Product Reviews Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
3442 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review I no longer melt!!!! Not to sound dramatic, but this primer made me cry tears of joy! Today was the first time in over 6 years that I didn't have to powder my face every 30 minutes while wearing makeup.
My face became quite oily in my early 20's (thanks genetics). We're not talking minor oiliness, but full face oil slick within about an hour of makeup application no matter what primers, powders, sprays, foundation, or skin care products were used (and I've tried dozens). Nothing worked well & to make matters worse, my office temp varies drastically which means every 30 minutes or so, I have to reapply powder so by the end of the work day I look cakey or like I'm melting. Add to that a chemical SPF sensitivity in a world where everything has SPF in it & your options become limited. This primer was a last ditch effort to remedy my extremely oily skin.
I went in with understandably low expectations. After prepping my face, I applied this primer fairly liberally and let it absorb. Within 30 seconds, I felt my skin start tightening & after it had fully absorbed I touched my face. to my absolute shock & amazement, my skin felt soft but not at all oily. it felt normal! Overjoyed, I applied the rest of my makeup but held off on using all of the oil control powders/sprays that are usually a necessity. After 3 hours, my matte foundation was still 100% matte! I didn't have to apply powder until the 9hr mark and only had to do so lightly! After 12 long hours of wear, my makeup looked the same as when I had applied it. It didn't look cakey and hadn't gathered in various creases. My matte foundation was shine free for the first time ever after a full day of wear & that alone was so liberating I cried.
While I'm a little displease regarding the high cost for such a small amount of product, this primer has changed the way I view makeup as a whole. Also note that if you have any textured skin, this product will make it pop out more. Still, if you have oily skin I'd 100% recommend this.
Most Helpful Critical Review A little bit doesn't go a long way I've been using this product for one week. It's noticeably different in texture than the other Smashbox primers. Lighter feel than the original, not as powdery as the pore minimizer. It doesn't spread onto my face as easily as the others, it seems to absorb with one swipe of a finger. I need to use more of the product to cover my face than I typically did with the others. It's worth mentioning that this product does contain salicylic acid, so if you're using other acne products, be careful not to dry out your skin. I've noticed that my face it a bit less oily midday; my after-lunch oil blotting requires fewer sheets. I do like that it doesn't pill when putting make-up on top like the pore minimizer formula, and that might be enough for me to buy it again. I like it, I'm just not sure which formula I like best! I suggest trying the testers in an Ulta store before choosing a primer, if you're unfamiliar.
Reviewed by 3442 customers New favorite! 5
FullCoverageSally from Arizona
I love this because my glasses tend to hit a part of my cheek and rub a little makeup off, doesn't happen when I have this on ðŸ˜
IN REALITY, ZERO STARS!!!! 1
Belle from Cary, NC
Did nothing except for cause my skin to be red, burning feeling and itchy!!! DO NOT BUY!!! Returned next day and got a full refund.
Highly Recommend! 5
DEANNA from NY
I highly recommend this Smashbox Photo Finish Oil & Shine Control to any consumer interested in purchasing. This item has became part of my regular makeup routine. The product is of good quality but is extremely overpriced for the small quantity.
Works! 5
Mary from New York
This fills in my pores and takes away the shine without over drying.
Works great!! 5
Jenny from Riverside, CA
I have to say, this product is great! It really does control the oil and shine on your skin, I would definitely recommend.
Doesn't live up to the hype 3
Kay from Indiana
I was super excited to try this but am a little disappointed. It does nothing to control oil & shine. I've tried a few different foundations on top of it knowing that could make a difference but it did not make any changes.
Not as good as I hoped 2
sdl123 from Baltimore MD
I thought this would be better at controlling my oil and shine. My cheap primer works better. It's not bad, just not as good as I thought for the price.
Worst primer I've ever used 1
Izzy from Los Angeles
I bought this during the ulta sale. This thing leaves a white milky residue and foundation stains and cakes up where you apply this primer. Waste of $
I will definitely buy this product again. 4
Awesome A from TN
This is a very good product for oily skin.
I finally found the perfect primer 5
batgirl pa from pa
Hot and humid in PA this primer works! No blotting all day. Expensive yes but the small amount you use this will last quite awhile.
Maybe I'm too oily? 2
Cheryl from Bend Oregon
I'm on the ever ending search for a product that will keep my shiny and oily face minimized for at least 4 hours. Unfortunately by the time my 2 PM zoom meeting started I was super shiny. I may be on the extreme of oil and shiny. I haven't found anything yet that works.
No I wouldn't buy this again 3
Debbie from Long Beach
I really didn't notice it controlling my oil & my pores looked the same I have really oily sensitive skin didn't break me out. The smashbox pore minimizer primer did better in keeping me matte and poreless for more hours
Works Great 5
ST from Fairbanks Ak
Best primer I have used so far. Definitely recommend! Got it on the 21 day sale and Definitely worth it!
This helps with my oil and shine like nothing else ever has! 5
Catlin S. from Napa, CA
Putting this on before my makeup has helped with my oil and shine like nothing else ever has. It's something I've struggled with my whole life. I'm very happy with this product.
Combo sensitive skin 4
spaghettigal from los Angeles
This is a 5 star for myself, personally, however, think I'd really only recommend it to combo or even dry types if you find stuff like becca ever matte a little irritatting...
It goes on smooth and feels more hydrating, DOES fill pores, held on to my smashbox foundation (which had been sliding off my face recently) when set with UD velvetizer, and allowed my makeup to float gracefully over forhead and eye lines.
The tricky part: by end of day, I was shiny. but not like an uncomfortable oil slick. after 15 hours, and mask wearing, it still looked amazing, but because of the shine coming through, I can see that very oily skin may have an issue with this. it seems to do its job but just may not be enough for the most oily of skin.
Not Sure If It Really Works 3
Liliana from Indiana
I've been using this primer for a little less than a year & honestly I'm not sure that it really does anything to make your makeup "look better" or to help with oil. I bought bc it was on sale &JuicyJas on YouTube said she loved this.. I don't feel this is a necessary product for oil control. I think if you set your face with a good setting powder, you'll be fine.
Disappointed 1
EvilLuxe from Jacksonville, FL
Actually makes my face more shiny and oily. Super annoying.
AMAZING 5
Amanda from Tacoma, WA
I absolutely love this primer! Was trying to find a primer that stopped my oil from breaking down my makeup and this is it! I put it in my T zone only/ where I mostly produce oil and OH MY GOSH! Made my makeup last all day long! Love it!
Amazing primer!! 5
Perfect for hot days and no break outs! from Connecticut
I work in a restaurant and it is HOT. We have to wear masks and I sweat so much, and this is the only primer that controls the look of oil on my face and controls my break outs. No more mask-ne for me. My powder also stays on the whole day. I like how this primer also is not greasy or sticky, has a matte and non oily finish!
I no longer melt!!!! 5
Kendra from Washington
Not to sound dramatic, but this primer made me cry tears of joy! Today was the first time in over 6 years that I didn't have to powder my face every 30 minutes while wearing makeup.
My face became quite oily in my early 20's (thanks genetics). We're not talking minor oiliness, but full face oil slick within about an hour of makeup application no matter what primers, powders, sprays, foundation, or skin care products were used (and I've tried dozens). Nothing worked well & to make matters worse, my office temp varies drastically which means every 30 minutes or so, I have to reapply powder so by the end of the work day I look cakey or like I'm melting. Add to that a chemical SPF sensitivity in a world where everything has SPF in it & your options become limited. This primer was a last ditch effort to remedy my extremely oily skin.
I went in with understandably low expectations. After prepping my face, I applied this primer fairly liberally and let it absorb. Within 30 seconds, I felt my skin start tightening & after it had fully absorbed I touched my face. to my absolute shock & amazement, my skin felt soft but not at all oily. it felt normal! Overjoyed, I applied the rest of my makeup but held off on using all of the oil control powders/sprays that are usually a necessity. After 3 hours, my matte foundation was still 100% matte! I didn't have to apply powder until the 9hr mark and only had to do so lightly! After 12 long hours of wear, my makeup looked the same as when I had applied it. It didn't look cakey and hadn't gathered in various creases. My matte foundation was shine free for the first time ever after a full day of wear & that alone was so liberating I cried.
While I'm a little displease regarding the high cost for such a small amount of product, this primer has changed the way I view makeup as a whole. Also note that if you have any textured skin, this product will make it pop out more. Still, if you have oily skin I'd 100% recommend this.
Weird residue 2
NG from Columbus
It worked okay, but it left a weird, white residue and felt gross.
My make up looked great but my skin suffered 3
Lina from Pasadena, CA
I love this primer but it really irritates my skin, I think its the witch hazel. I have very sensitive skin, oily and prone to break outs easily. It does make my foundation look flawless and honestly the best primer I have ever tried, my skin suffers and I had to stop using it. Its really sad because its works so well but my skin looks horrible now. I hope others have a better experience because this stuff really makes a difference.
It dies nothing, not even a good primer. Not impressed. 1
Little Red from NC
Won't buy again, waste of lots of money.
Amazingly Good!!! 5
Adriana from New Mexico
I've probably bought around 10 different Primers that claim to have a matte formula for oily skin. This one takes the ENTIRE CAKE!! I usually warm it up with my finger tips and press it on and let it do it's thing for about 2-3 mins.
worth $$!!! 5
MNJ from USA
I went into the store to buy this and was in shock at the register when I heard the price, but it's such a cult favorite I tried it out and I am SHOCKED at how well it works and feels. Keeps my oily skin in check and keeps makeup in its place. Love this and will repurchase!!
