Smashbox say of their primer:
"Our new oil-free, 60% water based primer is ideal for oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin. This silky blend of vitamins and antioxidants helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly softer skin and can be worn alone or under foundation to increase its longevity. The revolutionary formula has oil absorbers for a smooth matte finish all day, light diffusers to minimize the appearance of imperfections, and vitamin C and peptides to help even skin tone and promote collagen production for a flawless future."
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light Oil-Free sounds perfect for my sensitive and sometimes oily/acne prone skin. Those of us with oily skin knows how difficult it can be to keep foundation on for most of the day so I thought I'd give Smashbox a go. I find it really hard to get a primer that works for me, I don't like the feel of silicone based primers on my skin and it usually causes me to break out. Also, instead of primers smoothing away the appearance of pores I find that they often highlight them. I thought that maybe a primer that is 60% water based might work. Plus I've read good things about this primer, I figured I was onto a winner but I just don't get it.
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light Oil-Free is very much like a light moisturiser in texture and appearance. It comes out of the tube white and when rubbed into the skin the colour dissipates to mattify the skin. I think it does give a nice finish to the skin, a smooth velvet finish with light-reflective properties. However, I don't think it does a great job at reducing the appearance of pores, especially an large ones. As with other primers I've tried Smashbox highlights them, and that's not a good look.
I also don't think it makes my foundation last any longer than when I'm not wearing it. In fact, I feel I get a bit more oily around my nose. I really think the best way to treat oily skin is to reduce the amount of product than increase it, I guess this is why I'm just not a fan of primers. Having said that though, I do want to try Laura Mercier's one ;)
There are things I like about this primer such as it making my skin softer. But well, I can get that from moisturisers and as I said above it does give a nice velvet-skin finish. I'm just not convinced about it's other claims.
I bought the travel size Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light from Boots for £12.50
Have you tried any of Smashbox primers?
Ah, this is good to read, as I've been eyeing it up. I still have some Porefessional to use up so won't rush out and buy this though!
ReplyDeleteBoots usually have it on display, get a wee sample to try! I think it's really expensive though. The bottle I have is only 12ml, having said that you do only need a tiny amount.
DeleteI'm on a huge primer trial at the moment so it's always great to see reviews on them!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on primers, I'm just not convinced by them yet!
DeleteI tried this one in the small size and I didn't see that it was doing anything for me. I am going to buy the Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner to see if that works better in my skin. It's cheaper and looks promising : )
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried that, I'll keep it in mind, thanks!
Delete