Late on the Primer Bandwagon: Smashbox Art. Love. Color Photo Finish Foundation Primer & Primer Water Pair

With my skin type being combination to oily, it was a surprise, even to myself that I have not explored the use of a primer.

I have this misconception that primers will make my face feel heavy and sticky. Then I learned that with a good quality primer, your makeup does not only stay longer but your skin will also feel less greasy as the day progresses. Since we live here in the Philippines, it is a given that the days are mostly hot and muggy and no matter how water- and sweat-proof our makeup is, it will still get to its melting point.

I did a little research about the cult favorite Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer and I read nothing but raves and good reviews. It has up its reputation as a good primer for oily-combination type of skin. I was lucky to get this Smashbox Art. Love. Color Primer Pair kit from @luxebeautediaries with the travel sizes of the photo finish foundation primer and the water primer. I needed to give it a try before I purchase the full size.

I resorted to watching YouTube reviews and how-to videos to be able to get what the two of them are for. The Foundation Primer goes in before your foundation and the Water Primer can be used both as a primer and as a setting spray to unify the makeup you applied for a more together look.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer 

Claims:
1. Filled with vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea
2. Oil-free primer
3. Reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores
4. The Original Blur - blur out imperfections
5. Award-winning! Brides - 2014 Beauty Awards winner, Martha Stewart Weddings Big-Day Beauty Awards Winner 2015 & 2013, One of Marie Claire's "25 Products That Will Change Your Life", Winner of Best of Sephora Award for Best Primer, Allure Best of Beauty Award, and InStyle Best Beauty Buy, to name a few.

Ingredients: 

Cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, dimethicone crosspolymer, trisiloxane, silica, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, ethylhexyl salicylate, retinyl palmitate, tocopheryl acetate, carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed extract, propylene glycol, water\aqua\eau, vitis vinifera (grape) seed extract, cola acuminata (kola) seed extract, camellia oleifera leaf extract

I use this on top of my daytime moisturizer before my liquid foundation. It lives up to its claim of giving an "original blur" by diffusing light hitting the skin blurring out imperfections. It gives me an even, soft-focus skin, prepping it for foundation. With this primer, my foundation (I used MAC Studio Fix fluid foundation) looks flawless and not patchy. As for longevity, I cannot affirm that this primer helps my make up last longer but it makes the shine appear much much later during the day. I will repurchase its full size after using this up. Update: My makeup lasted for more than 6 hours before I blotted.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water

Claims:

1. Silicone-free. Alcohol-free. Oil-free.

2. Creates the sheerest canvas for makeup application

3. Wakes up skin, leaving it vibrant and radiant for hours 

4. Restores moisture and hydrates skin for hours—shine free!

5. Refreshes throughout the day 

6. Perfect for all skin types

7. Uses: Primer, makeup setting spray, mid-day refresher spray

Ingredients: 

Water\aqua\eau, butylene glycol, caffeine, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium sulfate, potassium nitrate, potassium phosphate, polysorbate 80, diamond powder, fragrance (parfum), limonene, linalool, citral, phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate

As a primer, it worked fine with making the foundation look smooth. As a setting spray, it made my face look dewy and made my powder makeup appear well blended. As a mid-day pick me up, it freshens my face and it smells good. Will I buy the full size? I will pass on this one. It's a good product and the idea of a multitasking mist is great but considering its price, I am sure there are better and cheaper facial mist/charged water out there.

The Primer Water is best for people that breaks out from and are allergic to silicone-based primers. Also, if you are looking for a multitasking, all-in-one facial mist, the Primer Water is perfect for you.

What are your thoughts about these two Smashbox primers?

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