Hello there, beauties! If you’re a lover of makeup, then you’ve probably heard a ton of buzz about the new Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water. I’m a huge fan of setting sprays, but this one claims to do a lot more than other formulas. Is it really worth all the hype though? Well…you gotta keep reading to find out 😉
Retailing for $32 (3.9 oz) at Sephora, Nordstrom, Birchbox, and smashbox.com, this spray promises to hydrate and revitalize skin while also locking makeup in place. It’s free of silicones, oil and alcohol, and it can be used in three different ways: to prime, to set, and to refresh skin throughout the day.
Here’s what Smashbox has to say:
“Think priming benefits, hydration and sheer radiance—all in just 1 spritz! Primer water is free of silicone, alcohol and oil, but it’s packed with revitalizing electrolytes to wake up skin and restore moisture—like a supercharged energy drink for your skin. Passed through positive energy fields during the production process, our enriched water instantly absorbs into skin for lasting hydration (and when skin is hydrated, makeup looks better).”
The texture of this spray is really fine, like a mist, so it doesn’t leave skin feeling too wet. I use about 5-6 sprays to cover my entire face, and within a few seconds it’s dry and completely undetectable. However, it does have a slight smell. It’s not strong, but it’s there, and it’s odd. It’s hard to describe, but it’s a little like play-doh. Thankfully, it doesn’t linger, but it’s one of my teeny complaints.
For years, I was loyal to the Urban Decay Setting Spray(s), but when I moved to Florida it wasn’t quite cutting it anymore. The heat and humidity in the summer are brutal, so I need something that will deadbolt my makeup in place – and this does just that!
MY EXPERIENCE
The very first time I used this, I sprayed it on and went about my day. I had completely forgotten about it, until 7 hours later, when I looked in the mirror and saw that my blush and bronzer were still going strong. Usually, my cheek products are the first to disappear or turn blotchy. I touch my face a lot (a no-no I know), and I’m constantly hugging my daughter, so naturally it starts to fade. With this product, my cheeks hold up nicely, even after a long day (as long as I make sure not to touch my face too much).
In the photos above, I’m wearing my Peter Thomas Roth CC Cream, which as you can see requires powdering to stay matte, and on my cheeks I’m wearing a Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Pansy Pop. Usually I get around 3-4 hours wear with Pansy Pop, but with this spray my cheek color was still visible 8 hours later. My face needed some blotting, but as I mentioned, that’s nothing unusual for this product. Also, I took my falsies off before the second photo, and wow what a difference! For those wondering, they are the Esqido Unforettable lashes.
If I pair this spray with longer lasting products, like my Laura Mercier Silk Creme Photo Edition Foundation and a Tarte Amazonian Clay blush, then my makeup stays locked in place for about 9-10 hours. I’ll still need to powder throughout the day, but I can definitely see a difference when I use this spray and when I don’t!
Although this is designed to be used in three different ways, I prefer to use it strictly as a setting spray. For primer, I reach for hydrating formulas with lotion-like textures. They smooth my skin, and provide much needed hydration, so I don’t find the need to reach for this other than to set my makeup. Despite that, I do think it’s a great perk to be able to use this in various ways. It helps to justify the price, and it sets it apart from other sprays that aren’t as versatile.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
So, is it worth the hype? YES!
This product works fantastic on my dry/combo skin, and it holds up nicely in the Florida heat. The before and after photos were taken about 8 hours apart. I chased after my toddler, made lunch, went for a walk (in 97 degree heat), made dinner, put Aubrey to sleep….and my makeup still looked pretty good – especially for a 90+ degree day. My Urban Decay setting sprays never held up that long, so this is definitely my new go-to setting spray!
Have you tried this? What setting sprays do you love?
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I have never purchased a setting spray because I have such dry skin, I didn’t think I needed one. But I recently received Tatcha Luminous Mist, but I don’t think it’s a setting spray so much as a rehydrating spray? I have to see what the website says about it. At any rate, the Smashbox definitely worked well for you! I love my Smashbox primer so I’m not surprised the setting spray works well too 🙂
I’ve heard great things about that Tatcha spray! I do think it’s more of a hydrating mist, than a setting spray, but I can’t wait to read your review! I hear Kim Kardashian uses that spray for her glow, so it’s gotta be good!
I’ve never heard of this product, but now I’ve very interested in trying it! The only setting spray I’ve tried is one by L’oreal that I got in the Target Beauty Box a few months ago, and I don’t think it’s very effective…maybe it’s time for me to splurge on a higher-end spray.
I also have the L’Oreal one, and to be honest it’s ehhh. I haven’t really played around with it too much, but it definitely under performs when compared to this one!
Now I want to try it! It sounds awesome
It’s a good one!
Wow, it sounds fantastic, but smelling like play-doh sounds a touch strange!
LOL yeah, it’s not overly strong, but I thought it was an odd scent of choice. Flowers would have been nicer lol
Ok, as a super skeptic, I would have written this off. But, your results are awesome! …and I soooooooooooo need those lashes!!!
The lashes are amazing!! I highly suggest!
I have a review on this coming up as well, and once again we agree on a product hehe I was so skeptical about it I bought the travel size. But it works great and it’s keeping my makeup on in this heat wave!
High five for us! I was the same way, I thought ok sure it really works…righhhttt. But, I was definitely amazed at how well my blushes stayed on!
This sounds so impressive. I have the one from Skindinavia which I like a lot but I haven’t put it through your extreme test.
The UD ones are made by Skindinavia, and although I loved them, this one is superior for all day wear!
I love that you’ve shown before and after shots – your skin is simply incredible! Thanks for the great review. 🙂
Thanks so much, Jessica!
It’s amazing how well this held up in the heat and humidity of FL! It’s NO JOKE! That before and after photo was pretty solid evidence that this works really well. LOL at “dead bolted”! 😀 I think I might try the smaller size if Sephora ever restocks it! Play-Doh, ay? Now I’ve got to smell this!
LOL maybe I was too harsh saying it smells like play doh….but it fades quickly I promise! I believe Nordstrom has the travel size in stock!
I hope to master your angle strategy. Your before and after pics are identical. You are now my new idol 🙂
LOL thank you, that’s always a challenge for sure – I got lucky this time! 😉
I’ve been interested in this, but really wasn’t sure if it could do everything it claims. So glad to see that it works!
I hope you give it a try, it’s great for summer!
These types of products are definitely necessary for the warmer weather!
For sure, especially in FL!
This looks promising.
I was definitely happy it worked, especially after shelling out thirty bucks lol
You look fantastic! I don’t like their original primer at all but this one looks so light. I’ll definitely check it out!
Thanks, Brooke! I’m actually not a fan of their original primers either, the silicones are so thicky and gooey (ick), but this sprays is so light and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin!
Radiant!! I think I will have to get this if you were able to get results like this! 🙂
I hope you like it as much as I do!
Now I really want to try this! It’s going on my list for sure.
http://www.lipstickisalife.com/
Yes, you must! I think you’ll love it!
Awesome, I’ve wondered about it after seeing it in several YouTube videos. I just opened a bottle of UD setting spray but I’ll keep this in mind for when I’m getting low 🙂 Thanks for shainrg!