pressed foundations. They are greatttt on my combination skin type! it doesn't dry my skin out and the coverage is perfect... not heavy at all, very natural looking but still covering the blemishes. I have heard SO many reviews on UD... everytime i post on a site asking for good make up brands it's always UD! their packaging looks uber cute, definitely on my to-buy list when i visit the US!
My new Ebay Store: cossiepieMy blog: http://lazyscorner.blogspot.com/
You enabler, all these great reviews of products I just simply must try. However, this time I am weary. I'm always very, very careful with foundations since everything but my beloved EDM breaks me out (I'm super prone to clogged pores). How would you say these compare to other foundations in that area? Also, how to they hold up to moisture like swirling mists?
I got the Matte from EDM so far ! and I don't like to be TOO matte ! but I love to carry with me some pressed powder to help my oily face during the day and I must say UD packagings look always GORGEOUS ! I would love to have this one in my purse for the touch ups !
Chloe http://thehollywoodheels.blogspot.com
I love the look of these compacts, such pretty, sleek design, and the brushes look so soft. I've used a few compact cream foundations over the years, and I love the feel of them, but unfortunately most are too dark for me :(
Great review! I definitely like to use compacts because they are easy to carry with you during the day for touch ups. I'll have to make sure to check these out during my next Sephora trip.
My beauty blog: http://igknowidea.blogspot.com <br> My crafting blog: http://craftyandallthat.blogspot.com
I'm definitely in the market for a new foundation and these sound just great. I'm currently using a Smashbox foundation and like it, but it's a bit dewy for fall. Maybe I'll give the UD one a try since I want a more matte finish for fall. Anything that covers up the redness around my nose is a-ok with me.
i have yet to find a perfect powder/foundation, i cannot really spend much money on either so im usually stuck with Maybelline foundation that doesnt have much coverage for my pimple scars.... I would try UD because i love the packaging so much more :)
UD rocks! I am glad it came out with the flying colors it deserves. Not to mention how cool their compacts look. :)
Haha great post as always..A tie I can't believe it I thought for sure SB was going to win..I am a huge fan of a sheer light coverage foundation as I really don't need a heavy coverage. Right now I am using MAc's sheer loose powder which gives me a clean natural and nude look!
;) Gloss & Gum <3
God HELP me I'm SO tempted to try the UD one. This sounds RIGHT up my alley but I just bought a new Gabriel's Organic powder and it will be a while before I get through it. Thanks for the GREAT review. Totally entertaining and brought me back to the Saturday afternoon movies of my youth. LOVED Mothra! hehe. See you in LA roomie!!!!!!!!!!
Love, hugs and shoes...Angie
LOVE LOVE LOVE this review! My fair skin loves a light cream or cream-to-powder in the cooler months. And, like many of you, MAC studio is my current staple, but I love to try new things. I still can't decide which to go with; time for a sephora visit to get a true skin matchup. Thanks again!
I got the Urban Decay compact and it's beautiful and natural while giving a super soft looking finish. Great coverage with the exception of some of my more red areas. However, the color I have is slightly off so with a better match might come better redness control. I found that the more you layer it, the less satin and more matte it becomes-nice option. I'm also experimenting with EDM. I think I like it so far but again, not sure if I've found the right color match for my skin tone. My skin is really hard to match. Really hard. Great review Goddess Granny, I know you aren't on their payroll but honey you should be.
Oh no, you did NOT just tempt us with 2 new-ish foundation options! I really have a problem with foundations: I seem to keep buying them. So this is what I've got going on right now: Dior Capture Totale liquid (very nice), Smashbox Halo (mineral powder) which is very good but very expensive, Classified Cosmetics Aeromist (fabulous and inexpensive), and finally - my latest, Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer - oil free and containing SPF. I flirt with all of them. Usually pick whichever I'm in the mood for. But your review has me trying to figure out a way to rationalize "just one more."Good review!
Carole
im a big fan of urban decay. i almost all of their products. this one is definitely great. pricey. but great.
Ahhh I so wish I had money to buy new foundation. But alas I do not. I do have a half moon brush lying around that I never use, and cream to powder foundation, and plain cream foundation so I think I'm going to experiment when I'm doing my make-up this week.
Love and Lipgloss,
Kathryn
mymarkstore.com/rynthayer
The compact looks lovely and portable. I use mineral makeup because it's better for my skin,
this is my first time on this site. i loved the fight of the concealers . can some one tell me what edm is. and what are the benefits of mineral fondation? is the coverage good? thanks
aachb - EDM is everyday minerals. I use their foundations sometimes too, but I have to apply it wet otherwise it sits in my pores or fine lines even with a primer. wow, great review! Nowe I want to try both but I already have enough liquid foundations. The one's that I like right now are MAC Studio Fix liquid foundation and Clinique's Better Then Makeup and Almost Makeup liquids. Both provide really good coverage, I don't feel like I have anything on and give my skin such a nice even look. But when I use those up, I am thinking I may have to try the above!
I use mark foundation because I get a discount and am paying school off but this really sounds like good, high quality stuff! I'm more of an Urban Decay junkie though so I would give that a try before using Smashbox. Probably just because of the adorable packaging but that little brush that comes with the Smashbox is really cute!
the Urban Decay design is so pretty