I’ve been wanting to try the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer for like forever but just couldn’t push myself to pay $36 for it, especially since my favorite primer costs less than $6. I was recently gifted a sample size tube and was super excited to finally try it out. I’ve been testing it for the past two weeks.
The vitamin and antioxidant enriched formula is supposed to smooth and perfect skin and is infused with grape seed oil (antioxidants, boosts collagen), cola seed extract (caffeine, treats redness and inflammation) and camellia leaf extract (fatty acids, vitamin e & collagen) to help inhibit the destruction of collagen and fill in fine lines and pores for a flawless finish. Photo Finish is oil free and paraben free.
Just like the full size, the sample size comes in a squeeze tube making it easy to dispense and more hygienic.
A few different types of silicone is also included in the formula making it silky smooth and lightweight without being greasy. All you need is a very small amount to cover the entire face and it glides on easily then dries down to a smooth, almost powder like finish. I’ve been using it for two weeks and still have more than 3/4 of the tube left. It can be worn alone or under foundation and liquid and powder foundations as well as tinted moisturizers all apply evenly over the primer. You truly get a flawless finish. Here I am wearing it under my Revlon PhotoReady Foundation and set with Ben Nye Neutral Set. My skin looks smoother and my pores look smaller than usual…
I haven’t noticed any other benefits to my skin but my foundation stays put all day and I barely have to blot. My oil doesn’t start to seep through until I’m home from work. My oily/combo skin is however a bit drier in the Winter so I don’t know if it will hold up as well in the warmer months. One thing that I have noticed though is since I’ve been using Photo Finish I’ve been experiencing more breakouts, a few random bumps here and there (you can see some on my forehead.) I can’t definitely say it is the primer causing them though as I began a new skincare routine around the same time that I started using this. I will update my review if I pinpoint Photo Finish as the culprit. Overall I really like this primer and will use it until my sample is up but I don’t plan to buy the full size when I am done as I am happy with my current primer which is much, I mean MUCH less expensive.
The full 1 oz size of Smashbox Photo Finish Primer retails for $36 and may be purchased at Sephora, Ulta or at a Smashbox counter near you.
8 Responses
great review hun,i wanna try this primer u look beautiful as always!
Thanks Sher!
Great review Doll!! I took your advice and bought the $6 primer you suggested and girl I am in love. I don’t wear much make up anyway. But when I use the primer and powder, it looks like I have on liquid foundation. Its fabulous. The only thing is, I know I haven’t been using the right kind of brush to put it on. Can you reccommend a quality brush good for primer that is inexpensive?
7eventh Letter
http://www.whatsmoreimportantthanfashion.com
Thx hon glad you like it. No need to buy a brush, I find the best way to apply primer especially those with a lotion like consistency is with your fingers!
What type of primer do you use for $6?
Black Radiance Complexion Perfection Shine Control Primer, the link to my review is in this post… Click “favorite primer”
Thanks for the response. Love your blog!
No problem at all. Glad you enjoy my blog xo