SMASHBOX – Photo Finish Primer Water

smashbox - primer water spray complete.jpg
SMASHBOX – Photo Finish Primer Water Review

Price: $39 CAD | $20 CAD
Size: 3.9 oz |1 oz

I purchased this a while back after seeing the amount of popularity it received. Interesting enough, I often saw this product being used as a setting spray instead of a priming spray. Well these are my thoughts on the product…

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NARS – PRO-PRIME

nars pro prime complete

NARS – Pro-Prime
Price: $32 CAD
Size: 0.05 Oz

The Nars Pro-Prime is a primer/ make up base that works to target lines and pores. It is extremely light weight and comes in a travel friendly packaging.


PACKAGING

The first thought I had regarding the packaging of this product was the small size and amount. In relation to its price, you do not get very much product as it comes in a solid form that sits in a retractable stick. But with the size aside it is designed very efficiently making it great for travelling or throwing into your purse. In addition the appearance of the product is very simple and clean, the signature look of Nars products. Overall, though the size is small the packaging is compact and the cap closes well with a reassuring click, making it optimal for travelling.


PRODUCT

The Nars Pro-Prime is slightly different from many other primers on the market as it comes in a solid form, much like the consistency of a solid perfume or lip balm. Personally, I feel this format is both positive and negative. The positive point would be that over application or excess product is highly unlikely in comparison to primers that come in a creamy or liquid consistency. However, the negative point would be that you will be unaware of the amount you have used and therefore unsure of whether you may want to apply more or stop there. As for the feeling and functionality of the product personally I feel it works for light to medium level lines and pores. It works well to blur and fill out extremely fine lines or pores but may not work as well for deeper ones. The feeling was also good as it felt barely there and extremely light on my skin with no sign of stickiness. On a side note I would I am not 100% sure but it feels as though it is silicone based and those who do not like a silicone based product will not enjoy this primer.


OVERALL

I personally had a good experience with the Nars Pro-Prime as it worked to blur highly minor issues like extremely fine lines and pores. The product is relatively easy to use and application is rather quick. It also feels light weight and non sticky on the skin, in addition it does not have an overwhelming fragrance. I would recommend this product if you have small line and pore issues however, keep in mind that it is not a ‘cure’ and will not fix the problems it will only momentarily cover them up.

– SL.


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ETUDE HOUSE – Precious Mineral Any Cushion SPF50+/PA+++

etude house - precious mineral any cushion complete

Price: $18.00 (on their website)
Size: 0.52 oz
Shade: Natural Beige W13

PACKAGING
I really like how clean and simple the packaging is, it comes as a compact with a section to separate the puff and the product. This keeps the puff clean and prevents the product from drying out. My favourite part would be that the product section is removable and replaceable. Meaning that when you run out of the product, you simply only need to purchase the refill which is sold on their site for $10.00 (click here for link). Lastly, it closes securely with a reassuring click, so you know that you have closed it properly and tightly to prevent the product from drying out.  Overall, I feel that the packaging of this product is well designed and makes it affordable, due to available refill sections.

PRODUCT
I will talk about the foundation and puff provided separately as I have different opinions on both.
FOUNDATION

The foundation is a lot like a BB cream, it claims to carry the following functions: brightening, wrinkle reducing, sebum control, and flawless coverage. I personally found that it lived up to a majority of those claims, I found that it brightened my complexion, blurred fine lines, and looked flawless on the skin. However, I would not say that this fully controls sebum as the finish is more or less a slightly dewy finish that I could see unfitting for those with very oily skin. On this note, it is a very light foundation that felt barely there and very breathable and comfortable on the skin, perfect for those that are new to wearing makeup on a daily basis. Keep in mind though, it does contain SPF therefore when you touch your face it will feel slightly sticky/moist but not to a point where it is bothersome or will cause breakouts. Because of its slightly dewy feel, I find that it is not drying for my skin however I would not classify this as a moisturizing foundation. As for longevity – I would not call this a long lasting foundation, but it seem to hold up relatively well for about 5-6 hours before noticeable fading. Luckily it blends well into the skin therefore fading will not be too noticeable. On the down side, it is only available in 3 shades, as many BB creams are, and geared towards Asian skin tones, which is unfortunate. Also the product does carry a nice fragrance which could be viewed as negative or positive, as I am aware that some people would react to the fragrance in it, so keep that in mind if you tend to react to cosmetics with fragrance. Overall, this is a BB cream that carries a light – medium coverage with a feather light feel on the skin, which has easily become one of my top 5 foundations. I would recommend it for skin types that are normal – dry.
PUFF
The puff on the other hand was not terrible but did not blow me away. It did an OK job at distributing the product however in comparison to applying it with the Beauty Blender I feel as though it did not hold up. Therefore, I would highly recommend applying this with a Beauty Blender if you have one, but it is not necessary for a flawless finish as the puff does a relatively decent job.

– SL.
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URBAN DECAY – Chill Makeup Setting Spray

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Price: $36.00 CAD
Size: 4 Oz

PACKAGING
I was very surprised by the size and quality of the packaging. In my opinion it is a good size for the price you pay. The plastic, the bottle is made of is quite thick and sturdy and the spray nozzle has not given me any problems so far. Also the spray comes with 2 caps, one on the outside – which is larger and one directly over the spray nozzle. I personally found this a little excessive however it does add a sleeker look and extra security. The look of the packaging is matte which looks great but I found that when the bottle is thrown among other makeup it stains easily. Overall, the look, quality, and functionality is great, just a small heads up if you tend to have a messy makeup area or bag this bottle will get dirty. 

PRODUCT
First and foremost this product’s purpose is to set your makeup and prevent it from shifting into fine lines. What sets it apart is the ‘temperature control technology’ which chills your makeup and helps it look freshly applied. Lastly, It is recommended for dry or combination skin therefore if you have oily skin this is not the product for you. For me personally I am on the fence about the product for multiple reasons. The positives are that it sprays out quite well; the nozzle disperses the product for an even application. Also during initial application it does not feel too wet on the face and it did not feel like my makeup was sliding out of place. It sets within about a minute and feels slightly hydrating but not to a dewy extent. The negatives are that when I tested its ability to keep my makeup from shifting it fell short of my expectation. I sprayed one side of my face with the spray and left the other side alone and went about my day. After about 9 hours I checked back on my makeup and found that the side with the setting spray had actually looked worse. In areas like my under eyes and sides of my nose (which are a little oilier) my concealer and foundation had fully shifted into my fine lines. However, on the side without the setting spray it looked almost perfectly fine just a little lighter but makeup did not shift. Overall, this product feels great during initial application, but as for its ability to hold makeup in its place I feel it did not do its job. 

SIDE NOTE
just a side note: I have combination skin with dryness in my forehead and oilier skin on the sides of my nose, therefore this product may work better for you. I found that my dryer areas looked fine; it was in my oilier areas where I found that my makeup had shifted into my fine lines. If you have similar skin to me, I do not suggest this specific setting spray but if you have dryer skin I feel it may be worth a try. 

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– SL.