Reviewed: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer & Studio Skin Hydrating Foundation

Reviewed: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer & Studio Skin Hydrating Foundation

“Save The Date — Smashbox is now coming to India.” When I read this email, I kid you not, I was absolutely ecstatic. I had watched enough makeup tutorials, beauty bloggers, and experts rave about this brand and how awesome its products were. And I was done feeling #Fomo.

A couple of weeks ago, Smashbox launched across select Sephora stores, and of course, I had to get my beauty grubs on it. Obviously my spidey skeptical senses told me to first test out the famous Photo Finish Primer, and see whether it was worth the hype…so I did.

Along with primer, I gave the Studio Skin Hydrating Foundation a shot too. Just to give you a mini background of these products — both have been created keeping heavy use and studio wear in mind, which means it’s supposed stand the test of time or, in this case, a 15-hour day.

 

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Review_Hauterfly

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer (Rs 2,900)*

 

So let’s begin this journey with the primer. A clear, oil-free substance, the formulation is gel-like and has a silky, velvet texture to it, when applied. Apparently, only a dime size is required, but that didn’t satisfy my skin needs, so I squeezed out a little more.

Once the product is applied to the skin, you can feel a smooth canvas being created on the face. I was surprised at its smoothness. I have always felt that primer is a necessity — whether it is a proper priming product or simply a moisturiser, to create that flawless base doesn’t just come from the foundation.

The Smashbox Photo Finish Primer does what it says — it smooths out fine lines and creates a filter-like effect on the skin. It doesn’t make me look absolutely Photoshopped, but it does mattify my oiliness.

The first couple of times I used it, it did dry out my skin a little bit (I am not complaining, as I have oily skin), but after 3 or 4 uses, I felt like it created a waaaay better base than my previous primer did.

As for lasting through the day, my foundation stayed put and that velvety feel lasted through the 15 hours and more.

 

Smashbox Studio Skin Hydrating Foundation Review_Hauterfly

Smashbox Studio Skin Hydrating Foundation (Rs 3,000)*

 

Moving on to the foundation. I was scared to use this because finding a foundation for my oily skin is close to impossible. Firstly, let me commend the MUA, who matched my shade to perfection!

My main worry was, however, the fact that the product said “hydrating”, which in my head meant “you’re going to look like grease-ball at the end of the day”. But guess what? That didn’t happen!

The product is made to suit studio and photoshoot use, which translates to the fact that it stands through heat, humidity, sweat, etc. And it did! It really lived up to the promise, and lasted through my whole work day. Again the skeptic that I am, I took a tissue and decided to dab my t-zone.

Usually I’m left with a brown, oil-soaked patch of paper, but this foundation DID NOT BUDGE. Not even a bit. My skin remained matte the entire day — from 7am till midnight, which I found fascinating, because not even ‘matte’ products do it for me (let alone one that says ‘hydrating’)

One drawback, though, would be that after you apply the product to your face, it feels a tad bit sticky. You need to let it dry for about 2-3 minutes for it to feel less liquid-like.

The sheer, yet amazing coverage provided by this product made my skin feel light, and it didn’t look like I was wearing a lot of makeup.

 

Smashbox Review_Hauterfly

 

Let’s get to the price of the product — well, it is super pricey for the quantity you get. If you’re the sort of person who loves their makeup to be flawless, then these products are worth investing in.

Coming from someone with oily skin, these 2 products together work miracles in soaking up that excess sebum, leaving you with a flawless complexion.

*Available at select Sephora stores in India

Tatiana Dias

Tiny but fierce, our Fashion & Beauty Writer grooves to her own soundtrack. An animal lover at heart, she plays proxy mommy to pretty much all the strays she meets.

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