Smashbox • Photo Finish Light • Primer/ Corrector

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ellieface23 on 6/10/2011 8:39:00 PM more reviews by ellieface23

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Honestly, I'm kind of on the fence about this particular product. I love the way that it feels on my skin and I love how my make-up lookes over it. However, and this could just be purely coincidence, but I have noticed more pimples popping up in the oilier parts of my combination skin. This is the only new product that I have used recently, so it's kind of hard for me not to attribute the primer with my sudden infestation of acne. (Normally, my skin is pretty clear with the random pimple here and there.) It asked above if I would buy this product again....my real answer (if it were an option) would be "maybe." I think it is probably better for people with combination/oily skin to use only a few times a week rather than every single day. I also feel that this primer is WONDERFUL if you know that you will be taking lots of photographs on a certain day, because my makeup/skin really does look better in pictures when I wear this primer.

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*TOP REVIEWER* edgexofxdesire on 6/5/2011 9:30:00 PM more reviews by edgexofxdesire

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I bought the .5oz travel size of this for $16 back at the beginning of March. I use it every time I wear foundation (but not with my BB cream or tinted moisturizer) and I still have probably 1/3 of the product left. Not bad for wearing it on average 4 times per week. I like the consistency, but it can be a little weird for some people--somewhere between a lotion and a gel--and it smells really strange at first. Luckily the smell fades very quickly and I'm left with a lovely, silky smooth base for my makeup. I was skeptical at first, but this really does keep the oils on my T-zone under control for a bit. I'm generally shiny immediately after I put on my foundation, but this keeps me shine free for at least an hour and I can go without blotting for up to three, depending on the day. Overall I really, really like this. I'm going to keep buying the .5oz travel size because it is cheaper to buy two of those at $16 a piece than to buy the full 1oz size at $36...which is strange, but I'm happy with it! Overall 4/5 just because it is pricey and doesn't control the shine for as long as I'd like, but is a good product.

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avi00z on 6/3/2011 4:13:00 PM more reviews by avi00z

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This is the first primer that I bought. I did a lot of research and decided that this was the primer to buy. I tcomes with a pump so the packaging is really nice, it is not scented and once you put it on , it feels silky and makes your skin feel soft. It does not help with the shine and as far as pores go, I am not really happy with this pimer. It is really expensive and honestly it did not live up to my expectations so I would not buy this again.

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Jotten on 5/30/2011 1:53:00 PM more reviews by Jotten

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

pros:
-packaging, is really good and it comes with a pump
-the texture feels amazing
-make up goes on smoothly
-it is oil free

cons:
-does not help control the oilless on my face
-it gave me 15, horrible pimples on my forehead and some others around my face, my skin looks horrible!
-cost $36 dollars for just 30ml
I will definetely never purchase this primer again!

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LMQ1 on 5/27/2011 8:55:00 PM more reviews by LMQ1

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Unfortunately this product and I did not mesh well. I could tell by its application that it had some kind of silicone in it bc it felt too slippery akin to hourglass mineral veil primer (also not for me). It had great packaging, was easy to blend, and had no real scent that I could remember. The Associate encouraged me to try it with my Lancome Idole and Miracle as its La Base Pro did not keep my foundation in place well. Regardless, this oil free product gave me breakouts after 24 hours use and I will not be repurchasing.

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nayharalisboa on 5/27/2011 8:29:00 PM more reviews by nayharalisboa

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Oily, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I like this primer, the more I experience more of it you know?
I have oily skin as well and he has not given effect matte than I expected.
More use with the Smashbox Anti Shine gives a much better effect!
I liked the price! Another negative feature is that it helps diminish the appearance of fine lines.

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AndreaReneeXO on 5/14/2011 2:16:00 PM more reviews by AndreaReneeXO

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I was apprehensive about primers at first, they're relatively new on the market and kind of seemed a bit of a sham.
I always used moisturizer as a primer before and never had any problems.
But I decided to try this out since everyone raves about it so much, glad I wasn't disappointed!
It absorbs quickly, feels super silky and makes my skin feel silky. I use it over top of moisturizer and underneath foundation and powder.
I have dry skin, so flakiness is definitely a huge problem for me. This seems to help get rid of flakiness more than just moisturizer alone. My foundation also stays perfect all day.
What a godsend! I would recommend this, but a lot of people complain that it makes them break out. I'd ask for a sample of this before paying nearly $40 for it.

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skyh1gh on 5/8/2011 9:43:00 PM more reviews by skyh1gh

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

i still don't know whats so great about this....

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*TOP REVIEWER* ExpatBeauty on 4/27/2011 11:48:00 AM more reviews by ExpatBeauty

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

* Me - NC30, combination to dry skin and acne prone at times.
* Experience - I started using this well rated primer when I lived in a warmer climate and needed a light water-based primer that would not clog my pores. And in a warm climate, it seemed to work well for me. Unfortunately, I find that it doesn't seem to work as well for me during the cold winter months or when my skin is a bit on the dry side or needs a primer with a bit more moisture built-in.
* Pros - Nice stable packaging, light and sheer, easy to work with and does the job right. And despite being on the more pricey side, you do get a lot of product.
* Cons - Does not work perfectly for me under all climates or weather conditions unfortunately.
* Verdict - I like this primer but I will most likely have to search for another primer to use that's more suited for my skin's needs, especially with the change in the seasons and climates.

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katty81690 on 4/26/2011 7:27:00 AM more reviews by katty81690

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I personally love this primer. I already have acne prone skin and I always have a few breakouts and I did not see a difference when I started using this product, so that's a good thing. I love this primer, I actually just ran out a few days ago, it was my first one! I bought it in September and I must say, 1oz goes a long way for 7 months for someone who used it on an average of 5 times a week!

My problem with this primer, however, is the price. I love this primer dearly, it's a creamy consistency that's not thick or greasy at all and leaves my face smooth, but $40 for one ounce? Come on. I do think it's a bit overrated, everyone is raving about it on youtube and I feel like they just WANT to love this product because all of the bigger gurus are. I was excited to find out that Smashbox had made a jumbo tube for $50 for 2ox of primer, which is a really good deal since it's twice the size. I just wish they would lower their prices at least $10, so it's $30 for 1oz...You get the picture!

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DecayingUrbanite on 4/24/2011 3:18:00 PM more reviews by DecayingUrbanite

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Blue    

I will never put on makeup without a primer and this is the one for me. It is very light and has a very silky/creamy consistency. It also lasts forever so it is a great investment. I recommend this to everyone who comes into work looking for a good primer. I have sensitive skin and the oil-free formula is perfect for my face. The only thing stopping me from giving this a 5, is that I live in a very hot, humid climate and I feel like it wears off my nighttime so I have to reapply it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* dreanicoley on 4/21/2011 8:23:00 PM more reviews by dreanicoley

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I have tried two face primers in my life and this was one of them... Both broke me out horribly! Its such a shame too bc it honestly feels so silky and smooth going on. My face felt and looked like baby skin! However, I had a horrid reaction. I'm sure its fantastic for some but my stupid sensitive skin hated it. I love smashbox tinted moisture, so it must be some ingredient in the primer :(

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rfoss16 on 4/21/2011 8:00:00 PM more reviews by rfoss16

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

I live in hot and humid Florida, and this does help my makeup stay fresh throughout the day. It also makes application very smooth and provides a nice glow. But it doesn't take long for the attractive "glow" to turn into too shiny. This primer does not control oil.

I got the travel size at Ulta for 17 bucks, it lasts a long time. Now that I have almost run out, I bought Clinique Pore Refining Solutions primer and it is incredible. It truly mattifies the skin and makes makeup go on even smoother than Smashbox.

I most likely won't use Smashbox again. I do have some left, so maybe when I visit NJ in the winter and my skin is dry. But for FL humidity, it just doesn't cut it.

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bambigirl0512 on 4/19/2011 9:49:00 PM more reviews by bambigirl0512

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I didn't really like this primer despite all the good reviews. I felt like it just sat on my skin and did nothing. My foundation slid off my face, even after allowing the primer dry. I tried powder foundation over it too, and it didn't blend into my skin at all. This might have worked for others, but definitely not for me.

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jennaxox on 4/12/2011 1:25:00 PM more reviews by jennaxox

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Tan   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This was a nice light primer. I used a sample which lasted me two days. I used it after Clinique DDML and before Pur Minerals 4-in-1.
Pros: It went on nice and smooth, felt light, and mattified my skin instantly and controlled shine throughout the day. It made my foundation apply more evenly. No blemishes resulted.
Cons: It made my skin look a bit dull and pale. I don't think it's very compatible with mineral makeup. I also got a minor eczema-like rash on my temple.
If I were to switch to a liquid foundation or one that was not mineral-based, I would be open to trying this primer again. But I'm a very avid mineral user so this primer doesn't fit in with my routine! The rash also concerned me.

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*TOP REVIEWER* KelliaC on 3/28/2011 4:00:00 PM more reviews by KelliaC

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

Unfortunately, this broke me out on my forehead really badly. The first times it I used it, it was fine, but the longer I used this product, the more my skin started reacting to it. It started off with a light rash like reaction, then I got 2 huge pimples on my forehead. It's such a great product, it pains me to see it doesn't work with my skin. It contains Vitamin C, antioxidants, is water based, and tons of other beneficial ingredients. I originally would have given this a 5 lippie, but since I broke out, I'm giving it a 2 lippie. I didn't downgrade it to 1, since it contains such amazing ingredients. What a shame. This could have been my HG primer.

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MellieTwinkleToes on 3/15/2011 4:53:00 PM more reviews by MellieTwinkleToes

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Green    

this might be expensive BUT omg you do not use alot and i have been using it for a month and you cant even tell its gone down.

it makes your skin so smooth, evens out everything and its the perfect base for foundation.
i love this stuff,it does go on maybe oily but leave it couple mins and its fine.

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beccanecka on 3/12/2011 6:12:00 PM more reviews by beccanecka

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I LOVE this primer! I've tried other ones and they just don't compare. When you apply this it makes your face feel so silky and smooth. I love how lightweight it is! The fact that it doesn't feel like i'm caking a bunch of stuff on my face, is wonderful. I normally use 2-3 pumps on my face/neck. It seriously makes your makeup last all day. I use liquid foundation and then set it with a pressed powder. It works wonders. If you apply some moisturizer about 3 minutes before you apply the primer it helps your face feel very fresh. All in all, I am VERY pleased with this product. I'd recommend to anyone. Got it for Christmas & I still have half left. 3 months later. A++!

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TheMostCake on 3/6/2011 3:58:00 PM more reviews by TheMostCake

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I have tried a lot of different primers and I do occasionally use others because I like to experiment with skincare and makeup, however- Smashbox Photo Finish Light is my favorite primer. It does not feel heavy on my skin. It makes makeup application faster, easier, and smoother. It allows me to use far less foundation than without it. It works well with both powder and liquid foundations. It makes my makeup last and last- very little touching up is neccessary throughout the day. It controls oil- not completely, but it reduces oily breakthrough greatly. I have applied the light primer to one side of my face, and the regular Photo Finish to the other, as an experiment to decide which is better. The results performance wise were identical. However, the regular primer feels heavier and is harder to apply. My vote is for Photo Finish LIGHT.

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drbenzene on 2/22/2011 1:21:00 PM more reviews by drbenzene

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I started using a primer because I realized I was touching up my make up every afternoon. After reading the rave reviews on Smashbox's Photofinish Primer, I headed to my local Ulta only to find it sold out. I instead purchased the "Light" version and I'm really glad I did! It works wonders underneath my Bare Minerals foundation and I don't have to reapply my make up anymore!! I love the matte feeling, not to mention its really lightweight. I prefer the texture of this "Light" version to the original, which feels greasy IMO. I have sensitive skin but am susceptible to breakouts and this hasn't caused any skin problems. I love it, will definitely purchase again.

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