Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Since a friend gave me this to try about 2 years ago, I have never looked back. It creates the perfect canvas for BB cream, CC cream or foundation. It smoothes out imperfections and helps create a beautiful base.

After years of using different primers this is now my go to product. The primer goes on like silk and feels light and smooth on the skin. A small amount goes a long way and the results under cream foundation leave lovely, smooth and even skin.

I have combination oily/dry skin, so I tend to wear very matte long-wear foundations to combat the oiliness. Unfortunately these kinds of foundations aren't always kind to the dry patches and can really make them stand out and look patchy, so primer is a must have for me to even things out.

This primer glides on beautifully and is a really stunning silky texture that leaves a smooth base to work with. It's not too heavy and a little goes a relatively long way. It has a huge impact on the finish and blendability of the relatively dry and heavy foundations I use, which is a big win for me - it's a godsend being able to slap it on and buff it out with a brush and know it's going to look good even if I rush it.

It doesn't really seem to improve the longevity of the products I use, though, so it does lose a couple of points there.

Was so keen to try this as I'd heard great things about it but it turns out it was a massive waste of money as it just didnt do it for me. Didnt like the texture of the primer, didnt like the way it sat on my skin and didnt like how it sat under my makeup either! Id describe it a bit like putting teflon on your face.. so nothing will stick to it and your foundation ends up looking patchy - YUCK!

I love smashbox, but sadly I did not love this. I get samples of it with my halo powder, so used it a couple of times, but didn't love the texture. I've never been a fan of those silicone based products, it just feels thick and like I've got a mask on (I hate heavy products on my face. Why I use only bb cream or mineral powder). It did work well if I applied the halo powder directly onto the primer, in that it sat well and stuck in place, but it didn't work well with a bb over the top. I felt like it made my skin too filmy and slippery. As I said, adore smashbox, but I don't like these kind of primers. I prefer light, hydrating ones like Murad acne and shine or Naploleon Perdis auto pilot.

I have used this on and off alongside my old faithful napoleon and I have always loved it. However there is definitely a trick to using this product.. As it almost feels serum/oil like in texture and application you really need to focus on using small amounts, blending it into your skin well and letting it soak in. Once you have done that make up application is substantially easier, you will use WAY less foundation than you would without and your make up will definitely set nicely and stay in place. I think they have changed the formula over years as I remember not being very impressed with this when it first came out.. However I have got hold of this recently and find me using it very often. Tried, tested and approved on sensitive skin!

You really need to try this primer to see for yourself. Its not just the fact that it makes your skin silky smooth all prepped for that flawless foundation look, but it actually helps you use less foundation. I'm using half the amount of foundation I would normally use thanks to this primer. Plus it really helps my makeup last the whole day without touchups. I adore this product!!

I LOVE THIS PRIMER! Although it has a higher price tag its totally worth it! You only need a small amount to cover your whole face. It keeps your make up on longer and helps it go on way smoother and helps fill in imperfections. I also find I use way less foundation when I use this primer which means it actually saves you money!