Product Reviews Rated 4.44 out of 5 stars
1654 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 1654 customers GOaT 5
Kimberly from Brighton Mi
I have tried others and always come back.
Not for me 3
Azul P from Austin, Tx
I have combination skin and this just did not work for me throughout the day. It worked fine on the oily parts of my skin but on my dry patches it made it feel drier. Did not do much for my fine lines or pores. I did like that it leaves a smooth feel to your face. It is a clear, smooth, gel-like formula and a little goes a long way.
Very Oily 3
Dissatisfied from Illinois
I have very oily skin and used this for thr first time today. It worked out well for a couple of hours bit then my face was extremely oily. I have tried everything but nothing helps. ibwas very disappointed.
I always buy this product. 5
Mimi from Mesa,AZ
After my moisturizer. Blurs all your imperfections
Best primer I've ever tried! 5
Ky from NC
This primer is way better than the benefit professional! I love this primer it makes my skin look flawless! This primer plus the matching setting spray is the ultimate combo!
Oldie but a goodie 5
Shortstop81 from Illinois
Thugs is a tried and true primer! Love the way it glides on the skin and keeps makeup flawless all day, even in the heat! Been using for several years
I recommend this product 5
Dare from Walla walla WA
It feels so light and I'm in love with it
Yes yes yes 5
Tulsa1 from Wagoner
Makes my face feel so soft and silky.
Game changer 5
Agingbarbie from Texas
Alone or under makeup this mak s your skin feel amazing
Best primer!! 5
Ulta friend from York, PA
This is the best primer! Glides in skin smoothly and feels silky. Not greasy or heavy. Have tried many, but this is my favorite!
Mixed Feelings 2
Acirem from Oswego, IL
I use this primer all the time and absolutely love it. I recently ran out and bought a new one. For some reason it's super liquidity than the first one I had (the first one had great consistency and never felt oily) and feels oily on my skin. I hope they didn't change the formal. I might have to take this back and get a new one 😒😞
Best primer ever 5
Monkey19 from Youngstown Ohio
This primer is fabulous. I've never used primer before but I got a very tiny sample and just started using it and my makeup looks so much better- smoother and more even tone. I only have to use a very small amount of foundation with this primer. I bought a tube of it and my makeup lasts all day plus. Sometimes I hate to take it off at night because it still looks so nice! Lol
Not for all foundations 3
👉🏼👈🏼 from Okc
It's either really great or the worst depending on which foundation you pair it with
TERRIBLE 1
T from Missouri
makes your foundation and everything else slide off and look streaky
I bought 2 and I'm happy I did! 5
Lupy from Seattle
Goes on sooo smooth. Love how it feels on my face and foundation goes on even better. I highly recommend it as it was recommended to me
Perfect for my skin! 5
CoolGrammy from Akron
Primer, & good on its own for lazy days... it improves my texture... just add a bit of blush and I'm done!
Overhyped and defintly OVERPRICED 1
Upset! from Indiana
Very dissapointed please do not believe the hype how can i return this
I have been using this for years 5
KimmyK from Freeland, Michigan
I put it on after my moisturizer soaks in. I wait 15 seconds then apply my foundation which goes on smoothly.
Bomb!! 5
Boobie from Seattle, Washington
This will Forever be my favorite primer!! A little goes a long way and the finish it gives your makeup is so so gorgeous! Definitely a holy grail!!
It's a standard in my makeup collection 5
jjpdx from Portland, OR
Love this product. Smooths the skin and makes for an easy palette for makeup application.
Not worth it 1
Nikki from California
Don't believe the hype, this doesn't help with your pores at all. I actually like drug store primers over this one
Love it 5
Smashbox from Fontana
Love this primer!!! I would highly recommend
Not For Acne-prone Skin! 1
BMW from South Carolina
My face was clear before I started using this. I will be returning it.
Smashbox Photofinish Primer 5
Kath from Rindge NH
Use after moisturizer and before makeup
The best primer 5
The best from Columbus, GA
This is my go to primer. It's amazing. I've never had a problem in the 6 years I've been using it. I'll continue to buy it over and over again.