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Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water (review)



A makeup primer spray that hydrates and revitalizes skin.

This all-in-one Photo Finish Primer Water gives the benefits of priming, hydration, and sheer radiance. t is 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. It is the lightest, purest, and most refreshing form imaginable. From the silky-smooth texture of the original, to the super-fine mist of this new water, this primer is perfect for all skin types.

Free of silicone, alcohol, and oil

When this came in the market last year, I thought it would be just like any other makeup setting spray, that has been cleverly marketed as Primer water or Glorified water. Also it reminded me a lot of the MAC 'Mineralize' Charged Water, which is not a primer, but still can be used anytime before or after makeup. The only thing that made me actually want to try this was the fact that it was an offering from the brand that pretty much is known for their primers since ages. My first good primer was from Smashbox. 


Color: Colorless

Texture and Consistency: Light weight, non sticky water like consistency. 

Scent: It has a smell. Not bad. Not floral. Not like perfume. Ok, bad description! but I am not able to pin point on the scent. It is not overwhelming and is not detected on application.

Application: This is a multi tasking product. It can be used as a primer, setting spray and a refreshing spray as well. I have tried using this product in multiple ways. I have used it before makeup to prime the face and prepare it for makeup application, as a setting spray after makeup and also as a refreshing spray. In all these cases I kept the bottle 8 to 10 inches from the face and sprayed on, so as to distribute the mist evenly. I have used this to dampen my brush or Beauty Blender before applying concealer or foundation. Also on top of my highlighter to make it more wet looking and more glowy.


Feel and Effect on Skin: The water was absorbed almost instantly and there was no sticky or tacky feel after that. It did leave a film which was pretty sheer, almost invisible. I could not see it, but I could feel it, little difficult to explain. I personally have dry skin, so this product when used before makeup as a primer was very hydrating and comfortable. The skin felt moisturized, soft and my makeup went on easily without any patchiness. As a setting spray, it was good to get rid of extra powdery cakey'ness'. I did not enjoy this as a refreshing spray. There are other sprays that are more refreshing and fun to use. The best way I enjoyed this was dampening beauty blended or brush for concealer application. It went on super beautifully and the end result was absolutely flawless.

Longevity: My makeup went on smoothly, but I did not notice any extra longevity with this. It did hold my makeup well. It was pretty much similar to what I get from other primers. So nothing extra in comparison, but the makeup lasted long enough. 


Packaging: A huge thumbs up for the packaging. The bottle is plastic and the nozzle is excellent. The mist is super fine and it is dispensed evenly by the nozzle. Easy and convinient to travel with.

Verdict: This is a good product and my dry skin accepted it family. It is hydrating, comfortable, light weight and makes the makeup application go easy without any patchiness. It did not break down my makeup and the makeup lasted pretty well for a good duration. This is more on the lines of Hydrating primer than line filling, smoothing or pore filling primer. If you are looking for any of these qualities, something with silicones will only do the job. As a refreshing spray, I would choose other options. Products that are more cooling and calming with mints, essential oils and rose in them like the Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Mario Badescue Facial Spray or the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist and MAC "Prep + Prime' Fix + Finishing mist. As a final make up setting spray I still prefer the Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting spray or the Urban Decay Chill Cooling and Hydrating Spray

Next on my radar is to try the Make Up Forever Mist and Fix Setting Spray and the Josie Maran Nirvana Hydrating Mist. Now these are not primers. One is a setting spray while the Josie Maran can be used in multiple ways. 

Nice product and worth giving a try.



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