Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars
784 Reviews
I was skeptical about the Smashbox PhotoFinish primer for redness. I have mild to moderate rosacea so I've tried a few products that promise even skin and I'm almost always underwhelmed. It feels like I'm always caking on foundation to hide my redness. But with Smashbox I was PLEASANTLY surprised. I applied a little more than a pea size drop of the primer onto my hand and used my fingers to apply the product where I experience most of my redness. After application I waited a minute or two to let my the primer soak into my skin. When I began applying my foundation I was happy to find my foundation (which on it's own does not normally cover all of my redness) concealing my problem areas. I will say, I was able to see about 10% of my most concentrated rosacea still peaking through, but over all was happy with the coverage. Definitely will be adding the product to my daily make up routine.
Initially, my first impressions were of the packaging . The primer comes in a easy to use squeeze tube that delivers the product out slowly but effortlessly, so you don't get to much all at once. In addition, I like that the word "correct" on the tube was green colored. This signified to me that the actual product itself would also be green in color. Next thing I noticed was the texture of the primer. So, it wasn't overly thick but not water thin either. I have acne scars and huge pores so I do need something thicker than this to help " fill in" those spots. Therefore I don't think, for me anyway, that it worked well for helping cover my pores and scars. However, I do have some redness around my nose and I thought that it worked great for that area of my face. In addition, I didn't notice that weird flaking or peeling that sometimes happens with face primers. Although, I didn't need to use a lot of this product. I find that sometimes when I do need to use a lot of some particular primers that is when some will flake and peel. As far as helping keep my makeup stay put I would say that it worked well but since it didn't fill in my pores and scars they were much more visible. Finally, I didn't notice any particular scent good or bad while applying it. In conclusion, I would definitely recommend this primer if all you are doing is trying to cover up redness but not if you are trying to fill in pores or scars.
5
Jill from MN
This product is great! It goes on really smooth and really works on redness!
1
J from Seattle, WA
Doesn't correct. Doesn't prime.. is oddly shimmery?! Just terrible. I will be returning it immediately.
Mary from Pittsburgh
This product does absolutely nothing for redness, but also does nothing as a primer. I do not recommend and would not buy again.
Natalie from Perth, Australia
I am so disappointed with the new smashbox anti redness primer. I had been using the old one for years and loved how well it covered my redness, how smoothly it went on and how silky my skin felt. The new formula is a real letdown - it leaves a sticky finish which makes it almost impossible to apply foundation over, doesn't cover redness well and doesn't go on smoothly. So disappointing as the old one was perfect. I'll be returning this and looking for a new anti redness Primer. Or, Smashbox - bring back the old one!!
Rosey from Cleveland
This is an amazing product. It quickly neutralizes any red and blends easily.
Cathey from Reno, NV
Absolutely worthless product. The only thing this corrected was $16 from my bank account. Thanks for making a face cream, putting green food coloring in, and marketing it as a color corrector. Great job smashbox.
2
Leslie from Lexington, KY
I liked the texture of this, but did not relieve any redness on my cheeks at all.
Bre from Herald, Ca
I have very mild redness and it did not cover it up, i dont understand how ppl are saying it covered their severe redness. I just dont see how.
Dee from Ireland
I can't tell you how disappointed I am with this product. I wore the previous smashbox green primer everyday for many years and was gutted it was discontinued. I have extreme redness and this new product makes absolutely no difference to it. It covers zero redness and leaves my skin looking oily and shiny. I'm really struggling to find a replacement for your previous primer. If you've any in stock that you would be willing to sell please let me know as I really loved it and unfortunately the new version just doesn't suit my skin at all.. Thanks 😊
4
Cathleen from San Diego
I have a lot of redness on my cheeks, so I found that it's best for me to just use it on my cheeks. I need a primer that's more hydrating so I mix the two for my cheeks then use something else for the rest of my face.
Melissa from Huntington BeachCA
I have a lot of red in my skin, and this definitely helps
3
Carissa from Virginia
This did absolutely nothing to help my redness. I have rosacea ans was hopeful this would help with the redness. This is just like a plain primer that happens to be green and does nothing to actually color correct. What a disappointment.
nola from Seminole Oklahoma
I bought the Smashbix primer in green to try since my face has always been red to the point people think I have a bad sunburn and actually say Oh that looks like it hurts. It did diminish most of the redness and would be great to use on the days I don't wear makeup but I don't think it does anything under my makeup. I use the original Smashbox Primer under my makeup and it works great so I will buy the green for no makeup days since it probably calms my face at least 50 percent on the redness.
Ellie from Ohio
I have used this primer for years. The color is changed and the consistency is thicker. It no longer applies a smooth thin finish, but feels like a thick foundation which does not blend well with my tinited moisturizer. Gross.
Eileen from Chicago
Ugh. This new formula is terrible. My redness was not at all diminished. And mine is not rosacea, just some light pink / red on my nose and cheeks. Additionally, it caused my foundation to pill, even though I gave the primer more than ample time to set.
Lisa from Appleton, WI
I have some serious red discoloration. I never really thought about a color corrector and just tried to cover with concealer and setting powder. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the young lady who suggested this product!!
Chris from Austin tx
Did they change the formula?? This primer used to give my skin a dewy glow but with the new tube, it makes my skin dull and mattifies my foundation. I hate it. I am not happy with it. I don't like the matt look for myself. Epic fail, Smashbox.
Rachel from Memphis, TN
I have used the Smashbox Reduce Redness Primer for years and loved it. No matter how expensive it got, I would splurge because it worked and made my face feel amazing. The new formulation is nothing like the old. Where the old formula left my face blurred, poreless, and less red, the new version does nothing for redness and I end up feeling more oily after. I am so sad about this. Please bring back the original.
Brittany from Idaho
I bought the mini to try. I'm glad it did not pay for a full size. I feel it didn't cover my redness, which is the reason I bought it. As a primer it was OK but nothing special.
Mo from Ohio
My mom has rosacea and her face is severely red. This product took away the majority of the redness and gave her confidence! Would highly recommend
Blair from Arkansas
This is a no for me. I found it sticky and very hard to blend. I'm not even sure it did anything. I returned it pretty much immediately.
Lin from Rhode Island
I have used the green primer for years. The new formula is very different. It does not go on well and does a poor job of minimizing redness. My foundation does not go on smoothly. I LOVED the product before it was changed. It was one of the few beauty products that I would be loyal to forever, regardless of cost. Oh well, first world problem, as they say. I will not be purchasing it in the future.
Heather from Fairbanks
I don't find the new formula to be as good as the old formula. The new formula doesn't cover the redness in my skin as well and is not as smooth going on.
from Panama City, Florida
I was so surprised how even this made my skin look and it made my foundation flawless.
Gina from Crossville tn
I have horrible dermatitis around my nose and on my chin. I have to use a steroid cream daily. This goes on top of my steroid and covers beautifully. It does not make my dermatitis worse. If anything it helps. It's silky smooth and works like a dream. Highly recommend!