Smashbox Hybrid: Primed and Luminized

Smashbox came out with a great idea: their new Hybrid 2 in 1 Luminizing Primer is a mix of their famous Photo Finish Primer and Artificial Light highlighter. They're packaged in two separate chambers so they won't mix. Apply the primer first, and then finish with the highlighter on cheek bones, brow bones, and chin. Perfect for travelling. The only drawback for me would be that I use more of the primer than the highlighter, so I would run out of that a lot quicker.

Primer? Exactly What am I Being Primed For?

In my quest/obsession for perfect airbrushed skin, I was thrilled to try Make Up For Ever's HD Microperfecting Primer. I used the Neutral shade that claimed it "adds natural luminosity to the complexion." I never got far enough to test whether my skin looked "luminous" or not--the primer was hard to blend and left my face sticky, causing the foundation I put over it to look splotchy. I immediately washed it off and started over.

I thought the first application may have been a fluke and I was judging it unfairly, so I tried it again a couple of days later: the same thing happened. Obviously, I am NOT recommending this product, and am sticking with my Smashbox primer.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

To me, this is the ultimate primer. When I use this my make up stays on longer, my face stays more matte, and it fills in the little wrinkles around my eyes. It really leaves a velvety finish.

I also like that it has green tea and vitamins. Smashmox also has a 'Light' formula, which is oil free--I haven't tried it yet, but I have oily skin and the original formula works great. Also, they have a version with SPF and Dermaxyl (a peptide treatment to prevent wrinkles)--I've used this and was not impressed. I thought it was grainy, and way too thick.

All their primers come in new airless pump packaging; before, I would be horribly frustrated to see days worth of primer stuck to the side of the glass. Now, the problem is solved!