The first time I heard about foundation primer, I immediately thought about the primers painters' use before painting. At the time, I couldn't imagine needing something like that for my face. I was young! I just slathered on foundation, blush & lipstick and was out the door. Well as you get older, stuff changes. Particularly your skin! The foundation or bb cream you love, doesn't glide on as easy! HaHaHa The blush you apply, doesn't lay as readily. And little imperfections seem to pop up here, there and everywhere. So what are you going to do?My advice to women of nearly ANY age, is to use a foundation primer (of your choice). 1. It's a wonderful layer of protection (some even have SPF) and/or barrier between your skin & the makeup you apply. 2. Foundations and bb creams will apply more evenly to your skin and 3. Companies are now formulating primers so they "hide" any imperfections you may have in your skin. I received a deluxe sample of Smashbox's Photofinish Foundation Primer with my Sephora order and I must say, I am very impressed. Here's my review.
Sweet-Bittersweet-Not Sweet
Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer is SWEET!
company name: Smashbox
product name: Photofinish Foundation Primer
size: .25 fl oz / 7.1 ml e (sample only)
scent: super light scent, that's hardly detectable
allergic reaction: none
allergic reaction: none
purchased from: sephora, sold almost everywhere
cost: $36 and up
cost: $36 and up
This primer is colorless & lightweight. It's not oily or sticky. It does have a silicone feel, but nothing that turned me off. To really see if there was a difference in my skin by using a primer, I washed my hands and didn't apply lotion. I drew a dotted line down the middle of my hand, applied Smashbox's Photo Finish to one side and left the other side bare. I was completely amazed at how it hid imperfections in my skin and made it look smoother. Upon applying it to my face, my foundation went on better (I didn't have to use as much) and it truly gave me a mini-facelift. I love this product. I like it better than Benefit! I faithfully used Benefit's Porefessional Primer before trying Smashbox. When I compared both on the same hand (not pictured), Benefit caused my skin to look ashy/duller, it had a strong scent and the primer flaked. So this is my new primer for now. This product has been out on the market for awhile. Are there any primers that you use, that are better than this? Let me know in my comments section.
wow sounds like a miracle lol look super awesome from your pics great review
ReplyDeleteGood picture representation. I can see the difference - sweet. However, price is not so sweet though :O(
ReplyDeleteBeauty Fashion Skin Care Blog - Girlie Blog Seattle | Cheap Makeup Reviews
lovely review!
ReplyDelete<3
Your reviews are great. I love the tone and how fun they are. I use primer occasionally (don't see the need on a daily basis since I work from home) and might just have to give this one a try. Thanks for the recommendation xo
ReplyDeletePS: I'll join you on Bloglovin' as soon as my new blog is up, no point getting stuff done now just to switch averaging in a couple of weeks ;-)
When it comes to primers I think Smashbox rule supreme! Great review Kim xo
ReplyDeleteWow! What a difference! I've been devoted to Chanel primers for years now and never really thought about changing, but I'm so impressed by the results you got that I think next time I run out of primer, I'm going to be replacing it with Smashbox. Thanks for sharing this, Kim - I always learn something new when I visit your blog :)
ReplyDeletexox,
Cee
Such an interesting comparison, looks great! :)
ReplyDeleteI don't use primer - maybe I should!
Away From The Blue
Hi Kim! This sounds like a great product. I've never used primer before, but I see it in the shops all the time, I think I might need it, but then change my mind. After seeing it on you, I think I will get myself some. Because sometimes I put make-up on and then it looks gone by mid-day! I didn't know what it did so much really. Very informative, shall get myself some!! Hope you are doing great doll, have a sweet day xoxo
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this primer. It is my favorite out of the 10 others I have tried, lol! Heather
ReplyDeleteOk, now I want it!!! Clarins primer is good too, but its creamy texture makes it difficile to dose compared to a gel formula. Great review Kim, the picture of your hand is revealing!! Lots of love gorgeous xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteP.s. Caudalie primer is a good product too!
ReplyDeleteWow! I can really see the difference on your hand. That's crazy!
ReplyDeletegreat review my dear! its nice seeing and reading your posts again!
ReplyDeletetake care. xoxo,Meg
Sweet Gala's
I tried a sample of this once and I really loved it. Some primers that I use take a while to 'dry' and I don't have time for that. This one seemed to be dry instantly.
ReplyDeleteAmy
Fashion and Beauty Finds
Oh I can totally see the difference. Great review!
ReplyDeletexo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
I currently use a primer from Tarte but I've heard good things about this Smashbox primer as well. That photo really shows how much smoother your skin looks with it. I'm going to see if I can get a sample of it. Thanks for you honest review Kim!
ReplyDeleteRowena @ rolala loves
Oh, wow... The "primed side" looks absolutely airbrushed!!! That's incredible. x
ReplyDeleteOmg I am going to have to invest in some this!It looks really good by the hand-test you have up, what a difference!
ReplyDeleteSmashbox's primer is one that Ive been using for years and I like it. Great review Kim.
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I'm glad I got a few deluxe sample too and will use them soon!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living
Kim: I am not a frequent primer user due to my laziness but this looks like it will work great. I think i tried Two Faced brand before but nothing much to rave about. Not bad but not to the point i am so impressed. If i can ever get rid of a lazy bug in me, i def want to try this primer.
ReplyDeleteI can definitely see the difference. I'm getting a bb cream with primer soon and I can't wait to try it. Primer is definitely a good thing!
ReplyDeleteI recently just started using eye shadow primer and it really helps! But I should try foundation primer too!
ReplyDelete-Jacqueline
www.jenesaisquoifashion.blgospot.com
It seems a great primer, I see the difference in your hand and it works!:) Kisses! xo
ReplyDeleteI use to work for Smashbox and this product rocks -
ReplyDeleteHowever, it use to be cheaper...
Great review, I can definitely see the difference. You're keeping me in the loop of all the good make up :)
ReplyDeleteLittlePinkRainBoots.blogspot.com
Whoa! *_* You can see such a difference from your photos! I definitely need to invest in this product...
ReplyDeleteTrendy Teal
hi Kim! Nice product info. I use Burts Bees for almost all of my makeup. It doesn't hurt me. Most other cosmetics do. Note: I am not a beauty blogger. hahahahaha.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you get inspiration from your relatives and magazines. I get a ton of inspiration from other fashion bloggers. I am more of a thrifty 'fashion' blogger. hahahaha.
Kim, primer is a must for me. I'm definitely checking this out. What a great review!
ReplyDeletexo Jo
http://www.whiterosesandcoffee.com/
I have actually never tried using a primer before, after reading your positive reviews, I think I really should invest in one.
ReplyDeleteI always use a primer and usually I prefer Too Faced's. I had Smashbox and also loved it, tho ! Nice review =)
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Wow, looks super fab!
ReplyDeleteI'm guilty of not using a primer, Kim, but I think I must give this a try!
ReplyDeleteLove
Juneli from Fasionably Yours
WOW, good to know Kim! I haven't tried a primer but now I will ... this sounds like a great one. I've heard good things about Laura Mercier too and thought I might try that one as well ... have you tried it? Thanks for stopping by this weeks posts, Kim ... happy spring! xoxo ~S
ReplyDeleteSANDY M Illustration
http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com
wow. I've been thinking about trying this product out and you have just completely sold me. looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteChic on the Cheap
Hey Kim..
ReplyDeletethanks for this bit of info. I always wondered if primer worked. I can really tell the difference in the pic you provided.
http://simplysassysstyle.blogspot.com/
Thanks,
Dawn
lovely review!
ReplyDeleteThe Fashion Heels
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Hey Kim,
ReplyDeleteThat's crazy, I've never done a comparison like that on my hand and I love Smashbox primer, I've used it for years and I've found some drugstrore brands like Rimmel primer is good too. I totally agree, women of all ages wearing foundation should definitely go with primer.
xoDale
http://www.savvyspice.com
great review kim! I love smash box primer they give flawless result but unfortunately I break out with them..but very great product ..its very smooth ..awesome post
ReplyDeletesmash box is awesome, great review on this one.
ReplyDeletekisses...
I have come to LOVE primers, especially if I'm taking outfit photos. Right now, I'm using the Pixi primer that came in my Ipsy bag last month, but I also love Mac's prep and prime!
ReplyDelete♥ laura
the blog of worldly delights
the shop of worldly delights
I've heard such good things about that primer. I think it's about time to try it.
ReplyDeleteHello dear :) nice blog and cute post! now follow you with pleasure, if you like you expect from me ;)
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Kiss Tea.
Thank you for taking the time to visit...Happy Friday!
ReplyDeleteWhoa, the difference is so noticeable. I'm quite surprised! :o
ReplyDeletethere is such a difference it is absolutely unbelievable! good product!
ReplyDeletewww.trendinginfashion.blogspot.com
WHOA it makes your skin look seriously FLAWLESS! I totally must try this...
ReplyDeletexoxo Bree
The Urban Umbrella
http://www.theurbanumbrella.com
wow!the difference is sweet..i recently started using a make-up base..which is a primer type thing right?i love it..i some times wear just that to give my tired face a lift..
ReplyDeleteI agree with your review. I use the Chanel primer, then use a tinted moisturizer or BB cream and add pressed powder. I find that with a primer,I don't have to keep re-touching with pressed powder all the time during the day.
ReplyDeletei got a sample of this, too...i liked it. i currently had revlon's photofinish primer, but honestly, it's one step i have to trim off when i am rushing in the mornings. i do like to use it when i go out on the town, haha!
ReplyDelete[oomph.]
mobile morsels
I've heard so many good things about their primers. I've never used anything actually by smashbox, but I know it is supposed to be top notch. I might have to treat myself this weekend :) x
ReplyDeleteHeroine In Heels
Hi, I have never in my life had skin problems or breakouts, so when last week I bought Smashbox photo finish primer and tried it...I loved the texture, I loved that it was such a good base...and then I was horrified to have an acne-type reaction (still got it!) that is itchy and swollen in the places I applied the primer. I thought it might have been just me and I read reviews on the product. I wish I'd done so before I spent a lot of money on something that creates havoc with skin - it's a too-common occurrence, it seems. Not happy. Not happy with the expensive product producing this kind of reaction and not happy with the money I now have to pay to fix my skin. Unfortunately I can't even return the product to the store as I bought it in England and I've come to Italy.
ReplyDelete