Hello Everyone.
We all know the importance of priming skin before makeup. Since this primer comes in an unconventional dispenser, like a face mist, it jogged my curiosity; and being someone who always loves to experiment with different kind of products, I picked it up to give it a try. This review will be on a product which claims to do the same. It is the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water.
About The Product:
A makeup primer spray that hydrates and revitalizes skin.
What it Does:
Get the benefits of priming, hydration, and sheer radiance with this all-in-one Photo Finish Primer Water. Free of silicone, alcohol, and oil, it’s packed with revitalizing electrolytes that work to reawaken skin and restore moisture. This enriched water instantly absorbs into skin for lasting hydration, leaving skin looking refreshed and ultrasoft while it locks in makeup.
Price:
$16 for 1 oz and $32 for 4oz
My Experience with Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water:
Packaging:
Comes in a simple see-through plastic bottle. The disperser sprays a very fine mist and covers the entire face in 2 sprits on either sides of the face. The bottle has a cap and this size is very travel friendly.
Being someone with dry skin, I love using face mists and when I saw this product, my first thought was that this is a face mist. But after reading the claims, that this product also acts as a primer, I got super interested.
This primer spray is free of silicone, alcohol and oil. I use this before and after applying my makeup. When used before makeup, it instantly refreshes my skin. It dries quickly and leaves a very slightly tacky feel on the skin which is not bothersome; on the contrary I feel the tackiness helps my makeup stick onto the skin better which is the primary function of a makeup primer. It provides a light veil of hydration on my skin without feeling greasy. On hotter days, when I prefer something lightweight on my skin, I skip a moisturizer and use only this product and it helps make my skin feel comfortable.
When used after finishing my makeup, which I will seldom do as I prefer using my makeup setting sprays, I use this primer spray. If I have used a particularly drying foundation, like a matte, mineral or powder foundations, this spray effectively takes away the powdery look and helps the foundation not crease and crack. I notice less dry patches when I use this under makeup. This spray leaves a very natural finish on the skin once it dries. It is not overly dewy, but imparts a slight glow. I have not seen any noticeable difference in my makeup’s wear time. This spray neither improves it nor adversely affects it. But it does improve how my foundation sits and looks on my skin. It has a very refreshing scent which I enjoy.
Overall, I do like this product, but do not consider this a must-have. If you have dry skin and are looking for something that can be multipurpose on-the-go to refresh your makeup and provide a light layer of hydration, you may like this product. But if you are considering replacing your primer or a setting spray with this, this is not the best product for that. For the function it provides, I do think it is overpriced as I have used face mists in the past that provide more or less the same function at half the cost (one example is Avene Thermal Water).
Pros of Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water:
• Lightweight
• Quick absorbing
• Minimal tacky feel
• Refreshing scent
• Refreshes makeup and skin
• Provides a light layer of hydration
• Makes my makeup apply smoother
• Visibly less dry patches
• Good addition to skincare
• Free of harmful ingredients
• Travel friendly
• Takes away powdery look of makeup
• Fine mist
• Gives a luminous natural glow to the skin without being too dewy or greasy
Cons of Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water:
• Overpriced for being a “fancy water”
• Did not improve or affect the wear of makeup in anyway
• Less pricey alternatives available
IMBB Rating:
4/5
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Primer water – that’s something interesting and the best part – it’s free of oil, silicone and oil, wow!
The concept is so unique and innovative nah !
such an interesting product it is. i would like to buy this as soon as possible.
I hope it is also available to buy in India soon
This is so much fun. No silicone or oil. That too in spray form. Very detailed post.
Thank U Khushi.. I am glad u found my review informative