As a blogger, I’m always inspired to try new things! #doitfortheblog! I’ve shared before that I’m minimal when it comes to beauty: I don’t know how to contour, and I typically don’t stress about defining my brows, or applying lashes. What this means is that I have to find products that allow me to get the look without the work! My mascaras have to lengthen and thicken (hello Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes!) and my skin serums and moisturizers have to keep my skin clear and radiant! Every now and then, I find a new product to add to my arsenal that is easy to use, and gives me that flawless skin, airbrushed effect that I crave! That product is…drumroll please…Smashbox Photo Finish Radiance Primer! A mouthful, I know. But this little product packs quite a wallop!
I was given a sample size (.25 oz) of the Smashbox Photo Finish Radiance Primer to try, and this product actually spent about 3 weeks in my makeup drawer before I decided to try it out. I’m often hesitant about testing out foundations, concealers, etc. because they are usually the wrong shade, and I hate giving reviews for a product that I cannot actually use and love! Finally, I made the decision to test it out, and y’all….PLEASE please please (I’m begging like Keith Sweat here!) go purchase this product!!!!
If you’re anything like I was, you have no clue what primer even is! Primer is not a foundation or concealer, but it is simply a base that allows those afore mentioned products to go on smoothly and last longer. Most primers will not change your skin color, fully cover blemishes, or dry up oil. But what they can do is help to blur imperfections, wrinkles and fine lines; help to tone the skin; prevent makeup creasing and migration; and add a boost of radiance or moisture to your skin!
The Smashbox Photo Finish Radiance Primer is a moisturizing primer, packed full of Hyaluronic Acid, and Shea Butter. It evens skin tone, blurs imperfections (I said “goodbye” to my pores y’all!!! ??????), and the Amber and Bronze pearls bring on a 24K glow!!! (cue Bruno Mars).
Ok, so in the photos above, I demonstrated the product on my wrist. I love y’all, and I’m sure you love me…but I’m not ready to hit you with the extreme close up of my face. ? I figured my wrist skin would do the job well enough. If the primer can blur out my veins and arm hair, then that’s just a testament to its’ worth! (I was wearing it here, if you really need to see it in action!)
On the left is my naked wrist: Dull and brown…Nothin’ to see here, folks! In the center is the unblended primer. I wanted to show you guys an unblended shot, because the product comes out like a heavy, gold cream the consistency of lotion (think: tinted moisturizer). You have to rub this stuff in. And when you do…you end up with the effect in the photo on the right. Golden Goodness. The glow factor is warm, subtle, and soooo aesthetically pleasing. It’s not over the top, and is just the right amount of “POW” for the Socialite who doesn’t like to wear a lot of makeup everyday! I find that the glam glow from the primer gets better with time. If you apply this right after cleansing and moisturizing, by the time you finish your eye makeup, your skin will be on celestial glow level! The best part? No one will know what’s creating your flawless look-it’s that subtle!!!
So yeah…the Smashbox Photo Finish Radiance Primer is a GO for me. If I had Oprah’s money, I’d be shipping this out to everybody!
Alas, I don’t have Oprah’s money. ? But what I can do is link every product mentioned in this post, so that you can shop easily! And stay tuned for a little holiday giveaway from me later this week! Keep checking back for the details! ?
See ya next time!
December 7, 2017 at 2:20 am
My daughter is the makeup girl in our family and I know she’d love this one. I love that it has shae buttter and such beautiful skin tone colors. x
December 7, 2017 at 10:28 am
I didn’t know what primer was until recently. I use bare minerals makeup and use their primer as part of my makeup routine.
December 7, 2017 at 11:10 am
I always love experimenting with makeup too. I just recently learned about primer. Your before/after photo is amazing! I’ll definitely need to try this.
December 7, 2017 at 11:29 am
Although I use make up, I study the basics of applying it right, but did not use primer yet, ever. I will look into this product, it looks amazing on your wrist ?
December 7, 2017 at 11:32 am
I have heard about this product. It’s really quality. I will check and use it as a Christmas treat for my sister.
December 7, 2017 at 11:44 am
I always love make up, but I don’t put too much in my face just light make up would do. I wanna try to check this out. Thanks for sharing it!
December 7, 2017 at 12:37 pm
I’ve used the photo finish Smashbox primer before and been pretty impressed so I’d be keen to try this one as well x
December 7, 2017 at 1:18 pm
I’ve been meaning to try out this primer! I love Smashbox’s original primer, after reading this I definitely want to check it out!
December 7, 2017 at 1:50 pm
While I love makeup in general, I have yet to make the jump into using primers. I have the Smashbox Photo one that is clear and feels super smooth, but I don’t know if it actually DOES anything. Thank you for sharing, next time I am in Ulta I will see if they have an open one I can try out!
December 7, 2017 at 1:52 pm
That GLOW though!! 🙂 Pretty!
December 7, 2017 at 1:57 pm
What a great review!
December 7, 2017 at 1:57 pm
Can’t wait to try. It made your skin glow last evening. A very Radiant look !
December 7, 2017 at 2:02 pm
Wow it’s awesome that you explained what’s a primer, cos I heard that term but never knew what it is
December 7, 2017 at 2:38 pm
I’ve never used Smashbox cosmetics before. This product sounds really nice.
December 7, 2017 at 2:52 pm
I have never tried anything from Smashbox and I don’t really use makeup but glad to read it is a go for you!
December 7, 2017 at 3:34 pm
I don’t think I’ve ever tried anything from Smashbox, like some of the people above. I’m having a really hard time trying to find things that work now that my skin is so much drier, so I might need to start trying some new brands! Glad you like it so much!
December 7, 2017 at 4:23 pm
I’m right there with you about trying new foundations. in fact i rarely wear foundation for that very reason. I don’t know if i would use a primer and foundation but if this can double as both i’d surely give it a try.
December 7, 2017 at 8:13 pm
I need to try this out. I’m always looking for a good foundation. I get dark circles under my eyes.
December 7, 2017 at 8:27 pm
I’m a big fan of Smashbox’s original clear primer, and I always go back to it whenever I’ve strayed to other brands. I have combination/oily skin, so I don’t think I’d appreciate the glowing effect from this particular primer although it sounds like it works well.
December 7, 2017 at 10:42 pm
Ooh! I’m not a big primer gal, but I’m intrigued — I love a little glow. 🙂 Thanks for sharing! 🙂
December 8, 2017 at 12:18 am
You gave perfect review of the product. I think I am in love with it and will get it. I am looking for a naturally glowing skin with full coverage foundation on top.
December 8, 2017 at 1:41 am
I’m kind of a makeup minimalist, but that primer is really cool. It has amazing coverage.
December 8, 2017 at 3:26 am
Primer is a great thing to apply on face. And it is clearly shown through the pictures.
December 8, 2017 at 5:20 am
I am not into make-ups really but my two housemates were very inclined to it. I learned smash box to them and how it works wonder to the face when worn.. So I couldn’t agree more on this review.
December 8, 2017 at 7:37 am
Ooh. This looks so pretty. I want it. I also don’t know how to do contour etc. It seems pretty bit just not my thing.
December 8, 2017 at 7:45 am
Wow this products sound lovely …
I shall order some for Christmas to give gifts to my friends?
December 8, 2017 at 8:30 am
Oh now this sounds like a good primer I like that it has a little sheen to it, I may just have to treat myself I think.
December 8, 2017 at 8:53 am
I have a new-found Love and appreciation for primers! I started using Laura Mercier primer back in August when I got it as part of a sample pack for cashing in Sephora points, and now I’m OBSESSED! I don’t want to wear makeup without it. It’s crazy how much of a different my skin looks when I use a primer. Yas!
December 8, 2017 at 10:40 am
This sounds like a great primer – mine is about to finish so I will go have a look next time I am at Sephora see if they have this beauty!
December 8, 2017 at 11:01 am
I have been looking for a good primer! I am certainly trying this…I will be buying it today!
December 8, 2017 at 11:09 am
Smashbox primers are LEGIT! I have their photo finish primer and my makeup always looks perfect when I use it! If I had Oprah money, I would do the same thing lol!
December 8, 2017 at 12:40 pm
I do use primers whenever dabble in party make up but this particular primer not tried till now. Seeing your review of this product I will consider it now.
December 8, 2017 at 2:56 pm
I don’t think I have primer in my makeup stash but if I do I will pull it out and use it for sure now. Your wrist example was plenty to show the results.
December 8, 2017 at 3:43 pm
I love primers!! It’s one of my favorite step because it helps with such a flawless application. I have yet to try out Smashbox but looks like it’ll be my next one to try! Thank you!
December 8, 2017 at 4:31 pm
I have never used a primer before but I hear so many good things and really should get one. I will have to look into this, it looks flawless!
December 8, 2017 at 10:15 pm
I think I just learned something! While I’m here, let me just congratulate you on the growth of your blog. I wish you the very best!
December 8, 2017 at 11:28 pm
I love smashbox products. I would love to this photo finish for a glowy look.
December 9, 2017 at 7:15 am
My daughter is into primer right now. She’s love to try the smashbox variety.
December 9, 2017 at 11:19 am
I use primer once in a while for evening parties and love the glow it brings to the face.
December 9, 2017 at 11:59 am
I don’t use a primer cause even after reading your great post I still don’t know how to use one. Or why. I just go for lipstick and mascara.
December 9, 2017 at 1:42 pm
I’m not much of a beauty blogger either. However I did recently buy a primer from Elf for a wedding and love it. It really helps my foundation go on easier and it makes my skin softer.
December 9, 2017 at 4:59 pm
Great post, and thanks for sharing your thoughts. I am not really a big fan of primer as I am more of a basic moisturizer and lip balm lady. But this product sounds interesting.
December 10, 2017 at 12:01 am
Oh i want to try this out! I love trying different kind of make up.
December 10, 2017 at 2:03 am
I’ve never heard of this product before (or known what a primer was)! I’m more of an “all natural” girl, but I love learning about new things.
December 10, 2017 at 6:34 am
I love primers, even though I never use foundation. This one looks great, and I want to try it now haha 🙂
December 10, 2017 at 8:07 am
I saw many times my wife use primer .I love the glow it brings to the face.
December 10, 2017 at 1:40 pm
I have always wanted to try smashbox and this sounds amazing. Good timing because I have just ran out of primer.
December 10, 2017 at 4:31 pm
Loved the review.. Not tried smashbox primer yet but they look good..
December 10, 2017 at 6:28 pm
Having a good primer can make all the difference with a makeup look. I have always wanted to try this box!
December 10, 2017 at 9:35 pm
I’ve been totally clueless as to primer duty in the past! This really makes a difference on the skin’s texture. I still have yet to try it, but you’re making me want to go get a tube of this now!
December 11, 2017 at 2:34 am
I am not familiar with this brand but I love how the primer looks. I have a primer but not as impressed with it as I am with this one.
December 11, 2017 at 11:15 am
I think this one isn’t for my type of skin. I prefer more silicone based for oily skin. I can’t live without them!
December 12, 2017 at 8:55 am
I am not much of a make-up person either so I can relate. This primer has an amazing glow. I want!!!
April 2, 2018 at 12:10 am
Love this review! I got a sample size of this and liked it too, but your review confirms that it’s worth getting the full size version of!