One thing I’ve always liked about makeup is the story behind the product, and how when you see a piece of makeup, you’re not just looking at a lipstick or an eyeshadow. Sometimes, you’re also seeing someone’s hopes and dreams.
Who was that someone at Bare Escentuals who, when they first saw the opalescent purplish grey that would later become limited edition BE Cares Sweet Smile eyeshadow, thought they would release the color to honor Jessica, one of their customers, and her sister, who underwent 24 operations to correct a cleft palate?
Through the sale of special limited edition makeup in the BE Cares line, Bare Escentuals helps to fund and raise awareness for various causes like The Smile Train, a non-profit group that works to make free corrective cleft lip and palate surgeries available to impoverished children around the world.
In this case, a portion of every Sweet Smile sale goes toward a $50,000 donation to Smile Train — an amazing thing, for sure, but I would politely encourage the company to go even further by announcing the percentage of proceeds that go toward their donations to this and other causes (like MAC does with Viva Glam).
I’ve been wearing Sweet Smile as a light wash over my lids this week for a hint of color and blue sparkle that don’t look too overdone. The color isn’t incredibly pigmented, but applying it with a wet brush helps (makes it more intense).
Swatches of Sweet Smile applied dry (left) and wet (right)
I also plan to try smudging it atop black, blue or purple liner to see how it handles a super quick smokey eye.
The product comes in a jar as a loose powder that for me can be kinda tricky to work with. This is just personal opinion, but I’m partial to pressed pans instead.
PRICE: $13
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Bare Escentuals Boutiques and also online
MAKEUP AND BEUTY BLOG RATING: B+
Top Chef!
Okay, Top Cheffers, SPOILER ALERT!!! If you haven’t watched last night’s finale yet, stop reading now.
I’m serious. Don’t read another word.
Stop! 
Okay, let’s dish (sorry, bad pun).
I was thrilled to see R. Blais take top honors, but that foie gras ice cream? EWW! Tabs wasn’t the only one who thought that desert looked like cat food (no offense, Richard).
But other than the deserts, I thought both he and Mike knocked out some phenomenal food. I could almost taste it from here, YUM!
Wouldn’t it be great to be a judge on that show (one that didn’t have to vote)? I couldn’t hack it though. I just don’t have the culinary vocabulary. I mean, how many times can you say, “This is great!!!” or “This tastes like overcooked toe jam”? Haha!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Christina says
March 31st, 2011 at 3:04 pmGreat cause for the shadow but I agree with your suggestion to make public the percentage. But onward to something that is fascinating me, HOW did you make your hair all big and billowy and swooshy?! Share the deets! It’s gorgeous and I want to copy copy copy away!
Karen says
March 31st, 2011 at 3:11 pmHi Christina,
I did a modified version of the curly hairdo in this post:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/hair/powered-by-pantene-big-and-bouncy-party-curls/
dani@callitbeauty says
March 31st, 2011 at 3:14 pmwhat an amazing story and equally amazing cause. kudos to BE!
dani@callitbeauty recently posted … Lush – Its Raining Men Shower Gel and R&B Hair Cream Review
Karen says
March 31st, 2011 at 3:15 pmWhat do you think of the color, Dani?
Happy Thursday, btw!
Arianne says
March 31st, 2011 at 4:01 pmAmazing! Thanks for sharing that story with us. 🙂
I think this is a beautiful colour for spring, too. Way to go Bare Escentuals.
Arianne recently posted … Still Scared of Orange Lips Here are 3 More Tamer Ways to Wear the Trendy Colour for Spring and Summer
Karen says
April 1st, 2011 at 8:31 amHi Arianne,
It’s perfect for spring! How about it with pink cheeks and a semi-sheer lavender gloss? Yum!
Heidi says
March 31st, 2011 at 4:03 pmKudos to any company that contributes to charity. That being said, I really tried with Bare Escentuals, because I like the idea behind the line. But, I’ve reached the conclusion that I can’t do loose powders. I’m too klutzy, they’re too messy, and it’s just a recipe for disaster. Give me pressed powders any day.
By the time we got to last night’s Top Chef, I didn’t care who won. I think both have behaved horribly this season, which made me not want to cheer on either one.
Karen says
April 1st, 2011 at 8:32 amAgreed. There was some shifty behavior from several contestants. I think the show may have jumped the shark after the Vegas season. I miss the days of the Voltaggio brothers!
Kaelin Chan says
March 31st, 2011 at 4:20 pmOHMYGOSH. I swatched this exact shadow at the bare essentials free standing store just a few weeks ago when they were having their 3 for 2 deal. Unfortunately, I was with a good friend who was bent on keeping me to my project pan, so she pushed me out the door before i could pick up this beauty :/
Kaelin Chan recently posted … EOTD- Moody P-p-purple
Jessi (Lacquered, Painted, Polished) says
March 31st, 2011 at 4:27 pmI’m really loving the color;that blue sparkle is gorgeous. But I agree with you about the percentage. SOMETHING is better than nothing though and even if it is a marketing ploy, at least a deserving cause is benefited. Thanks for sharing Karen!
Jessi (Lacquered, Painted, Polished) recently posted … 28-Pan Blush Palette A Lifetime Supply of Blush Review and Swatches
Nina says
March 31st, 2011 at 4:53 pmoh that is a lovely eyeshadow and it supports a great cause! ill have to admit that other than well rested and an old-ish jar of bone eyeshadow, i dont have BE/BM products.
i might pop over to the BE boutique in the houston galleria to grab a jar of that eyeshadow before it runs out! 🙂
Megan says
March 31st, 2011 at 4:56 pmI’ll be the first to say I don’t like BE products.
But holy goodness, Karen–your eyebrows are LOVELY. As someone who has to fill in every day, I’m super jealous. Way to…primp. 🙂
Tracy says
March 31st, 2011 at 5:12 pmI am in love with this colour! And a great cause too! I will totally order this .
Tracy recently posted … March Loves
Liz! says
March 31st, 2011 at 5:53 pmThat color is lovely. I’ll have to check it out next time I’m at my local BE store. I need a new foundation cuz I’m still way too pale for my summer one :-/
Instant Karma (formerly L) says
March 31st, 2011 at 6:06 pmI now totally have to listen to that Oasis album. 😀
It looks very pretty, but I’m going to have to pass. I am WAY too much of a klutz for loose eyeshadow, lol.
TOP CHEF — I am SO happy Richard won. Mike has irritated me ever since the very first episode of season six when he said uttered something about how Jen Carroll shouldn’t be on the same level that he is because she’s a girl. Ew. I’m still really sad that Carla or Antonia weren’t in the finale, though. I voted for Carla, like, 8000 times for fan favorite (okay, slight hyperbole).
I have good news: Tigger hasn’t had any seizures today! In case you didn’t get my earlier comment, he had five seizures in a 48 hour period this weekend, which was really scary. The vet came by on Monday and took some blood and prescribed some medicine (which seems to be kicking in now), and his bloodwork came back normal. This means he most likely has epilepsy, but that’s a lot more manageable than the potential problems the blood tests were investigating.
His medicine has given him a major case of the munchies, though. I’m pretty sure he’s gained half a pound since Monday — which is a lot for an eight pound cat, lol. He’s been a little too skinny lately, so he can keep eating whatever he wants (but he really needs to stop eating Gizmo’s food, haha). Speaking of Gizmo, she’s been getting more social, and she and Tigger have been bonding. Yay! It’s been a good day :).
Vijaya says
March 31st, 2011 at 6:49 pmYou always look so gorgeous, Karen. Just thought I’d point it out!
That story is amazing. I know this is going on the wishlist, now. <3
Vijaya recently posted … Inglot AMC Lip Pencil 35
Advah says
April 1st, 2011 at 2:23 amLovely colour! I think this might be the ‘uber flattering for brown eyes’ colour I’ve been looking for ever, but I’m with you on the format. I’ve tried loose powder once and it was not pretty..
Karen says
April 1st, 2011 at 8:17 amOoh, let me guess. The incident involved accidentally tipping the jar over and the stuff ended up all over the place! Sadly this has happened to me many, many times.
Kim says
April 1st, 2011 at 5:12 amThe color is really nice and seems just right for subtle daytime wear. The Smile Train is also a great charity, so it’s really nice that they’re supporting it. I’m sure $50K will do a lot of good for a lot of kids. 🙂
I haven’t watched any Top Chef but your foie gras ice cream comment reminded me of a Denny’s (?) commercial I saw last night. It was for their bacon-fest, or something like that, and it had a bacon sundae. I love bacon but, blech. 🙂 Speaking of blech, I’m still not getting over the April Fool’s comic sans! HAHA!
Karen says
April 1st, 2011 at 8:12 amRe: bacon sundaes — I feel the same way about bacon in chocolate. The candy shop in my town sells chocolate covered bacon on a stick and whenever I see it I want to barf! BLECH!
Wait… so you’re not loving the new font? LOL
Kim says
April 1st, 2011 at 10:54 amHAHA! I know, I’m so subtle sometimes. I think it’s a testament to your awesomeness that we’re continuing to read and comment despite the bloody eyes, though! 🙂
Danielle N says
April 1st, 2011 at 6:17 amI think the color is really pretty and since it’s for a good cause I’ll prob go buy it. 🙂
I’m guessing the comic sans is an April Fools joke? lol, Happy April Fools Day!!
Danielle N recently posted … For Japan With Love Bloggers Day of Silence
Karen says
April 1st, 2011 at 8:07 amLOL, what, you don’t like it? 😉
Alka says
April 1st, 2011 at 6:28 amI don’t mind BE’s loose powder format and this shadow is really pretty on you. I will definitely be picking this one up. 🙂
Karen says
April 1st, 2011 at 8:07 amHi Alka,
Awesome! I hope you like it. 🙂
lexi says
April 1st, 2011 at 6:56 amwhat were you wearing on lips in these pics?
Karen says
April 1st, 2011 at 8:04 amHi Lexi,
That’s Jemma Kidd Hi-Shine Lip Gloss in Rose.
Trisha says
April 1st, 2011 at 8:58 pmAfter seeing your post, I just had to swing by Nordstromm to check this out in person 🙂 The lady at the BE counter had no clue what shadow I was talking about. I checked through all of them myself *sigh* wasn’t there. This color is gorgeous. Maybe I’ll check out Sephora next. I’m on the hunt!
Charisse says
April 1st, 2011 at 9:44 pmOMG I love Top Chef! I was so rooting for Mike Isabella though. I still love R Blais nonetheless! Anywho I love that so many brands are reaching out by contributing to a good cause…I bought my Viva Glam lipstick just because of that! 😀 It’s a win/win! Tory Burch is donating proceeds of her special Japan relief shirt to help the victims of the tsunami and I just found out that Yes to Carrots has a Yes to Seed fund that helps plant gardens in school! 😀
Polarbelle says
April 2nd, 2011 at 4:58 amI might have to get this one. It’s absolutely gorgeous. Hmmm, just happen to be going to nordstom later today….
Polarbelle recently posted … Peachy Nails and Peachy Makeup via Chanel and MUFE
Ashley Calvin says
April 29th, 2011 at 11:29 amSo Amazing! I just read more about Smile Train and the Smile Train Merger. Glad everyone is such a proud suppoter even with the contreversary. Such a meaningful charity that’s changing lives daily.
GossipGirl89 says
April 29th, 2011 at 11:33 amWhat a fantastic way to support an awesome cause! PLUS the BE line is great. The operations they provide are absolutely life changing for so many beautiful children around the globe. Wouldn’t it be great if more people were aware of how easy it was to support Smile Train !