What it is:A water-based, lightweight foundation primer.What it is formulated to do:Perfect for oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin, this oil-free, 60% water based primer refreshes on contact while oil absorbers provide a smooth, matte finish all day. Light diffusers minimize the appearance of imperfections while vitamin C and peptides help even skin tone and promote collagen production for a flawless future. What else you need to know: Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light is oil-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free.

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148 Answers

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Questions & Answers for Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light

Question

Larger size available?

asked 11 months ago

mert161

(Chaska, MN)

on Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light

2 answers

Answers

answer 1

The largest size I've seen is the 1.7 oz. and I've only seen that at Sephora.

answered 8 months ago

NeeNee87

(Glenelg, MD)

answer 2

I don't think they make a larger version of this. I know you can buy a "jumbo" tube of the original kind from the Smashbox website, though.

answered 11 months ago

kap112358

(Glenmont, NY)

Question

Do those with oily skins use this instead of moisturizer or in addition to moisturizer?

asked 3 years, 3 months ago

oilygirl2

(NJ)

on Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light

7 answers

Answers

answer 1

I always apply it after my moisturizer. I also apply a topical retinoid treatment, followed by mosituizer, then this. Allow a few mintues for each product to absorb before applying the next. It is not drying at all, just provides a nice base.Very lightweight!

answered 2 years, 7 months ago

SKYEUKD19

(Cleveland, OH)

answer 2

I use this product in conjunction with my moisturizer. I am on acne medication so I also need a good moisturizer. Expecially to protect my skin from sun damage.

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

downtown1

(Cleveland OH)

answer 3

I am late forties with combination oily/dry skin... oily on T-zone, dry on cheeks. I do not use a moisturizer under the primer. I do, however, use vitamin C serum drops. The primer is excellent on its own.

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

mattlaur

(Kokomo, IN)

answer 4

Put this on after your moisturizer. I don't think this has actual moisturizing qualities.

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

tan20

(Calgary, AB)

answer 5

I also have oily skin and I use this primer everyday. I use it after I apply moisturizer to my eyes and around my mouth and neck. I don't apply moisturizer to all parts of my face because it seems to increase the amount of shine.

answered 3 years ago

christyr

(Portland, OR)

answer 6

I have oily skin. I prefer that you use this along with a moisturizer. Even if you have oily skin, you still need moisturizer. Choose the one for your skin type.

Put your moisturizer first, wait for it to absorb in your skin before putting this primer on.

You only need half a pump or just one pump for the whole face after the moisturizer.

answered 3 years, 2 months ago

daemonaire

(Torrance, CA)

answer 7

I have combination/oily skin and I usually skip the moisturizer when I wear make up except around my eyes and the "dry" areas of my face. If I decidde to wear primer that day, I skip the moisturizer period (except eye area) and then apply make up.

I have read that if your skin is oily and you want to wear primer, you should skip the moisturizer. My aesthetician also recommended I skip moisturizer if I will wear make up that day. When I do wear moisturizer, I use a hydrating gel as opposed to a moisturizing lotion.

By the way, I do feel like the light primer clogs my pores if I use it daily, so I try not to use it all the time. I also wear the Lancome primer (it contains silicone though) and I don't feel like that one clogs my pores as much. My face also looks better through out the day when I use the Lancome primer than when I wear the Smashbox light primer.

answered 3 years, 3 months ago

anaggs

(Miami, FL)

Question

primer and/or moisturizer

Do you use the two together or just use primer?

asked 2 years, 8 months ago

cinokey

on Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light

7 answers

Answers

answer 1

This product is great at evening out skin tone to get that soft, smooth, flawless look. I have combinatation skin that is oily in the T-zone but dry and sensitive in other spots. This product does help control the oil, but it doesn't really do much to moisturize skin. If I use this product alone, my skin still looks dry and flaky in places, so it's important to use a good moisturizer first. If you have combination skin like me, I would recommend the RareMinerals facial moisturizer--it's very effective and it lasts all day. Hope this helps!

answered 2 years, 5 months ago

artemisgem

(Lincoln, NE)

answer 2

I moisturize prior to applying the primer. The bottle recommends that you apply to clean or moisturized skin

answered 2 years, 7 months ago

carmellina

(Edmonton, AB, Canada)

answer 3

I use moisturizer first, and once that's absorbed, I apply the primer.

answered 2 years, 7 months ago

natashablue

(Toronto, ON)

answer 4

I use both; the primer is so lightweight that it doesn't make your skin oily.

answered 2 years, 7 months ago

JLW21

(Birmingham, AL)

answer 5

I have combination skin oily/normal
and i use a shine-free moisturizer after i get out of the shower, i wait a couple of minutes then apply the primer and shortly after i apply my foundation so yes i use both!

answered 2 years, 7 months ago

monicarez

(Toronto, ON)

answer 6

Moisturizer then primer.

answered 2 years, 8 months ago

waltzingthru

(Las Vegas, NV)

answer 7

We recommend applying the primer on top of your moisturizer.

answered 2 years, 8 months ago

1877SEPHORA

(San Francisco, CA)

Question

Is this a good primer to use with loose powder foundations (BE)?

I've used this with liquid foundations and now it works amazingly but now I'm out of the primer and now using BE foundation. Will it work just as well? I always need a good base for the BE to "stick" to so I'm wondering if this would work.

asked 3 years, 4 months ago

tammy22

(Cincinnati, OH)

on Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light

6 answers

Answers

answer 1

This product still works well with powder foundations and I'm pretty sure I tried it with BE before. I just didn't like BE on its own and thought it made my skin oilier than other liquid/powder combos. I haven't used their new matte foundations, so those might work a bit better. I used to use this primer with Chanel's Double Perfection powder foundation, and my skin always looked matte and flawless, but Chanel's foundation costs $50, so it's not really the most cost effective way to go!

answered 2 years, 9 months ago

njmakeuplover

(West Milford, NJ)

answer 2

I've been using it with BE Matte foundation, and LOVE the results. Really been a perfect combination.

answered 2 years, 9 months ago

Jamie5560

(St. Cloud, MN)

answer 3

I also use BE and it works great!

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

soursoother

(Calgary)

answer 4

I also need a good base for BE to stay in place, otherwise it just wears off within a couple hours since I have oily/combo skin. I've found that BE works really well with this primer, and in combination with the matte foundation keeps me shine free for hours.

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

mgl7

(Indianapolis, IN)

answer 5

I have not used it with BE, but I have used it with Philosophy's Supernatural, which is a powder mineral foundation. I especially like the Light Primer with powder foundations. The mineral foundations tend to have a sheen to them, and this primer does an excellent job at just making my face look like it has a glow instead of making it look shiny.

answered 3 years, 3 months ago

beautyjunkie1

(Oklahoma)

answer 6

I use this primer with my BE foundation and it works well. But I actually like the regular Photo Finish Foundation Primer better and will be using that next time I place an order. After using both products, I found that my skin didn't react horribly to the regular primer.

answered 3 years, 4 months ago

lizimagination

(Winston-Salem, NC)

Question

Does this product cause breakouts?

I've tried primers before and I always seem to break out from them, but I don't think I've ever tried a light primer. Has this caused breakouts for anyone?

asked 3 years, 3 months ago

lindsayanne207

(San Ramon, CA)

on Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light

6 answers

Answers

answer 1

I have very sensitive skin and have been using this product for about three weeks now without any sign of a breakout. I'd give it a try, if youre not sure try taking a trip to a Sephora and trying it with a Try-Me bottle first and see how your skin reacts. But its very light and oil-free so I'd think you should be fine.

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

Ringa

(Boston, MA)

answer 2

I have sensitive skin, and I have not had any breakouts since using this product for a month. Its my favorite product, I absolutely love it. The light foundation works beautifully :)

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

Mamselle2

(Salt Lake City, UT)

answer 3

I am very confident to say that it DOESN'T cause breakouts. I have very oily and acne prone skin and I have been using this for 3 months and it doesnt cause or worsen break outs. and almost everything makes me breakout.

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

cxb5085

(Ontario)

answer 4

This is an oil-free primer, so it should help lessen breakouts.

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

kkendra05

(Denver, CO)

answer 5

I can't say for sure, but I do feel like my pores clog a little and I get congestion when I wear it daily. I try to only use it for special occasions.

answered 3 years, 3 months ago

anaggs

(Miami, FL)

answer 6

I am a makeup artist and use this product on everyone! It is so light and from my experience not pore clogging.. your face is still breathing even though its on. I have used it on grade 4 acne clients... and it still works great!

answered 3 years, 3 months ago

RikiLeona

(St. Thomas, VI)

Question

Is this product effective on darker skin tones?

asked 3 years, 2 months ago

EnEmBee

on Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light

6 answers

Answers

answer 1

I myself have very light skin, but I have used it on my friends when glamming them up before a night out and it has worked just as good on dark and medium skin tones as it has on my own in my experience.

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

Ringa

(Boston, MA)

answer 2

Yes, I haven't had any problem with this product. My makeup stays on all day. I recommeded it

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

downtown1

(Cleveland OH)

answer 3

Any skin tone should use this product!

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

moni1969

(Inglewood, CA)

answer 4

Yes it is! It looks white in the bottle but it spreads on clear on your face. You can't even tell it's there.

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

tan20

(Calgary, AB)

answer 5

I feel that this is good for all skin types as long as you use the right color of foundation. I am light skined in the winter, but I'm in the sun a lot in the summer and although I use SPF my face does get darker. I just change my foundation and this still works wonderful with it. Especially when I'm in the summer heat.

answered 2 years, 11 months ago

fancy39

(LaPorte, IN)

answer 6

It's good for any skin tone. It absorbs quickly and it dries transparent. You only need half a pump for the whole face or a whole pump if you want more, but it won't make your skin ashy.

answered 3 years, 2 months ago

daemonaire

(Torrance, CA)

Question

how will this work on dry skin?

I have dry, sometime flaky skin, is this ok for my skin type or is the original photofinish primer better?
Also, if you have another reccomendation for a primer for dry skin please include the name of it.

asked 2 years, 4 months ago

shaynaynayyy

(MD)

on Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light

6 answers

Answers

answer 1

I would recommend one of the regular photofinish primers for dry skin.

answered 2 years, 2 months ago

winning

(Churchville, PA)

answer 2

I've put it on after applying morning moisturizer and it worked fine. I would wait a bit, until the moisturizer dries to apply but still had no issues.

answered 2 years, 2 months ago

rajincajun

(Mt. Pleasant, MI)

answer 3

You should probably use the regular primer. This is the "light" version made for oily skin.

answered 2 years, 2 months ago

kristamarielund

(Naples, Fl)

answer 4

If you have problems with dry skin, I wouldn't recommend using a Smashbox primer at all. I've tried many kinds of primers, and all the Smashbox ones make dry skin look worse and don't do anything to moisturize. For dry skin, first make sure you use a good moisturizer: I recommend Philosophy "Hope In a Jar for Dry Skin"--it works like a dream! If you apply it morning and night, that should help. After you apply it in the morning, I would recomend you use the Bare Escentuals "i.d. Skin Rev-er Upper" primer, This BE primer does moisturize dry skin for perfect makeup application and it makes skin smoother and evens out skintone too. I think it would be a great primer for you. I hope this helps!

answered 2 years, 3 months ago

artemisgem

(Lincoln, NE)

answer 5

Hi i would say def not for dry skini at all. go for the original. i have oily skin and i even would prefer the original over the light just because the feel is different and velvity

answered 2 years, 3 months ago

beautifull45

(Medford NY)

answer 6

If you have dry skin, it is better to use the original one. This is more watered down.

answered 2 years, 4 months ago

lillyr0se

(Southern California)

Question

photo finish light regular size vs. travel size

For some reason the travel to go size of the photo finish light has worse ratings than the regular size. Can someome tell me if there is a difference between the two?

asked 3 years, 4 months ago

mascarafiend

(Los Angeles)

on Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light

6 answers

Answers

answer 1

The difference is just in the people rating the product.

answered 2 years, 2 months ago

winning

(Churchville, PA)

answer 2

I rated the wrong one! I purchased the travel size and hated it. Prevented me from being able to apply my foundation evenly. I would not recommend it. If you try it out, go for the larger size or the regular one (not light).

answered 2 years, 8 months ago

SpecialK2U

(Bakersfield, CA)

answer 3

I have both and haven't noticed a difference between the 2. I love the travel size and always keep it in my travel bag!

answered 2 years, 9 months ago

njmakeuplover

(West Milford, NJ)

answer 4

I'm guessing the travel-size primer is not as good because of the difference in the containers. Products keep longer in glass and the pump makes it easier to dispense the same amount each time.

answered 2 years, 9 months ago

spiderteacher

(Winnipeg, MB)

answer 5

I don't know what the difference is in these two, but I have bought both the full size and the travel size and have noticed that there is a difference in it. It just doesn't seem to do it's job as well. Not sure why?

answered 2 years, 11 months ago

bounce036

(Orange County, CA)

answer 6

There is absolutely no difference in the formula for the Light primer between the regular size and the travel size. Because they are listed as different products, different people leave reviews for them.

answered 3 years, 3 months ago

beautyjunkie1

(Oklahoma)

Question

How is the Light Primer compared to the (non-light) Primer?

I've never used foundation primer before. Lately I've been hearing A LOT about them but I can't seem to pick one!

I can't choose between the Korres Face Primer (w/o silicon), Smashbox Photo Finish LIGHT Foundation Primer, and Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer!

I don't want to buy something that would wreck my face with all the chemicals but at the same time I also don't want to buy something that has too subtle of an effect either.

Thanks in advance.
=D

asked 4 years ago

Paulalala

(Vancouver, BC)

on Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light

5 answers

Answers

answer 1

Smashbox photo finish light is water based (as it says in the description). The regular version is silicone based.
I would suggest this one (the light version) out of the options you have mentioned, although none are my personal favorites as all have broken me out... but then again I have EXTREMELY acne prone and sensitive skin.
The light is far better for acne-prone skin and for those who have silicone allergies, plus it doesn't feel as heavy on the skin.

answered 4 months, 2 weeks ago

ldmj23

(Albuquerque, NM)

answer 2

The difference in the Photo Finish Light and the regular Photo Finish is that the "Light" formulation is oil-free, and the regular Photo Finish is NOT oil-free. I have really oily skin, so I use the Light formulation. The last thing I need to do is use any product that contains any type of oil.

The "Light" doesn't have anything to do with color on this product. It only means that the product is oil-free. This product will dry clear; it will not lighten your complexion at all.

answered 3 years, 4 months ago

stanggirl

(Morganton, NC)

answer 3

Hello :)
The difference is that for the light, its when you want you face to have a little and nice glow (its really nice when you want to go out). Just simple as that! Theother product is more when you dont want this glow, you want your foundation to be fixed with no "shine". Although, it depends on your skin tone, I just asked someone at Sephora's and he recommended me the Light one. Hope I helped you XXX

answered 4 years ago

jewly

(St-Bruno, Canada)

answer 4

I would suggest choosing a Smashbox product. If you have sensitive skin then I would go with the light foundation primer which I feel like has a nicer texture to the traditional primer (although both do work well!)

answered 4 years ago

14eme

(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

answer 5

I just wanted to let you know that I just recently purchased the Smashbox Photo Finish Light Foundation Primer. I love it! It's so light on my skin. It helps control the oil and shine throughout the day and really helps my makeup last all day. I would highly recommend it.

answered 4 years ago

sephoraheather

(Albuquerque, NM)

Question

Can the pump on this bottle be unscrewed?

asked 2 years, 8 months ago

poisonrouge

(NY)

on Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light

5 answers

Answers

answer 1

There is no pump.

answered 3 months, 1 week ago

thisis40

(Rockwell, NC)

answer 2

No, but the bottle is designed to squeeze every last bit of product out.

answered 2 years, 2 months ago

winning

(Churchville, PA)

answer 3

Yes, the pump on the bottle CAN be unscrewed completley!

I'm so glad you asked this question - after it's empty I think it's the same size as my MAC foundation, and I need a pump for it so I'll reuse this one and save myself the $7 MAC would have cost me for a pump! (:

answered 2 years, 6 months ago

mirandanicole

(Oshawa, ON)

answer 4

thanks so much carmellina, you've been a big help!

answered 2 years, 7 months ago

poisonrouge

(NY)

answer 5

Yes it can.

answered 2 years, 7 months ago

carmellina

(Edmonton, AB, Canada)

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