Product Review | Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer

Product Review | Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer ($42, Sephora)

Product Details (from Sephora's website):  Primerizer instantly increases moisture and preps skin for makeup in one step. The non-greasy, quick-dry formula sets in seconds, acting as a makeup magnet that locks on foundation and makes it last. It plumps and moisturizes with niacinamide (which improves skin’s vitality and barrier repair) and hyaluronic acid (a molecule that holds water within the skin to prevent moisture loss). Primerizer also smooths skin, softens dry fine lines, and stops makeup from settling into pores. 

Which skin type is it good for? 

✔ Normal 

✔ Oily 

✔ Combination 

✔ Dry 

What it is formulated WITHOUT: 

- Parabens 

- Phthalates 

Review:  I am always skeptical of 2-in-1 or some sort of multi-tasking product built into one formula and this is one of the main reasons I stay away from those types of products.  I honestly felt that many of them are, in Laura Lee's words, gimmicky.   I have really enjoyed both the Smashbox Primer Water Spray and the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer (clear silicone formula) so I decided to try this product (with a prayer of "Smashbox, please do not fail me").  

The box packaging is not the best with the extra flap of carton next to it.  They could have skipped that and still sold the product without any problems.  The box packaging is a plain white carton with the image of the product and the extra flap of carton just notes what the product claims to do.  It comes in a 1oz glass bottle with a pump.  The product itself has a very thin and watery consistency.  It is lightweight on the skin when applied and it feels very soft and moisturizing.  It does however feel a little tacky once blended out, which is expected since the product doubles as a primer/foundation base.  Since it is an extremely lightweight consistency, the tackiness does not even bother me because it does not make my skin feel tight.

I am not lazy when it comes to skin care and skin prep, so I am not using this to replace my moisturizer.  The reason I bought this is (1) to see if the dual claims actually works (yes it does!); (2), I want a long-wearing but also a hydrating/moisturizing primer to go with the only soft-matter foundation that I have, which is Fenty Beauty, and (3), the cooler months are right around the corner (okay, cooler in L.A. is along the 70's) and I wanted something to help extend the moisture/hydration of the skin during these months as we all know, cooler temps dry out the skin far more than the summer weather.  

I enjoy using this primer with almost any foundation that I own but I love it most when I pair it with my Fenty Beauty Soft Matte Foundation.  This primer creates a really nice base for makeup application, keeps the skin hydrated and extends the wear of my makeup.  

Would I Repurchase? You betcha!