Wednesday 15 January 2014

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Review

As an oily-skinned girl, I'm forever looking for something to keep my skin matte as long as possible and banish the shine.  I always go for a matte finish foundation, at the moment it's Estee Lauder Double Wear and I set it with a mattifying powder: Seventeen Miracle Matte.  I tend to stay away from cream blushers and over-the-top highlighters because they just make me look greasy.


Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Review

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Review

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Review

Although it's a bit of a beauty sin, I'd actually never used a primer before trying this.  I have acne-prone skin, and was always under the impression that primer would block my pores and give me even more spots.  Now that my acne has calmed down I thought I'd better give one a go and after a lot of research, I went for the Smashbox Photo Finish primer.

There are two available sizes; 12 ml and 25 ml - I went to the smaller of the two so I could test it out before committing to a bigger bottle.  This oil-free primer promises to reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines.  It's a clear gel which applies really easily and provides a completely smooth, matte base to apply foundation on.  It definitely noticeably reduces visible pores and fine lines, I can see a difference straight after application.  Although by the end of the day my face is still pretty oily requiring me to still touch up my powder, my foundation stays in place so much better with this primer underneath.  When I get home from placement, my make-up hasn't budged and a quick powder over my T-zone does the trick, whereas usually half of my make up has disappeared.

Although I really like this primer, I'm still looking for something more mattifying.  I have very oily skin, so normal/combination skin would probably suit this better.  I didn't find it at all drying and it is comfortable and unnoticeable on the skin.  I'd love to hear your primer recommendations and any other tips for oily skin.

16 comments:

  1. I'm currently searching for a good primer to use so this post was really helpful, as I don't know if I want to pay so much for something which might not be so mattifying. Thank you!
    http://whattaylorbuys.blogspot.co.uk/

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  2. I've had my eye on this product, I don't have very oily skin so I may try it out. Great post!

    Also I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award!
    http://www.hellodarlingxoxo.com/2014/01/versatile-blogger-award.html

    Crystalxx

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    Replies
    1. Yeah you'd probably prefer it if you aren't so bothered about mattifying your skin :) ah thank you lovely! x

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  3. I have this as well! I love that it hides my pores a little, but I still find myself getting oily. :/

    ahintofbeauty.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. Oily skin is such a nightmare! Still on the hunt for the perfect shine-banishing product! x

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  4. I love the feeling of this and think it does a great job! I really want to try the colour correction one!

    Katie xx | Katies World

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    Replies
    1. It keeps my makeup in place all day long, I just wish it kept the oil away too! x

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  5. I tried a sample of this and like you found it didn't help my oily skin! I really want to try the new Baby Skin primer as I've heard good things about it :) x

    Jordan-Alice

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    Replies
    1. I'm exactly the same! I've actually been trialling the Baby Skin primer lately so keep an eye out :) x

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  6. Hey Melanie, I just wanted to drop you a comment to let you know that I have nominated you for the Sunshine Award which is a really fun tag that let's you get to know your fellow bloggers and helps your readers find out more about you! If you are interested in doing a post for yourself be sure to check out mine for details, I'd love to see your answers xx

    EmmiHearts - The Sunshine Award

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    Replies
    1. thank you lovely, that's so sweet of you :) x

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  7. I'm sorry that this didn't work like you wanted it too! I never use primer so I guess we're both sinners ;)

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

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    Replies
    1. I'm really trying lately to use it in my routine more often! x

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  8. I found this really helpful as i have oily skin!! Great post!

    If you ever have a few minutes could you maybe check out my blog please? Im quite new and could use any feedback/comments!!

    http://xprincessjas.blogspot.co.uk/

    xxx

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    Replies
    1. I'm glad it helped :)! Of course I'll check it out! x

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