Product Review: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

     I began testing this foundation primer over 2 months ago. I've definitely been able to put it through its paces. I wore it when it was below freezing and dry, to the gym, when its been hot out, for photos and I've worn it for literally an entire day. Now, I have annoyingly oily skin. I should probably work for BP or something (but I don't want that kind of bad press) because within an hour of putting on my makeup I'm shiny enough to be seen from space. Which would be enough trouble in itself, but then, I also have very acne prone skin with scarring and ginormous pores. Ugh! So, as you can imagine, I've tried all sorts of things to try and solve this these problems. From oil absorbing toners to face powders; from foundations designed for oily skin to varying primers - nothings worked. Until...dun-dun-dunnn...anyway...
     Foundation primers are used to create a more even-toned, smoother surface on which to apply the rest of your makeup and to keep your makeup in place longer. There are primers in different colors (pink for brightening, green for reducing redness, lavender for balancing yellowness) and they come in different finishes (matte, luminescent, etc).
   
     Packaging: I personally love simple, black packaging. I like the professional look of it and that's what I like about this product. Both the full and travel size are clear and black. I personally have the travel size (.5 oz.) which I think is plenty big. I do think that the full size bottle might be a bit big if you're the kind of girl who travels with her kit frequently, so that's something to consider.
   
     Formulation: This primer is silicone based. (If you have a sensitivity to silicone then this is not the primer for you) It is clear and feels silky smooth. When you apply it to the skin it feels "frictionless".
    
     Scent: None
    
     Application: When you apply it to the skin it feels "frictionless". A small amount about the size of a pea will easily cover the whole face. You should put on a moisturizer on first, let it absorb into your skin for 5-10 minutes and then apply the primer with clean fingers. I really like the way this primer feels on my face.
    
     Longevity:  I was pleased with the way it felt. I definitely noticed that it minimized my pores and smoothed out the appearance of my skin. As I was checking it out in the mirror after wearing it for the day, I was trying to figure out what else looked different...and that's when I realized that I wasn't reflective and covered in enough oil to make a batch of fries! Smashbox Primer seriously mattified my usually shiny, oily skin. It combats the oil and prevents it from disturbing your makeup.
    
     Price/Quantity: Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer can be purchased at Ulta and Sephora, in store and online. A 1 oz. bottle ranges in price from $36-$38 and the .5 oz. travel size sells for $16-$17 and if you absolutely fall in love with this stuff they sell a jumbo 2 oz. container for $49. It comes in a variety of colors including clear, green, lavender, apricot, bronze and one with an SPF of 15.
   
     Shelf Life: This product should be discarded after 2 years.

IF YOU ASK ME
I really love this stuff! It seems pricey, but this primer will last you a good long time and it does the job, especially if you have oily skin. This will also be great for summer when you're going to be exposed to the heat and humidity. It kept the shine down to almost nothing after 8+ hours and it made my pores and uneven skin texture much less noticeable. This is without a doubt my new favorite primer!
    
     
     
     

Moisturizing. Is It a Must?

How important is moisturizing? And does everyone need to do it? The answer - moisturizing is very important and everyone does need to do it. However, what kind of moisturizer and how much you use will vary depending on your skin type.
Moisturizers are an important step in your makeup routine because it creates a smooth canvas for the products you put on your face. When looking for a moisturizer, try to find one that has easily pronounceable ingredients, preferably natural, and make sure that it doesn't contain mineral oil which is considered a comedogenic (meaning it causes acne). If you have sensitive skin, it is especially important to find a moisturizer for your specific skin type. Cetaphil and Neutrogena are known for being very gentle on the skin. Avoid moisturizers that are heavily perfumed as they contain unnecessary ingredients that can be aggravating. Many people think that if they have oily skin that a moisturizer will only make things worse. Oily skin still benefits from a moisturizer, but only a very thin veil should be applied. Put a small amount, about the size of a pea, onto your fingertip then lightly rub it between your hands before applying. For best results, apply your moisturizer and allow it to absorb for 10-15 minutes before putting on your makeup. If you still have too much moisturizer on your face, just blot it off with a tissue or blotting paper.
Moisturizing at night is just as important and is very effective in providing you with deep moisture that will improve the quality of your skin overall. While you sleep your body is healing itself so this is a great time to give your skin the extra help.
The one area of your face that you generally do NOT need to moisturize is your eyelids. We naturally produce enough oils on our lids that a moisturizer would make your makeup slip and crease. And it could also cause the excess product to run down into your eyes. Ow!

Trina's Current Favorites:
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Sensitive Skin (Daytime)
Neutrogena Visibly Firm Night Cream (Before Bed)