answer 1
I've used both the light and regular versions and I don't consider either one oily or greasy. I use this product everyday and have never had a breakout because of it, acutally I can't live without it! Just use a little, a thin coat does the trick and if you use mineral based powder you will never look oily in fact it keeps my makeup looking fresh all day. My friends always ask me what my secret is since I'm the only one who's makeup look fantastic in photos!
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 2
I also have an oily t-zone. I have combination skin and tend to break out with heavy moisturizers. I tried the pink primer with Dermaxyl. It takes a long time to absorb and is very moisturizing. I couldn't use a moisturizer underneath it because it was just too much. It felt a bit heavy in my oily areas but was very nice in my dry areas. I don't recommend it for oily or combination skin.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
SassyLashes
(San Francisco, CA)
answer 3
I'm not sure what is best for your skin type, but I know that this primer does seem greasy at first. This worried me because I have oily skin, but it really only seems greasy in your hands. Once you put it on your face, it is very lightweight and dries quickly.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 4
I'd skip the Photo Finish. It's greasy, and I have the combination-skin dilemma as well. I'd try the Bare Essentials Prime Time it's fast absorbing, light, and lasts all day. You may want to try a good moisturizer that will control the t-zone issue before you layer on anything else. I use Origins Matte Science, and it rocks! Good luck~
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 5
i used the one with the SPF 15, it didnt feel at all greasey to me, but i dont think it would help out much with the oily skin, it only controled my t-zone for an hour or so...maybe if it was used with a mattifying lotion? ....hope that helps maybe
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 6
I also have oily skin, but while it may feel greasy, I don't find this primer greasy - it's more silky than greasy. I haven't tried the light version, so can't comment on that.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
glory55
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
answer 7
Hi,
I can't answer for the T-zone thing,but I can tell you that it goes on very "dewy" and silky. Not greasy at all,(at least not for me). My face feels soft all day. go for it :+)
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 8
Oh Contrare Mon Frare! The light one works great (unless you prefer to have your oily skin get oilier, then break out). The light is water-based, not silicone...so maybe you won't get that initial as-silky feeling as the regular, but rest-assured, your skin will be primed and grease-free throughout the day. As for your dry areas, this will not make it drier, it will help with that too! GO FOR THE LIGHT!!!
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 9
My skin can get crazy oily in the summer and I haven't found this primer to be too greasy at all. Ask for a sample at Sephora and give it a shot!
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
dsnylndmom
(Bakersfield, ca)
answer 10
Well, I have acne prone skin and I must say that the original Photo Finish doesn't break me out. I did try the light version from a sample I got and while I did like the texture alot more, I found it didn't make my foundation last as long as the original. While it did last a while, I'd say the original makes my foundation last about two hours more. It really does depend on the type of environment you are in (humid, dry, wet, etc).
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 11
I have oily skin and I don't use but one pump of this product for my entire face. The problem with primers is that people have a want to use a primer like they do their moisturizer. As, a primer is to be used in smaller amounts than a moisturizer.
So, that is why some people probably are finding this product to leave their face greasy. As, they are using more product than is actually necessary.
I don't get any excess oiliness to my face with this product and nor has it ever broken me out.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
Prettychic
(Reserve, Louisiana)
answer 12
In my experience what you've heard is correct. The original primer is veryheavy and not for acne-prone skin. And the light version did not even out my skintone, or provide much of a base for my foundation.
After trying several different foundation primers I found a high quality skin moisturizer gives you healthier skin and therfor and better base to your makeup.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 13
The product is kind of a gel consistency, but very lightweight. I also get oily in the t-zone and have never had a problem with oil when using this product.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 14
I have combination skin with oily nose and forehead and dry cheeks and this light/oil free primer work really good. I haven't developed any redness or breakouts while using this product. it does not leave your skin greasy.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 15
I've used a sample of the regular photo finish, but usually buy the light version. I have the same oily spots as you and knew the light would be better for my skin. I didn't notice a really significant difference between the two and am absolutely in love with what the photo finish light does for my skin without leaving it greasy and shiny.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
mllechanelcherie
(San Francisco, CA)
answer 16
I have oily, acne-prone skin too, and I tend to be really sensitive to even trace amounts of oil in my beauty products. However, this moussey primer goes on smoothly and mattely, and feel like vitamins for your skin. It's definitely a hit.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
SFMakeup1111
(San Francisco, CA)
answer 17
I have the same skin issues, and I posted one of the reviews saying that the regular is greasy but light doesn't work as well. I can't seem to edit the review, but I've since figured out that my sample and the full-size I got are *both* light, and the difference was that I was inadvertently applying a lot more from the sample size than from the big container because of the different dispensing. Now I'm applying a moderate amount regardless of the dispenser, and it's great. It's so great, people at a reunion thought I was my boyfriend's daughter.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 18
I have oily skin and it works great over my moisturizer, under my make-up. I use very little of it as a little goes a long way.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
msmonica
(Los Angeles, CA)
answer 19
The original formula primer is only heavy and greasy if you apply heavily; this must be used with a light hand. A dime sized drop is sufficient for your entire face and I have found that if you let it sink in for a few minutes before applying your make up you will have excellent results.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
Schweebles
(Lehigh Acres, FL)
answer 20
I also am combo- skinned and I use the regular clear primer. Always start with clean skin and you will never have a problem. Although at first the primer feels greasy, it isn't. Its highly mosturizing but absorbs very well so you never have that extra oil on your face feeling you can get from heavy lotion. It also works very well to smooth out acne and makes covering up pimples easier. good luck and happy makeuping!
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 21
I have the exact skin condition as you do (oily t-zone, etc) and I have to admit, the primer does feel oily (in a gel sort of way). However, in the 11 months that I've used it, I've noticed that my skin looks healthier, and my make-up, flawless.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
AdoreElise
(San Joaquin Valley, CA)
answer 22
I can't speak to the light version of this, but I also know that I have rather oily skin, especially in the T-zone. I love this product because I don't have the oily show when I use it and it doubles (for me) as a moisturizer.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
Smalls07
(Los Angeles, CA)
answer 23
Hey, I have skin that sounds very similar to yours, and I did not find this product to be very oily. It isn't made to prevent oil build-up, so...during the day, sometimes I would find that I have a little shine. I can apply some powder to remedy the shine, and my complexion still looks very smooth and soft just like it did that morning.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 24
I would stick with the regular primer. I haven't used the light formula but I have the same type of skin, combination and acne prone and I didn't find this primer to be greasy at all. All you need is a dab and it works for your entire face.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 25
The light seems to work well and doens't make my oily skin feel greasy, even after hours of wear. I don't think the regular works better.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 26
It's not oily so much as silky. And it dries to give your skin an even finish and feel. I would suggest the Light primer if your skin is oily. It works just as well. But if you're still apprehensive, I would try them both in the store.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
shelbylicious
(Pittsburgh, PA)
answer 27
The light one actually works pretty well. I've used it many times, and I prefer it over the regular blend. It'll help keep the moisture balance of your skin, as well as make your makeup look flawless, without feeling gunky, sticky, or cakey.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
arwen744
(Albuquerque, NM)
answer 28
If you have oily skin you might want to stay away from this product. As many people has said it cause your face to get more oily and breakout. Instead try the mattifying cream from laura gellar!!!!! This works awesome too. I use it on days I feel my face it a lot oilier than usual, and I have a nice matte all day!!! It goes on smooth too.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 29
The light one isn't nearly as velvety, but the results are equal, plus no fear of breaking out.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
stardrop00
(Cincinnati, OH)
answer 30
No! Its not! I also have a very greasy face and every day before i apply my Bare Minerals, i use the Smashbox Photo Finish primer and it is light weight and a gel, that is not at all greasy. It does wonders. I couldn't live without it! I also, under my primer, use the clinique pore minimizer because that doesn't cloge my porse and absorbs the grease for the whole day and i can just reapply it over my make up without messing it up!
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 31
I too have similar skin, and as a former user of the original Photo Finish (current light version user!) I think that both of them work equally well!
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
fashionistaKris
(Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
answer 32
My skin is just like yours and I use the Photofinish Light and LOVE it. It is not greasy and it helps to make my skin look flawless.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 33
I think the light works great! i've never have used the regular one, but the light is great for oily skin prone to breakouts. I have the same skin issues as you, and I can't see myself going out without putting this under my foundation.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
beautyaddict0528
(Piscataway, NJ)
answer 34
I have oily, acne-prone skin and I don't like the light version at all. I still use this one and love it and I don't have any problems with it increasing oil or acne - just try it!
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
Hannahsmom
(Harrodsburg, KY)
answer 35
I have the same problem and i found the light version works just fine and i really love the light version. hope that helps you!
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 36
Thr light didn't work for me and I love the original. I'm prone to breakout, with sensitive skin and have lines (I'm not 20 unfortunately!)..How much more fun does THAT get? If you haven't tried a mineral foundation, you might want to try it. Cleared up my skin, I use it with this product and it's a great combination, even in humid weather!
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 37
I have pily skin and acne too and i use the regular one with no problems. Ive found that part of the trick is to was tone and apply toner first, then a dab of moisturizer before the primer. If your worried about to much you can use a sponge to apply it. Also, if you want to add luminizer, the combo primer, luminizer in flash works amazingly for my light/ fair combo skin :)
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 38
I have very oily skin and it works out great even on my kind of skin tone the primer doesnt make your skin breakout and works on oily skin.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 39
I have combination skin too and the normal product works for me. I apply it with a sponge and don't use too much. I make sure that it is completely dry before i apply my foundation or consealer. I hope this info helps.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
Khakii
(Huntington Beach, CA)
answer 40
I have found that when I apply it, I wait a few minutes before applying foundation as I also have problems with my T-zone. It does seem to mattify and my skin has been less oily throughout the day.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
maria3823
(Portland, Oregon)
answer 41
I don't think it's as much oil as it is the silicone that people feel. At first, I'll agree that it felt like something I didn't want to put on my skin, but it absorbs and does not leave an oily feel. I have combination skin with an oily t-zone also and I really like it. If anything, use the green one to help with redness and it will help you more effectively cover any acne. If you're not sure you can also try the travel size....a little of it goes a long way anyways... hope that's helpful!
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
gracienads
(St. Petersburg, FL)
answer 42
I believe you would be safe applying Smashbox clear primer all over your face but with lighter application in the oily areas. You really don't need to use much. I also use a moisturizer under the primer because I tend towards all over facial dryness. I especially like how I can apply concealer under the eyes with this primer because it keeps the area moist and there's not tugging on the sensitive eye area.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
Motherknowsbest
(Grosse Pointe, MI)
answer 43
I think the light version works great. I have oily skin and rosacea (and the acne that goes with it) and I love the light version of the primer. The original is just too greasy for me and because of the oil on my skin it seems to pill up like a cheap sweater!
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 44
I understand, the original is greasy but the smashbox with SPF will do the job. I have oily skin during the summer. The Smashbox w/SPF is not greasy, will provide the coverage you need and the colorless is wonderful. I hope this helps :-)!
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
sephora1fan
(Oklahoma City)
answer 45
Not true, it is not greasy at all, just use a little
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 46
The Light primer doesn't have the same chemical make up with the silicone that the original has but it does still work just as good. I use both and honestly when I use the light my skin feels fresh and clean even with my makeup on and helps my skin stay normal and not look oily later in the day.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
BrennaS
(Incline Village, NV)
answer 47
I would not consider it greasy in the sense of an oil based foundation. It is more of a gel like consistency. It feels kind of greasy upon initial application but, once you set it with powder, it does not feel greasy at all. If you are having trouble with your skin the Laura Mercier foundation primer is more like an oil-free lotion and it works really well too. I hope this helps!
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 48
To answer your question: The consistency is very gel-like. You can smooth it on. And while the product might feel oily and somewhat slippery, believe me it holds onto product even in humidity. Cannot guarantee that it will last through the rain, but it lasts. I generally suffer from dry skin, though, so the lasting power might differ on an oilier skin.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 49
I know exactly what you're talking about! My skin is exactly the same combination and I've used both the regular photo finish and the light version. In my opinion, I would go with the original clear version. You can actually feel and see a difference when using this product and as long as you use the right amount, it should never make your skin feel greasy. (A good trick would be to wash and dry your face before you apply!) I also never dealt with any breakout problems with this product. For some idiotic reason, I accidentally ordered the light version online and although it does feel nice on your skin, it acts as nothing more but a light moisturizer, in my opinion. I'm actually trying to use it everyday so I can run out and go buy the original photo finish. However, I have heard that people with sensitive skin use the light version. If this is the case, I don't think it's really worth the money.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 50
smashbox is a great primer; however, may i suggest that you try laura geller's "spackle"? i found that spackle works better than any smashbox primer for oily skin. (i have a very oily complexion)
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
gezebel
(San Francisco, CA)
answer 51
I think you might like the Laura Geller Spackle primer. The smashbox oil-free isn't as luxurious as the regular version. Laura Gellers primer is like pudding.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
gypsytejas
(Sandpoint, ID)
answer 52
this product is not oil i love it i have oily skin and it makes it feel very smooth and soft and not greasy try it i use the reg formula
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 53
it did make me break out.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 54
I also have oily skin, which was oilier when I was pregnant. I've only tried the original formula and I love it! I also live in a year round humid climate and this primer never fails to slick away shine and keep my foundation looking flawless!!
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 55
When you put it on at first it feels jelly/greasy, but as you rub it in...don't ask me how...but it changes. When it is completely rubbed in it changes to a powdery feel. The greasy feel disappears.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 56
The regular version goes on light. It does have a little bit of a slick feel but it blends in well and is not noticeable after that. Try it, you won't be disappointed.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 57
if your skin is oily dont get this primer! is feels very greasy on, and might make you break out!
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
mangrunt03
(Mountain View, CA)
answer 58
I've found that Smashbox Foundation primer always goes on smoothly and really is like spackle, in that any imperfections my skin has is glossed over by the primer.
It's not oily...and even alone, makes my skin look better.
Hope this helps!
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 59
I tried the light because I had heard the same comments. It didn't work as well for me as I'd hoped. Tended to still get too oily in the T zone. Had to buy something specifically for the oil.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 60
No it is not greasy, it is rather thick but not greasy. The product works very well for acne prone skin, my sixteen year old daughter uses it and loves it! Give it a try, at first the texture made me think of vasaline, but it went on very nice and did not feel thick.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 61
I have dry skin but I don't find this product greasy at all. Perhaps these people were using too much of the product? I feel that it makes my skin feel moisturized but not greasy.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
Dreaster
(Dumont, New Jersey)
answer 62
This one is not at all greasy, it makes your skin feel silky smooth
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 63
Hi,
I use the original clear primer & I've also used the apricot primer. They seem to work the same for me. I use moisturizer under the primer & have never experienced it being oily.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
Jenn61
(New Providence, PA)
answer 64
I have somewhat oily skin and I am very acne prone. I have no issues with this primer. No breakouts and I tend to stay less oily throughout the day. Sephora also makes a great primer in their "tricks-of the trade" line with their anit-shine primer. Smashbox goes on smoother but Sephora works well too.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 65
Hi, I haven't tried the original version - but I've tried others and they have felt greasy and heavy, so I was reluctant to try this one. But the light version is great - I use 2 pumps instead of 1 as I too felt the coverage wasn't as good with just one pump. I break out very easily from products, but this one has not had that effect on me and it's literally made my huge pores disappear - I can't stop looking at my skin! You should really give it a try.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 66
I am 43 and have very oily skin and am very acne prone and I haven't had any problems with it making my skin oily. You have to give it a bit for your skin to adjust to just like any product that you use.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
spinner
(Edmonton, Alberta Canada)
answer 67
for you I would "spot treat" with any of the primers, using this product just on the tops of your cheekbones will give you a nice fresh look and keep your t-zone from getting and looking too oily. Primers are also something I would not wear everyday for you,just use them when you you need a little extra glow for a special evening or something. Seeing as you said you were acne prone wearing these primers everyday all day would be too heavy .
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 68
I have combo skin also, and I only have to use a pea-sized amount for my entire face. I just use less in the oily areas. I haven't used the light. I use a powder mineral foundation so maybe that helps absorb it differently, but either way I still like this better than other brands. If I use too much though, definitely can get oily.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
stelbell
(southern illinois)
answer 69
The lighter version works wonderful as well! I use it in the summer months. You would love it. I also have combo skin. It is a different consistancy, but you cannot go wrong with this product. Definitely use the lighter version if you are acne prone. Hope this helps.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
meluvmakeup
(Columbia, TN)
answer 70
My skin is also combination, slighty oily t-zone, somewhat acne prone. I absolutely LOVE this product (I use the regular one). It does feel a bit oily when I apply it. So when I'm wearing it, I go easy on the moisturizer and once I put it on, I wait about five minutes before applying makeup to give it a chance to dry and blend with my skin.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 71
I have combination/oily skin and have tried both primers. I use the lite version in the summer but overall I think the original formula works much better.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago
answer 72
I also have combination skin and this is the first primer that I didn't feel was greasy or that dried me out too much. I also like the sephora brand but this one smooths a little better.
answered 4 years, 8 months ago