Primers can be tricky. I remember when I bought my first primer in 2005. It was the original Photo Finish Smashbox Primer. I was flipping through Allure Magazine (yes I was actually reading a magazine lol) and saw that it was an allure beauty pick. All I needed to read was “blurred pores and fine lines” You may be saying what exactly is a primer and why do I need one? Primers now offer a ton of benefits but the main benefits are to allow makeup to go on smooth and to keep your makeup on longer. Smashbox offers over 10 primers to choose from and are the number 1 Face Primer Brand in the USA. This post is going to break them all down in hopes to make it easier for you to find the one that is best for you!

SMASHBOX PRIMER OPTIONS

The Original Photo Finish: $36.00 – Shop it HERE

This has been my Holy Grail Foundation Primer for over 10 years and highly recommend this. It is a basic primer that does exactly what it claims to do. Helps your makeup go on smoother and will allow it to last all day!!!

clear gel consistency that glides on
instantly blurs pores and fine lines

Photo Finish Primer Water: $32.00 – Shop it HERE

This is another Smashbox Primer I absolutely love and its extremely versatile.

Preps skin for makeup
Adds Hydration and Radiance
Refreshes your makeup through out the day

Photo Finish Primerizer: $42.00 – Shop it HERE

I am very intrigued by this one as its a face primer + moisturizer in one! With the lightest texture it delivers 24 hours of hydration with primer benefits.

Increases hydration and preps for makeup in one easy step
Translucent Formula
Softens dry fine lines
Stops makeup from settling into pores

Photo Finish Radiance: $39.00 – Shop it HERE

Here is where you get the normal primer benefits plus radiance. The best way to understand this is if you are using a matte foundation but want to add a bit of glow to your face this is the primer for you! I absolutely love adding primers like this to my matte foundations. It just turns up the natural radiance in your skin without looking overdone. If you have been following me for a while you know I do not like to look matte and flat LOL!

Instantly primes & evens skin tone
Packed with Hyaluronic Acid
Micro-fine amber & bronze pearls create a warm glow

SMASHBOX PRIMERS: Pores, EvenSkin Tone, Redness and Oily Skin

Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer: $39.00 – Shop it HERE

I have tried this once in the past and did not like it on my skin. It really accentuated my dry spots but it could have been the foundation I used with it. So needless to say I did not give this a fair shot. One thing I noticed is pore filling primers are a nude color and thicker consistency understandably so but this type of formula just may not work for me. Stay tuned!

reduces the look of pores
mattifies shine & controls oil all day
wont clog pores or cause breakouts

Photo Finish Reduce Redness: $39.00 – Shop it HERE

Think color correcting meetings primer!! For color correcting you always want to think of the opposite of the color wheel. Green is the color that will help cancel out and neutralize red. If you suffer from redness on your skin this may be a great primer for you!

reduces redness
prepares skin for makeup
blurs pores and fine lines
evens out skin tone

Photo Finish Even Skintone: $39.00 – Shop it HERE

If you have dark spots this may be for you! This apricot toned primer will color correct dark spots and discoloration.

tames discolorations & dark spots
blurs pores, evens skin tone & reduce the appearance of fine lines
preps skin for makeup

Photo Finish Super Light: $39.00 – Shop it HERE

This primer is ideal for sensitive, acne-prone, oily or combination skin due to its lighter formula. I have an oily T Zone and sometimes my skin can be sensitive and the original has always worked perfectly. However I know there are people out there with very oily skin and or acne prone skin. This may be one to check out if you deal with these specific skin types.

preps skin for makeup application
leaves skin smooth

Photo Finish Primer Oil: $42.00 – Shop it HERE

Just give me all the dewy skin! I am so hopeful for this one because it gives you a radiant glow while giving you all the benefits of a primer! For me this will be perfect in the winter. My skin gets very dry and needs a bit of help.

adds hydration for seamless makeup application
adds radiance to the skin
blended with 15 lipid-rich plant extracts & essential oils including moisturizing jojoba + calming chamomile
reduces fine lines

Photo Finish Mattify Primer Stick: $32.00 – Shop it HERE

Are you oily? If you want to control oil and shine this one is for you! I get oily in my T Zone and it gets worse in the summer. I will be giving this a run for its money this summer.

primes and preps the skin
oil and shine control for 12 hours
will not dry out skin
lightweight formula that glides onto skin

I hope this post helps you find your perfect primer. Smashbox offers so many and Ulta Beauty has the perfect guide to help you as well. See it HERE. Its no surprise they are the number 1 rated brand for primers in the USA. Here is to long lasting makeup!!!

DISCLAIMER: Products were sent for editorial consideration. Thoughts and opinions are my own. Links associated with BPAMC are affiliate links. Thank You for your constant love and support to Beauty Products Are My Cardio.