Hello again, beauties! It’s been forever since my last This or That, but today’s battle is a good one, so I hope you forgive me 
In case you’re new around here, This or That is a comparison series, where I feature two like products (usually one high end and one affordable). In the end, I tell you which product I think is worth buying. The products featured today look identical, but one is $32 and one is $15. Want to know which one I like best? Keep on reading!
SMASHBOX FUSION SOFT LIGHTS
Baked Starblush
Retailing for $32 at Sephora, ULTA, Macy’s and Nordstom this soft pink pinwheel promises to leave behind a lit-from-within glow. The shades are meant to be mixed together, and can be used on the lids, cheeks, nose, temples, and decollate.
The texture of this powder is smooth, the pigmentation is buildable, and it blends beautifully on the cheeks. I don’t notice any kick up when I swirl my brush through it, and although the finish is luminous, it’s not super intense or over the top.
PROS & CONS:
♥ Smooth texture
♥ Luminous finish
♥ Not frosty or glittery
↓ Packaging not very sturdy
↓ Steep price tag
SOAP & GLORY LOVE AT FIRST BLUSH
As soon as I saw this blush, I immediately thought of the Smashbox Soft Lights. In the pan, they look exactly the same, though there are quite a few differences. For starters, this retails for half the price at just $15. You can find it in stores and online at ULTA, and it’s designed to be used on the cheeks for a luminous rosy glow.
The texture of this powder is similar to Smashbox. It’s smooth, has buildable pigmentation, and it’s not powdery. It comes in a lightweight compact, with a large mirror and snap closure. The biggest difference, aside from the packaging, is the color payoff. It looks like it would be light pink, but it’s actually quite dark. The finish is luminous, but the shade is deep and rosy, so it’s definitely a true blush – making it quite different than the Smashbox powder.
PROS & CONS:
♥ Affordable price tag
♥ Smooth texture
♥ Not powdery or frosty
↓ Too dark to wear as a highlight (not a dupe for the Smashbox)
THIS OR THAT
Although these products are quite different once applied, I do prefer the finish of the Smashbox product. It can be worn on the cheekbones, cheeks, nose, and anywhere else you want a pop of glow. It’s subtle, so it’s great for daytime looks, and it doesn’t emphasize pores. The Soap & Glory product is beautiful as well, and these two wear really nicely together, so I also highly suggest it. It’s affordable, and it’s got great pigmentation!
Are you surprised by my choice? Which one do you like best?
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The post This or That: Smashbox v. Soap & Glory appeared first on Collective Beauty.