My chosen product is the Smashbox Photo Finish primer, because I have been on the hunt for a primer that does exactly that; give me a ‘photo finish’. I normally like to carry out some research before I buy, so after reading up on various reviews etc, I stumbled across the Smashbox Photo Finish- which claims to- increase the longevity of foundation wear and reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visably softer skin with a velvety soft finish. My skin is quite clear, but my main problem area is my open pores. In addition, my skin can sometimes look uneven/ tired when neglected. Thus, although all primers are designed to close or reduce the appearance of pores, I wanted something extra, that would help my foundation last and make my skin ultra smooth. Hence, this primer was seemingly the obvious choice.
The primer is actually displayed in a glass bottle with a pump, but I was given a squeezy tube…not a good start! The product itself, is of a clear consistency with a silky smooth texture. You can immediately feel the difference to your skin once it’s been applied (even on the ends of your fingertips). Upon application, I noticed that my pores had visably reduced. The more I applied, the more the pores seemed to ‘disappear’; yee haaa!!! Yet, it didn’t seem as though my skin had been evened out. I did however notice, that in photographs, my skin looked smoother. My foundation glided on smoothly and lasted all day.
I would rate this product about 3.5/5 because I think it’s good, but not as amazing as it claims to be.
Advantages:
Reduces the appearance of pores
Don’t need to apply a lot so it will last a long time
Long foundation wear
Disadvantages:
The price (I paid £40.00 for mine)
Tube packaging
It’s oil free, but didn’t stop my face from shining.
I hope this review helps all those who have been contemplating buying this product and please feel free to post your own experiences!
Hi, I'm also on the lookout for a good primer. So based on your trial you wouldn't recommend this for people with oily skin? Is your skin dry, oily, or combination? If you don't mind me asking.
I have an oily skin. The product is available in oil-free so if you're prone to acne, it shouldn't cause you to breakout. I just noticed that my skin was slightly shiny in areas; but that may have been due to the fact that I wasn't wearing a pressed power over the top of my foundation. But it definitely wasn't as shiny as normal.
Hi, I'm also on the lookout for a good primer. So based on your trial you wouldn't recommend this for people with oily skin? Is your skin dry, oily, or combination? If you don't mind me asking.
yeh it has an oil free version but i like the original one better. Also, this controls oil pretty good too!!
The primer does a great job at giving a nice finish and making the foundation last, but my skin breaks out every time i use it:(. I've used the kind formulated for acne prone skin but it doesn't do a great job at making the foundation last. so i don't know where i stand with regards to this product
^ I have acne prone skin too and used the original formula which worked much better!
Have u tried that? I also used the green one, but i was dissapointed as it did nothing to conceal the red from my acne.
I kno this is off topic but the makeup primer that really works is from The Body Shop : Skin Primer Matte It, check it out dooree!
I love this stuff! Use it whenever I need my foundation to stay put for a long time.
Also, I've heard from tons and tons of people that Monistat Chafing Gel - $8 (you can get it from pretty much any drugstore) works as an amazing primer. It has a lot of the same ingredients and has the same effect. :)
I sometimes do my makeup with a primer and sometimes without, I never see a difference! Ive tried many primers as well. I guess it works better for some people than others
The product itself, is of a clear consistency with a silky smooth texture. You can immediately feel the difference to your skin once it’s been applied (even on the ends of your fingertips). Upon application, I noticed that my pores had visably reduced. The more I applied, the more the pores seemed to ‘disappear’; yee haaa!!! Yet, it didn’t seem as though my skin had been evened out. I did however notice, that in photographs, my skin looked smoother. My foundation glided on smoothly and lasted all day.