Along with everything else I bought in New York - see here! - I decided to pick up this primer. I know you can get it the UK but it was a spur-of-the-moment kinda purchase and was much cheaper!
Smashbox are renowned for their primers that each have a different purposes and cater for every possible need. Here's a run through of them:
- Photo finish "original" - creates a flawless base, smooths lines, extends make up wear
- Photo finish "light" - same as original but for oily, sensitive or acne prone skin
- Photo finish "plus dermaxyl" - reduces wrinkles
- Photo finish "hydrating" - delivers immediate hydration for hours
- Photo finish "colour correcting adjust" - reduces redness and discolouration
- Photo finish "luminizing" - imparts the perfect amount of radiance for glowing skin
- Photo finish "colour correcting blend" - evens out skin tone and counteracts dark spots
- Photo finish "colour correcting balance" - brightens sallow or dull skin
- Photo finish "more than primer dark spot correcting" - instantly smoothes and brightens skin
All are £25, except the last one which is £28.
I opted for the original that is designed to create a flawless base that preps the skin for foundation whilst smoothing fine lines and extending make up wear. Sounds too good to be true.
Bit of history with myself and primers. I've never liked them. They have never seem to do anything for my skin so I just haven't bothered experimenting with them. Yet I heard some really good reviews on two primers: the Laura Mercier one and the Smashbox one. Whilst in Sephora I decided to try the Smashbox origina.
I used it the following day and I broke out instantly, so I stopped using it. Then when I got back home I decided to try it again and it didn't break me out but it didn't really seem to do anything special. It definitely made it easier to put my foundation on, but as for the "smooths lines" and "extending make up wear" claims...yeah, I don't think so. I'm going to keep using it though but I won't be repurchasing when it's finished.
But low and behold, I have found two amazing uses for this product.
The first being using it to tame flyaways. Yes, I'm talking about hair. Simply rub a bit of the primer between your fingers and smoothen down the ends of your hair. Voila. The second being using it to remove smudged eye makeup and mascara. Just pump a bit on a cotton bud and wipe under your eye to remove any smudged makeup. It's a lifesaver, especially for when you are in a hurry and don't wanna mess it up!
I hope this review helped you in some way or another!
Suzanna x
