Behind The Brand: Smashbox Cosmetics

Date of Birth: 1996

Founding Fathers: Dean and Davis Factor

History: Smashbox cosmetics is the brainchild of Dean and Davis Factor, great-grandsons of makeup legend Max Factor. Born out of the famous Smashbox Studios in LA, the cosmetics brand launched in 1996, offering customers long-lasting products that stay intact even in the toughest conditions. The cutting-edge brand, loved by some of the most beautiful Hollywood stars, was acquired by Estée Lauder Companies in 2010.

From left: Davis Factor and Dean Factor

USP: What sets Smashbox apart from other cosmetic brands is that the products come straight from the Smashbox Studios. Products are tested in a studio to not only see how they hold up in bright and hot conditions, but to allow the creators to explore and develop problem-solving solutions. Smashbox's focus on creating studio-ready cosmetics, enabled the brand to be the first cosmetics company to produce HD makeup.

Motto: "Our knowledge. Your Beauty"

Offerings: Colour cosmetics, skin primers and various beauty tools.

Hero Products: Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation, Full Exposure Mascara, O-Glow, Always On Liquid Lipstick and Step-By-Step Contour Kit.

Availability: Smashbox is available at a huge number of department stores worldwide. If you are based in the UK, you can get your Smashbox fix at Boots and online (smashbox.co.uk). If you reside in the US of A, you can find Smashbox at Sephora, ULTA and Nordstrom.

Website: smashbox.com / smashbox.co.uk

Price Points

Foundations: Up to £29.00 / $42.00

Single Eye Shadows: Up to £16.50 / $18.00

Blushers: Up to £22.00 / $29.00

Lipsticks: Up to £19.00 / $24.00

Mascaras: Up to £19.50 / $23.00