Product Reviews Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
2493 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review A Love Story from an Acne Prone Gym Goer PHOTO: The attached photo is after approximately 12 hours of wear on a naturally oily face, and an extremely sweaty workout.
I have fallen in love with this product as well as the eye primer. I went to Ulta in search for a new foundation because I thought that my Tarte, powder foundation couldn't handle sweat (I walk a mile to and from my office in Florida) because it would embed in creases and looked horrible. Boy was I wrong!
I asked an employee to recommend a new foundation that would work better for sweat, oily, and acne prone skin. She told me that my current foundation is what she would recommend, but that I should you a primer. I must confess, I thought she was a bit crazy, but now I am a BELIEVER in the wonder that is Photo Finish Primer.
How I use it and what I use it with:
I cleansed and moisturized my face, applied the primer with my fingertips, applied my foundation (Tarte Airbrush full coverage), blush, and Tarte Smooth Operator (this likely contributed to my good experience).
I went about my day, including the gym where I SWEAT WATERFALLS down my face. When I got to my car and looked in the mirror, I was in shock to see that my makeup was still fairly FLAWLESS! After all of the sweat my face had less of a matte finish and more of a dewy finish, but my personal results have been amazing. If anything changes I will update this review.
Most Helpful Critical Review Not for Oily Skin This is the worst primer I have ever used.
I have an oily tzone, makeup slides off my nose very easily. I use Estee Lauder's Doublewear makeup and needed something to prime with.
Previously, I had been using Benefit's Porefessional, which is decent for dabbing on problem pore areas.
I bought sample of the smashbox primer, because everyone raved about it on Youtube.
I found it applied fine and made makeup apply smoothly. BUT It actually descreased the wear time I got from my Doublewear. My nose was an oil slick by 3 hours in the work day.
It also caused me to break out around my chin. I never break out and I'm not too sensitive to products, but this did cause small bumps to pop up.
I have found a primer that works, however. Loreal's Infalliable Setting spray is a dream. Spritz before makeup, apply face, spritz again. Done! It leaves your skin looking doll like, a plus for my heavy coverage makeup. It also set my nose makeup perfectly. No sliding.
Reviewed by 2493 customers OMG! 5
Liz C from Black Diamond, WA
Who wouldn't LOVE this product! Best stuff since 'sliced bread' - an old saying! Feels great on the skin and allows any makeup to glide on smoothly, stay in place and wear wonderfully all day long! I work 12-hours+ a day and I no longer need to refresh my makeup during my break times.
Gave me little bumps...:( 3
EB from MIDDLETOWN NY
Really wanted to love this primer, it feels so good on the skin a glides on like a dream but I Kept getting these little bumps on my skin especially my forehead and cheek area I thought maybe it was something with my skin routine but when I asked other people who I knew used this primer they said that they had the same problem. Maybe it just doesn't work on certain skin types:(
would not buy again 1
Abby from Astoria, oregon
I have pores around my nose and it did not do anything even after my estee lauder foundation I can still see so many pores. So upset because it was pretty pricey
I love the photo finish primer! By Samshbox! 5
Chelle from Murfreesboro,TN
I love the line of Smashbox! I use the foundation and concealer so I had to try the primer. Awesome Line!
Like Silk! 5
Carebear from Summerville, SC
This primer feels like silk on my skin. My foundation glides on top for a flawless look.
FLAWLESS skin!! 5
Shelby from Huntsville, al
I've been wanting this product for a while, and finally decided to purchase. Absolutely the best money I've ever spent on primer!! This made my skin look flawless and I received so many compliments on my skin while wearing it! Would absolutely buy again.
I haven't found a better primer 5
Art Marker from Chatham, IL
This primer really works well. I can actually see the blur after applying. It helps to conceal my large pores around my nose.
Smooth Primer 5
GagaV from Pennsylvania
As an older woman, I have some scars/enlarged pores from sun damage, etc. This primer doesn't make my face shiny and helps smooth out the skin for a better look with my foundation. Plus, it helps my foundation keep from "melting" in the heat/humidity.
Love it!! 5
Judy from Roseville MN
I have the most oily skin (no mater what moisturizer or cleaning products I use) and this keeps it from melting off my face on the hottest day! So worth it not having to blot oily skin all day long!
Great smooth product 5
Tiffany0104 from Arkansas
I love this primer. It is so lightweight and goes on so smooth and helps my makeup stay all day. Great product!
I would definitely buy this again! Love it!! 5
Blondie from Germantown, TN
I use it under my foundation.
Awesome pre-makeup routine product 5
LMSNaomi from Houston, Texas
A little goes a long way, I use all over my face before starting my makeup routine, leaves a soft smooth canvas before starting, really enjoy using it!
Smooth 5
Jenny from Marianna, Florida
I've been using this primer for a few years now and I LOVE it! It's smooth and not greasy. It does not creases make up and makes the make up look silky and smooth.
totally worth the money 5
liz from ohio
i've had the same tube of this primer for 10 months and it's only about half gone and i use it almost everyday. it smooths out your pores so well and even makes my makeup last longer on my oily skin. i haven't been able to find a better one in the last 10 months.
Its good for what it is 3
Pk from San mateo
I've been using this product for years and I can't complain on its use. But im searching for something better. Every often my makeup doesnt smooth out on my skin as it should. Dont know whether its the primer or the makeup. However, this currently may be the best product on the market for primers currently. Cant wait for something better though.
I'll buy this again 5
Janice from Riverton Utah
I put this on and let it sit on my face for about 5 minutes, then I apply my foundation. Makes my skin look flawless.
I will buy this over and over. I don't have to look anymore 5
Courtney from Conroe, TX
I was worried because at first it felt a little greasy on my finger, but shake it up first. I have never had a primer work this well. I have large pores and finally decided to try it and wow it's the best I've ever seen and not greasy at all, it anything it stops the grease!
Blurs & smooths 5
L from Texas
This is the first time i've actually noticed an effect from a primer. it smooths my foundation/concealer greatly.
This is my go to primer! Fourth time to purchase. 5
Wendi Bird from The Colony, TX
I use just a few drops all over my face. Let it set for about one min so it drys completely before applying any concealer or foundation.
Blur then Breakout 3
BlondeAmbition from Knoxville, TN
This primer is great at blurring pores and evening out skin texture underneath foundation. Smashbox studio skin is my favorite foundation and does not break me out. Sadly, every time I use this primer I break out after. I don't have particularly sensitive skin but I am acne-prone. Hence my need for this in the first place. I always remove all of my makeup and cleanse/treat my skin. have tried this one on and off for years. It is pretty but not worth the pimples. If you are on the fence, try a sample or travel size version first.
I will never go without this primer!!!! 5
Ashleeeey from Fort Worth, Tx
This is only primer that makes my makeup look so good. WHAT IS TEXTURE???? Idk, never heard of it. 🤪
I've tried others, keep repurchasing 4
Barsnackcatnap from Poplar bluff mo
Pricey, doesn't feel hydrating long term, BUT my foundation goes on completely differently after applying this. I continue to repurchase.
Best primer ever! 5
Taylor from Los Angeles
I will always use this!! Works perfect for me. Softens and eases makeup application.
Great Face Primer For Normal to Oily Skin 5
Deb from Summerville, SC
I love Smash Box's original primer. I would like it to come in a 2oz size as well as the 1oz. Hope company considers this.
Smooth finish but broke out 2
Bri from NJ
Want to love this, worked so well to smooth and my makeup looked flawless over it. After a couple days I started to break out, little bumps everywhere. I was bummed, not worth the pimples.
