Smashbox • Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer • Eye Primer

Where To Buy?

Saspants on 5/19/2013 3:40:00 AM more reviews by Saspants

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Bought this in hopes that it would brighten my under eye circles, hydrate the skin under my eyes all while filling in the fine lines in the area so that my concealer would not crease. I wasn't impressed at all. This product dried out my skin and made my concealer cake up. It also globbed (creating my own word to describe this) up my concealer creating little flakes and rolled globs of muck. I used to be such a fan of Smashbox products but it just seems like their new products only disappoint me.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

3Boyz on 5/5/2013 5:46:00 PM more reviews by 3Boyz

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This product was part of Nordies Beauty Trend show. It does what it claims, decreases the lines around the eye and preps the area for concealer.

I was pleasantly surprised.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

meepinmeggi on 5/4/2013 8:49:00 AM more reviews by meepinmeggi

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

this stuff rocks. what a wonderful idea. it helps nourish the sensitive skin under the eyes but it doesn't create any slip for concealer so it doesn't crease. a little goes a very long way. i was hesitant about the color and the slight iridescence to it, but it applies neutral. it's not a gimmicky product- it really does get the job done nicely.
my only wish is that it had a doe foot applicator. sometimes the squeeze tube style gets a little messy.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

comet1 on 4/26/2013 6:08:00 PM more reviews by comet1

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Great under eye primer for concealer!! Put on only a little bit, and let set for 5 minutes. Add concealer, and even a concealer that looked iffy before looks great! This stuff is a miracle!!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

littleann818 on 4/26/2013 10:08:00 AM more reviews by littleann818

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I LOVE this primer! Ever since I got this as a sephora sample, I've been using it everyday to help me prime my under eyes before I conceal and I can definitely notice a HUGE difference! First of all the formula is great, really hydrating and not drying at all, not thick like other face primers and feels so good underneath my eyes! Secondly, when I apply my concealer over it, I've noticed a dramatic difference in whether or not my concealer "cakes" up and/or looks dry. When I use this primer, my concealer goes on very smooth and doesn't look drying at all (no fine lines visible). So thus, this has been a go to for me now.

I will most definitely be buying a full size of this. The good thing about this is you don't need a lot of product to do the job. So even just a small sample size will last me a year at the least! Hope this helps! =)

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

kwill89 on 4/15/2013 9:16:00 AM more reviews by kwill89

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight   Eyes: Brown    

Prior to using this product I was using Mac's Vibrancy Under-eye Brightener/Primer, and I wasn't happy with the results. I exchanged it and bought the Smashbox one which surprisingly was just as expensive and actually had less in the tube. I am however satisfied with the results. I have two blue veins that run under my eyes (and on my NC15 skin, they're very noticeable!). I need to use under eye primer before applying my corrector and concealer so it will last longer. I think this works, and it feels beautiful when I put it on. I just wish it was cheaper, because currently it's wayyy too expensive for what it is.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

kaicg on 4/9/2013 11:26:00 PM more reviews by kaicg

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

This is the only primer product from Smashbox I like, and one of the only eye primers from any company that I'm happy with. I have fair skin and dark purple under eye circles (that can look like bruising, thanks genetics) and this primer is an important step to concealing it.It has a very nice consistency to it, more watery/hydrating than the basic face primers.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

kitty55 on 2/17/2013 3:17:00 PM more reviews by kitty55

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This is expensive, but worth every penny. I have dark circles and bags under my eyes. And did I mention wrinkles too? So first I dab on a bit of Benefit's "Its Potent" eye cream to hydrate and tighten. (Love that also) Then I apply this primer over that to brighten, smooth and diffuse lines, etc. Last I use Givenchy's Mister Light concealer pen (also excellent and more opaque than YSL) only on the dark circle. The result is amazing. It takes years off my face. This product is excellent for diffusing light away from under-eye flaws. Love it. Buy it..

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

HygienistMom on 1/27/2013 12:05:00 AM more reviews by HygienistMom

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

After having 2 kids, I essentially swore off high end products for the sake of the family budget. I have found at least passable replacements if not BETTER replacements for just about everything (something my makeup snob, college self would never believe or admit to).

THIS IS TOTALLY WORTH IT! I have terrible dark circles, made worse by a toddler and baby. i also have deep set eyes, which means a couple deep wrinkles directly under my lower lash line for my concealer to settle into. Concealer has been the bane of my existence for as long as I can remember.

For me, this is NOT a concealer, but when applied before foundation, directly to the under eye area (I don't wear an all over primer, so not sure if it would go on before or after that), it allows a second coat of foundation, concealer, and a highlight/concealer to remain uncreased for the entire day. Including a couple touch ups.

For me the price is a little steep, but totally worth it. Until I can find a drugstore dupe, this will have a permanent home in my makeup kit.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

angiek15 on 1/14/2013 6:11:00 PM more reviews by angiek15

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

One word...amazing! I have really bad dark circles and this product really does work great for hydrating and brightening! I've used it for about a month now and i've come to find that my under eyes are really moisturized and when i apply it under my concealer, the concealer stays on all day. Really great product, worth the price.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

galacticmousse on 1/6/2013 8:16:00 PM more reviews by galacticmousse

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Yes, it is expensive, and no, it is not a miracle product. However, it works far better than anything else I have tried at brightening my under eye circles and filling in the lines under my eyes.

The difference is almost instant. When I first tried this product, I applied it only under one eye. The difference was noticeable right away. Where I applied the product, my dark circles were less noticeable and brighter looking.

It really helps concealer stick and stay in place, as well.

Over all, I like this product and am very pleased with it. I'd recommend it to any ladies who have dark under eye circles that could use some brightening and a nice primer for their concealer.

Yes, go buy it!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Karin1539 on 12/31/2012 4:33:00 PM more reviews by Karin1539

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I've now received two large sample sizes of this with orders from Smashbox.com. This is not something that I would think would do anything and I am actually not a fan of using many products under my eyes because I truly believe some products make my undereye area look a lot WORSE. However, I have actually found this product to make my undereye area look amazingly better and it has made improvements that pricey skin care eye creams have not. Very impressed. Double thumbs up and will repurchase.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* mulletoftruth on 12/28/2012 8:38:00 PM more reviews by mulletoftruth

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Other    

I got a deluxe mini of this as a promo, looked at it and thought, "I must be reading this wrong. Under eye primer?" I looked it up on the Smashbox website and found that that is indeed its intended use. Then I was just irritated that someone would make such a ridiculously nonessential product. It seemed like a scammy way to get women to spend money on more beauty products that they don't need.


Then I actually used it. I am a convert. This feels amazing going on - it has a cooling effect and has the most delicious feel on the under eye - silky and lovely and luxurious.


Sometimes I use it alone (over eye cream) and sometimes I use concealer over it. I think of it more as a treatment than a primer, though it really does help to create a smooth surface for concealer and does brighten when used alone. I now consider it an essential part of my makeup routine and most assuredly will repurchase.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* artemistzitzikilakis on 12/15/2012 11:55:00 PM more reviews by artemistzitzikilakis

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Fantastic. It does MORE than promised, and I tried one eye with, one without. The one with lasted and looked freshly applied for eight hours, the other side two hours. This is a true find if you have a lot of problems in the undereye area. So good, and another hit from Smashbox, a very underrated compay IMO.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* bunnybee on 10/6/2012 5:55:00 PM more reviews by bunnybee

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I don't usually buy high end products like this, and especially products that I normally wouldn't think I absolutely NEED, but I did take the plunge with this one after trying a sample packet.


First, I know that a little $29 tube will go a long way and last a long time. I've been using the sample packet every single day for a week, and there is still a lot left in there! I'm certain the sample will last at least 2-3 weeks, even with daily use.


The reason for taking the plunge for a full-sized purchase with this is that it WORKS. I could literally see a difference in the puffiness of my undereyes when using this. My undereyes are a problem area for me, but I definitely look brighter and wider-awake when using this.


When the primer is first applied, it seems a bit weird. It feels sort of liquidy/silicone-y, but all of a sudden, it absorbs and is perfectly invisible. **EDIT: I've found that this happens with the sample, but NOT with the full-size. The full-size is fine even when first applied.


I do use it with a concealer, and it really locks in the concealer. You can feel it when the concealer is applied over it; it's still easy to spread and blend, but then it also prevents it from slipping or creasing. It's really quite remarkable.


And with this primer, there is no need for a powder over the concealer to set it, so it helps to prevent that "old" look of powdery/crepey undereyes, and no chance of additional product (powder) settling into lines.


I only gave it a rating of 4, and not 5, because I can't yet attest to its results over time (as it claims to actually decrease fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness in 8 weeks). I will definitely update if it does!

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* SinCity on 10/2/2012 7:01:00 PM more reviews by SinCity

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

Having used this for two weeks under a couple of different concealers, I feel I can finally comment on it. This primer provides a nice, even surface, fills in the lines under my eyes and smooths some of the crepey skin around my inner eye (this is a tough area to fix for me). It has a subtle pinkness to it that helps even out my skintone a little bit (note, I am very fair with blueish purple undereye circles). I have tried a few different regular (face) primers under my eyes, and they all worked to some degree, but there really is something unique about this product that has me reaching for it every day. I'm not sure if it's hydrating exactly but it's definitely not drying nor does it leave the eye area feeling greasy and it sinks in within seconds. I use it over an eye cream without any problems. I expected to return this product thinking it couldn't possibly be worth the $29, but I'm keeping it and will probably buy again when it runs out.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* librarian_girl on 9/13/2012 8:49:00 AM more reviews by librarian_girl

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer is not a miracle product, no makeup product really is in my opinion, but this little baby certainly has a place in my everyday makeup arsenal.


Officially middle aged, I contend with fine lines, ever-darkening dark circles and puffiness. The texture of my undereye skin, combined with the fine lines make concealer a never ending battle. I find concealer emphasizes my fine lines and always looks somewhat unnatural at the expense of coverage for my dark circles. Concealer, applied from lash line to crescent, is simply unflattering on me.


As a result, I like to combine silky-textured primers that temporarily fill fine lines, a brightener with no obvious sheen, and strategically applied concealer on just the crescent area where my dark circles are prominent. To date, I have been using Clarins Instant Smooth Line Correcting Concentrate in combination with NYX High Definition Concealer. I’ve tried many brighteners but never been 100% happy with any of them, so lately I’ve been skipping that step. Enter Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer!


First, let's talk about what this product is and is not. This product is a primer with optical brighteners intended for use under the eyes. This does not contain any coverage, nor is it marketed as an eyeshadow primer for use on the lids. Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer is not a concealer/brightener in the YSL Touche Eclat mold. There is no coverage whatsoever. Instead, this is probably best thought of as a specialized category of facial primers. Just as you might use a different eye cream versus facial moisturizer, Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer offers a specialized facial primer for use on the under eye area.


In terms of texture and line filling ability, this product is comparable to Clarins Instant Smooth Line Correcting Concentrate. Unlike Smashbox's facial primers, which I find slick and whose thin watery consistency does nothing to disguise either my pores or fine lines, Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye primer is creamy with a thicker texture that lacks the greasy silicone feel I associate with the Smashbox face primers.


Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer sets to a natural satin finish quickly. The line fill technology works well on my fine lines, making them less noticeable immediately and throughout the day. The brightening is subtle, employing optical diffusers rather than obvious sheen or sparkle, which suits my preferences to a "t." Because I am selective about where I apply concealer, a brightener applied from lash line to crescent does help diffuse the look of redness and puffiness. My powder foundation does not cling to this product, which is a problem with other primers I’ve used in the past. I find my concealer applies with better concentration of color. As I’ve worn a primer under my eyes for years, for wear, I can only say that my concealer stays in place and wears as well with Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer as with any other. Having oily skin, I don’t feel I can comment with any authority on the hydrating claims of this product other than to say, this feels good going on and my under eye area looks hydrated and plump after applying this primer.


As much as I like Clarins Instant Smooth Line Correcting Concentrate and Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, this Smashbox Under Eye Primer, quite honestly, kicks Clarins butt. For less money, Smashbox offers me a multi-tasker: a primer with skincare benefits that fills fine lines AND provides brightening. I personally prefer the Smashbox packaging over Clarins twist-bottom pen – I can control the amount of product better and see how much is left. Additionally, I just like the application, texture and finish of Smashbox’s Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer better.


Bottom line: I am very happy with Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer. For me, an under eye primer that temporarily fills fine lines, brightens and includes skin care ingredients is an everyday product. That I can get all of that in one simple step is ideal. I love that the brightening effect is subtle, without obvious sheen or shimmer and that my powder foundation does not cling to this primer. The packaging is much better than most products of this sort, which use the dreaded click-pen. You can dispense exactly what you need and see how much product is left. When I complete my current tube, I will repurchase without hesitation.

19 out of 19 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* makeupjunkie35 on 8/25/2012 12:35:00 AM more reviews by makeupjunkie35

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

The product claims include, "Introducing the first primer dedicated to the delicate skin under eyes! We've taken our signature silky primer texture and infused it with 10 breakthrough benefits to address everyday eye woes. Plus, it keeps concealer looking fresh- never cakey or settled into fine lines- so eyes will always look well-rested. Infused with anti-aging, good-for-your-eyes ingredients such as caffeine, peptides and optical diffusers. Unlike moisturizer, signature silky primer texture prevents concealer from slipping off and settling into fine lines...."


My experience with this primer is smooth, soft looking under eyes. My routine: I moisturize with Clinique DDML all over, then apply this primer under my eyes before using Estee Lauder DW liquid foundation used as concealer. Then, I pat a barely-there layer of Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder to set (under eyes only). The result: Takes 10 years off my eyes, compared to the results of my other primers -that are combined with this same routine in products. I recommend trying this primer, especially if you are like me with the aging skin and fine lines appearing. Yes, it is $29 a tube. But considering the tiny dot of product you will use each day/per eye, the tube will last a very long time.

8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No