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Smashbox Light It Up Be Legendary Lipstick Set Review, Photos, Swatches

Smashbox Light It Up Be Legendary Lipstick Set
Smashbox Light It Up Be Legendary Lipstick Set

Smashbox Light It Up Be Legendary Lipstick Set ($29.00 for 0.64 oz.) includes six miniature lipsticks and a miniature Insta-Matte Lipstick Transformer. I liked the set overall; I think it is a great value, and I like the addition of the Insta-Matte Lipstick Transformer, which adds more versatility to the kit. Insta-Matte feels like a more slippery silicone-based face primer but for lips, which dulls the finish of whatever you already have on your lips to something more satin to matte. It did make whatever I had on slide a bit more initially, though it eventually seemed to wear down and feel more comfortable to wear. I’m a fan of the Be Legendary formula overall; it is typically pretty pigmented, comfortable to wear, and wears four to six hours, so getting six shades for this price point is great–it has just tremendous value, and the price is low, period, for mid-to-high-end makeup. I can easily see these being great for gifts to friends, especially as the shade range has some variety to it–neutral, cool, warm.

The Be Legendary Lipstick formula is supposed to be a creamy, long-wearing, and richly pigmented that feels lightweight and moisturizing. The Creams have a consistency that is light-medium in thickness–not thin but not heavy–that sits well on the lips and adheres for four to seven hours comfortably. Most of the shades had semi-opaque to fully opaque color coverage that went on evenly and smoothly. Some shades were nicely hydrating while others were lightly moisturizing but none of the Cream shades were drying. There was a very, very faint vanilla scent to them (I could only detect when the entire tube is untwisted) but no discernible taste.

Value

  • Be Legendary Lipstick: $21.00 for 0.10 oz. or $210.00/oz.
  • Insta-Matte Lipstick Transformer: $24.00 for 0.34 oz. or $70.59/oz.
  • Set Values: $100.80 worth of lipstick, $11.29 worth of Insta-Matte
  • Total Value: $112.09

Famous is a muted, medium peachy-pink with warm undertones and a natural sheen. It had mostly opaque color coverage that applied evenly and smoothly, though some color seemed to gather in my lower lip lines. The texture was lightly creamy, thin without being clingy, and was comfortable to wear. This shade lasted for four hours on me and was hydrating over time. Tom Ford Beauty Katherine (LE, $36.00) is lighter (95% similar). bareMinerals Kitty (PiP, $20.00) is warmer (95% similar). Bobbi Brown Almost Bare (P, $40.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Nothing to Wear (LE, $19.00) is lighter (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Sugar High (292) (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Burberry Nude Beige (201) (P, $34.00) is lighter, less pigmented (85% similar). MAC Shy Girl (P, $19.00) is warmer (85% similar). NARS Cruising (P, $26.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Burberry Nude (221) (P, $34.00) is lighter, warmer, glossier (85% similar). Cle de Peau Silk Scroll (P, $65.00) is lighter (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Sazan Nude (P, $29.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Koi Coral (P, $19.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Oh Snap (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Touche (LE, $20.00) is warmer (85% similar). Burberry Dusty Pink (406) (P, $35.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar). Chanel Illusion (206) (P, $45.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Alistair (LE, $36.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). YSL Le Nu (70) (P, $38.00) is warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Snitch (DC, $18.00) is warmer (85% similar). Hourglass Believer (P, $32.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Fig is a medium-dark, slightly muted, plum with subtle, warm undertones and ultra-fine pearl paired with a glossy finish. It had nearly opaque pigmentation that applied with smooth, even coverage. The consistency was moderately emollient and had a glossier finish as a result, so it had some slip and slide when worn. I did not personally experience feathering or bleeding, though. This shade wore well for five hours on me and was hydrating over time. Tom Ford Beauty Jack (2016) (P, $36.00) is warmer (95% similar). Bite Beauty Radicchio (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, less glossy (95% similar). ColourPop Berry Me in Lipsticks (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Dark Wine (P, $0.99) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Dior Diorlunar (987) (P, $37.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). YSL Dazzling Carmin (95) (LE, $38.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Smashbox Crush It (P, $24.00) is brighter, glossier (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Razzberry (P, $37.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar). Revlon Black Cherry (012) (P, $9.99) is more shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (90% similar). Pat McGrath Executive Realness (P, $38.00) is lighter, brighter, less glossy (85% similar). ColourPop Heavy Petal (LE, $7.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). NARS Isabella (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Bite Beauty Infuse (DC, $24.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Heavy Petting (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). bareMinerals Queen (PiP, $20.00) is lighter (90% similar). Bite Beauty Chicago (LE, $26.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Laura Mercier Merlot (P, $26.00) is warmer (85% similar). Bite Beauty Cassava (DC, $24.00) is darker, more muted, warmer (85% similar). Urban Decay Backstab (LE, $18.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Tarte Spicy (LE, $20.00) is warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Inspiration is a bright, medium fuchsia pink with cool, blue undertone and a luminous shimmer-sheen finish. It had semi-opaque color payoff with a lightly creamy, emollient texture that glided on without tugging. The color wore well for five and a half hours and was hydrating while worn. MAC Lickable (P, $19.00) is darker (95% similar). Make Up For Ever C208 (DC, $22.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). NARS Fanny (P, $34.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar). Urban Decay Menace (DC, $18.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Bite Beauty #002 (LE, $36.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). MAC Ultramarine Pink (LE, $30.00) is lighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Zelda (LE, $36.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Girl About Town (P, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC Viva Glam Taraji P. Henson (LE, $19.00) is less glossy (95% similar). Urban Decay Sheer Anarchy (DC, $22.00) is lighter (90% similar). Guerlain Neon Pumps (065) (P, $32.00) is less pigmented (85% similar). MAC Milan Mode (P, $19.00) is lighter, less pigmented (85% similar). Chanel La Romanesque (50) (DC, $45.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (85% similar). NARS 413 BLKR (P, $27.00) is more shimmery, lighter, less glossy (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Violet Fatale (P, $57.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Hollywood Cerise (LE, $19.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (85% similar). Estee Lauder Thrill Seeker (420) (P, $32.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC Catharina (P, $23.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Legendary is a bright, medium-dark red with cool, blue undertones and a luminous finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that covered the lips with smooth, even color. The consistency was lightweight, comfortable to wear, and had moderate slip but did not slide around or feather on me. This shade wore well for almost six hours and was moisturizing over time. Givenchy Rouge Insomnie (12) (P, $34.00) is lighter (95% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Cherry Frost (P, $0.99) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar). MAC Authentic Red (LE, $19.00) is warmer (95% similar). Estee Lauder Christmas Kiss (LE, $32.00) is lighter (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Alain (P, $36.00) is lighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Emma (LE, $36.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Urban Decay Spark (DC, $18.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Bite Beauty Tannin (DC, $24.00) is warmer (90% similar). Chanel No. 01 (LE, $45.00) is warmer (90% similar). Laura Mercier Vivien (LE, $26.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Russian Doll (DC, $37.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Bloodstone (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Cherry Lush (P, $57.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). YSL Light Me Red (119) (LE, $38.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Life's Blood (DC, $21.00) is darker (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Alejandro (P, $36.00) is warmer (90% similar). Bite Beauty #009 (LE, $36.00) is darker (90% similar). YSL Red Cassandre (84) (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Naomi (LE, $36.00) is warmer (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Tony (P, $36.00) is warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Primrose is a soft, medium rose pink with warm, yellow undertones and a lightly glossy, cream finish. The pigmentation was almost full coverage–you can see my lip freckle barely peeking through, though. The lipstick was lightly creamy so it applied evenly and did not tug on the lips, but it was comfortable to wear and was hydrating. I noticed that some of the color pulled into lip lines, but this did not seem to worsen over time. This shade lasted for four hours on me. NARS Anita (P, $34.00) is warmer (95% similar). Estee Lauder Inescapable (P, $32.00) is warmer (95% similar). Givenchy Rose Nocturne (06) (P, $34.00) is cooler (90% similar). Maybelline Peppy (P, $12.99) is cooler (90% similar). Dior Saint Germain (414) (P, $35.00) is more shimmery, darker, brighter (90% similar). Pat McGrath Femmebot (P, $38.00) is cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Speed Up (LE, $7.00) is warmer, less glossy (90% similar). Cle de Peau Dusk (238) (P, $35.00) is more shimmery, lighter, glossier (90% similar). Bite Beauty Pepper (DC, $24.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Shiseido Rose Muse (211) (P, $26.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC I'm In (LE, $20.00) is warmer (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Uber Pink (DC, $37.00) is brighter (90% similar). Sephora Not Your Baby (15) (P, $13.00) is brighter, glossier (90% similar). Make Up For Ever Fiery Sienna (158) (P, $23.00) is lighter (90% similar). Urban Decay Wrong Number (DC, $18.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Shiseido Streaming Mauve (208) (P, $26.00) is darker (90% similar). Surratt Beauty Perfectionniste (P, $34.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Sephora Oui (03) (P, $8.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Clinique Softly (06) (P, $19.50) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). NARS Apoline (P, $34.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Tabloid is a bright, medium-dark purple with warm, pink undertones and a natural sheen. It had semi-opaque color coverage that went on fairly evenly, though this shade had more slip and showed “lines” if I pressed my lips together. The color wore well for five hours and left a slight stain behind, while the formula itself felt hydrating to me. Urban Decay Bittersweet (DC, $18.00) is more muted, warmer (90% similar). Dose of Colors Love Potion (P, $16.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Seductive Intent (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Willful (248) (P, $30.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Urban Decay Bittersweet (DC, $22.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Heroine (P, $19.00) is darker (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Kaia (LE, $36.00) is less shimmery (85% similar). MAC Night Blooming (LE, $19.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Stylist's Tip (LE, $19.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Guerlain #74 (P, $36.00) is darker (85% similar). Dose of Colors Dark Secret (P, $16.00) is darker (85% similar). MAC Foiled Rose (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). MAC Purple Panna Cotta (LE, $17.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Famous

PiPPermanent in Palette. $21.00.
B+
B+
8.5
Product
9.5
Pigmentation
8.5
Texture
8.5
Longevity
4.5
Application
88%
Total

Fig

PiPPermanent in Palette. $21.00.
A
A
9
Product
9.5
Pigmentation
9
Texture
9.5
Longevity
5
Application
93%
Total

Legendary

PiPPermanent in Palette. $21.00.
A
A
9
Product
9
Pigmentation
9.5
Texture
10
Longevity
5
Application
94%
Total

Primrose

PiPPermanent in Palette. $21.00.
B+
B+
8.5
Product
9.5
Pigmentation
8.5
Texture
8.5
Longevity
4.5
Application
88%
Total

Tabloid

PPermanent. $21.00.
B+
B+
8.5
Product
8.5
Pigmentation
8.5
Texture
9.5
Longevity
4.5
Application
88%
Total

Smashbox Light It Up Be Legendary Lipstick Set
Smashbox Light It Up Be Legendary Lipstick Set

Smashbox Light It Up Be Legendary Lipstick Set
Smashbox Light It Up Be Legendary Lipstick Set

Smashbox Light It Up Be Legendary Lipstick Set
Smashbox Light It Up Be Legendary Lipstick Set

Smashbox Light It Up Be Legendary Lipstick Set
Smashbox Light It Up Be Legendary Lipstick Set

Smashbox Light It Up Be Legendary Lipstick Set
Smashbox Light It Up Be Legendary Lipstick Set

Smashbox Famous Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Famous Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Famous Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Famous Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Famous Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Famous Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Famous Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Famous Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Famous Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Famous Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Famous Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Famous Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick (with Insta-Matte)

Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick (with Insta-Matte)

Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Fig Be Legendary Lipstick (with Insta-Matte)

Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick (with Insta-Matte)

Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick (with Insta-Matte)

Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Inspiration Be Legendary Lipstick (with Insta-Matte)

Smashbox Legendary Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Legendary Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Legendary Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Legendary Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Legendary Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Legendary Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Legendary Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Legendary Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Legendary Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Legendary Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Legendary Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Legendary Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Primrose Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Primrose Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Primrose Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Primrose Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Primrose Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Primrose Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Primrose Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Primrose Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Primrose Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Primrose Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Primrose Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Primrose Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Tabloid Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Tabloid Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Tabloid Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Tabloid Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Tabloid Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Tabloid Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Tabloid Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Tabloid Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Tabloid Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Tabloid Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Tabloid Be Legendary Lipstick
Smashbox Tabloid Be Legendary Lipstick

Smashbox Light It Up Be Legendary Lipstick Set
Smashbox Insta-Matte Lipstick Transformer

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Foundation
  • Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder
On eyes:
  • ColourPop Jinxie Super Shock Shadow
  • Makeup Geek Legend Foiled Eyeshadow
  • ColourPop Elixir Super Shock Shadow
  • ColourPop Seeker Super Shock Shadow
  • ColourPop Paradox Super Shock Shadow
  • ColourPop Truth Super Shock Shadow
  • Sephora Black Lace Contour Eye Pencil
  • Makeup Geek Plot Twist Foiled Eyeshadow

28 Comments

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kjh Avatar

This is a great set for a lipstick gift. Good formula and grades, smart addition of a mattifier, and the color selection is wide. Minis for the less favored shades and full size available for what turns out to be loved. Full year appeal and nice price. Good job, Smashbox! You look wonderful in all the shades, natch.

Emily Avatar

Thanks for the review Christine. I received this last night :). Smashbox has an extra $10 reward if you switch to their new plan then apparently I had $7.50 from purchases, so I got this for $11 and some change :)). I’m really excited about Primrose, Fig, and Famous. I’m going to try to be brave and do the red and the purple as well. Thanks for trying with the instamatte too. I was really curious what it would look like.

BTW I’m wearing the Tarte Rain Forest of the Sea foundation that you’ve talked about and I’ve noticed worn often. I’m really like it . I remember from your foundation wrap up we are the same shade or close, so its been really helpful for me as a guide.

Fran Avatar

I really like Inspiration, Legendary, and Tabloid — of course, the bright, cool colors! — and also really like Fig, and it’s deep enough that it might be flattering on me even if it’s a bit warm. I think at this price, I could afford to give two away, or put them in my kit — they do look flattering against your warmer complexion, Christine!

I like lipstick minis, since I love to try out lots of different colors and seldom use up a complete full-sized tube of lipstick…

Mo Merrell Avatar

I got this and LOVE IT!! Smashbox being a fav didn’t hurt either. The box it came in also now houses a lot of my mini lipsticks and makes for a great display.

The only color I did not keep and gave to my coworker who gets all the colors I can’t wear was the Famous one otherwise these are all just so darn cute and moisturizing. I haven’t used the matte stuff yet and probably won’t but it’ll come in handy one day.

meganlisa Avatar

I don’t comment often but just wanted to say that these are gorgeous on you. We’ve all seen you in many, many shades but I’m so impressed at how beautiful each of these is on you. Just love them.

Claire L Avatar

Nice set! It’s a well-curated selection of colours, enough variety to be interesting but the right side of adventurous. Not expensive either. Hmm…

Bonnie Avatar

Wow, great set. I think I’d use all but Tabloid. I feel like I’m spending a lot on holiday sets this year, but your reviews help me purchase winners. Much thanks Christine! ?

cassandra Avatar

Absolutely beautiful flattering shades. I wonder if its available in UK. Smashbox is hard to locate here. Thanks for review and dupes look great too. 🙂

We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!