Touted as the best foundation primer on the market, I am finally using Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer. But before I started using it on a regular basis, I put it to the test.
Here is the description from Smashbox.com:
"Create the perfect canvas for foundation application with our best-selling PHOTO FINISH FOUNDATION PRIMER. With grapeseed extract to soothe and protect skin, this colorless formula fills in fine lines and pores to help skin appear visibly softer with a smooth velvet finish. Use after moisturizer and before foundation for complexion perfection."
So onto my testing.
The first time I tried it out, I had applied my regular eye cream and then Philosophy's When Hope is Not Enough Replenishing Cream (meant for night time use, but my skin has been so dry). I opened the tube of primer (the travel size tube, which is a perfect size), and dispensed a small, almost pea sized amount. It felt like the silicone serum I had used on my hair. Well, duh, Teri... it is silicone based, I thought to myself. Anyway, it smoothed out over my skin very easily, and the slippery feeling quickly turned almost powder like - in the feeling that is. I waited a few minutes, and applied MAC's Select Tint, which is really a tinted moisturizer, and followed that with my regular powder of choice, MAC Studio Fix.After a few hours, I saw no difference, and my skin actually looked a little more yellow than normal. Hum.
The next day I tried it over a very light-weight moisturizer, and still followed with my tinted moisturizer and powder - and the results were amazing. I loved the way my skin looked so flawless - and the look lasted well into the night.
My next try was over the same light-weight moisturizer again, but this time I used only my Studio Fix Powder on top of it. And to my satisfaction, it worked like a dream again. I was surprised that using only a powder, my skin didn't look dry or cakey. Wonderful.
To me it seems as though the primer creates a barrier. It doesn't let anything from the skin (oils, pores, etc.) get into the makeup. While at the same time. the same barrier helps the makeup and powder from sinking into the skin. It just lies there on a perfect surface.
My feeling is that if used with the correct moisturizer, this primer will work best. Maybe on my first try I didn't use enough of the primer, but I have a feeling that the heavy moisturizer was the culprit.
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer comes full size in a glass bottle for $36 or in a smaller "travel" size tube, which I like using, for just $15.
If you are looking for a primer, or have read the editor raves like I have about this one, don't hesitate anymore. I know you will be happy with it too - and make it a part of your daily routine as I finally have.
