Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Primer Review

Once upon a time, I was in love with MAC's brightening serum primer.. that was, until it broke me out and caused little bumps all over my face. Combine that with MAC Studio Fix Fluid on my sensitive, WOW. That didn't go so well! Unless it was applied once in a while then that's a different story, but since I'm asked to wear foundation to work, I have to maintain a better foundation routine for my sensitive combination skin. So one day, I went to Smashbox at Sydney Myer and first of all, the sales assistants are great! If I can recall their name it was... Becky and Fiona? Anyway if you're reading this ladies, thanks heaps! 

So I was deciding on a good face primer for my really, really sensitive skin and combination skin. When I say sensitive, I mean sensitive! Benefit Hoola broke me out, Studio Fix Fluid, Brightening Serum my gosh, even some face washes!! So if you have sensitive skin like me I would highly recommend this primer. Also, in some areas my dry skin tends to flake. I chose this one over the other smashbox primers because again, I wouldn't risk applying it on my skin. My holy grail primer. I wish I could wear brightening serum everyday but... we know the effects of that. So I only wear that on very special occasions :P 


Price: 4/5
$63 AUD at MECCA Cosmetica.
Considerably cheaper compared to MAC's brightening serum.

Longevity: 3.5/5
It's decent. I wouldn't say that it lasts for the entire day because it doesn't. But it does last for majority of the day and even when you're busy, out and about it's still there.

Pros

• Great for dry skin. If your skin tends to flake this will prevent that. It really does hydrate your skin and to be honest, I noticed an improvement in my skin after a couple of uses. 
• Oil-free
• Is not too thick on the skin and doesn't feel like I'm wearing any thick primer at all
• Does not clog my pores AT ALL
• Does not leave a white cask in photos
• Smooths the skin and creates a better canvas to work on 

Cons

• Does not stay on the whole day
• A couple of hours later it can leave shine and a slight oiliness... ew. But not to worry, just keep your blotting powder handy.

Overall: 4/5
Since I have some dry areas during winter AND summer, this is perfect for my skin and doesn't leave any flakes. Also, for my sensitive skin it has not broken me out. Although I wish it wouldn't cause too much oiliness during the day, I still love this.