Cons
- Expensive
- Luminizer clumps
- Scented
- Squeeze tube difficult to control
Pros
- Oil reduction
- Smooths imperfections and fine lines
In-depth Review
I got Smashbox’s hybrid primer in a kit and I believe it’s not available in stores anymore. However, you can take this review as one for their primer and their highlighters as this product is literally two different products packaged into one.
In total, you get just under 1 fl oz. of product (I’m assuming you get a half of primer and the other half of luminizer). I don’t much appreciate the packaging; the primer and luminizer are kept separate and when you squeeze the tube, there are two holes on the bottom that allow for each product to come out separately. What ends up happening is that either too much primer or luminizer comes out and you (I) have to plug one hole to get more of the other product out so that I have a healthy mix. I have gotten used to this over the year but it just takes a little more attention when applying this product.
Since the product comes out of the tube separately, you have to take a couple seconds mixing the two (on the back of your hand). What I have noticed is that the lumizer formula tends to clump up forcing you to pick out the clumps before application – another hassle. Application from here on out is simple: apply a thin layer over your entire face (larger than pea size amount for me) or if you have drier or combo skin, the areas where you would like to control oils and enhance the staying power of you foundation. There is an old perfume-y scent to this product which I don’t like at all and it does linger for more than I would like after application (about an hour).
To be honest, I mostly use this product for its primer component. I’m sure that this formula is exactly the same as Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer. I have oily skin and rarely do I find that a luminizer/highlighter of any sort enhances my look. The same applies with this product. When I do end up using the luminizer I just look oily from the get-go. Even when I apply it to the high points on my face (cheeks, bridge of noes, etc.) this luminizer takes away from my finished look. As for the quality of the luminizer, I’ve definitely seen better. The sheen that this product provides is a little too metallic for my tastes (think shiny fish scales). While I don’t notice any sparkles, the product does fall into fine lines so you really do have to use it in conjunction with the primer.
The primer on the other hand is great. I haven’t used any other face primer before this so I can’t really compare but it is a silicone-based primer and you will feel this product sitting on top of your skin (rather than soaking in hopefully like your moisturizer). Because of the silicone content, your face does feel very smooth even over problem areas (fine lines, acne, large pores). I’m most satisfied with the reduction of face oil when I apply this primer. It generally gives me twice as long of a time for my face to become uncomfortably oily (4 vs 8 hours). Near the end of a long day with this product on my face does tend to feel quite heavy but it’s manageable. Primers, including this one, can be used alone or in conjunction with your foundation. I notice that with this primer on, foundation application is a little easier as it spreads more easily across your face.
To conclude, the primer component of this Hybrid Luminizing Primer from Smashbox is what I like and what I will most likely repurchase. The luminizer’s formula and the overall packaging of this product are definite cons which is perhaps the reason why this product has been discontinued. Also, to quickly note, chaffing gel (monistat) is suppose to be a dupe (same effect, cheaper price) for Smashbox primers. They’re around ¼ of the price of smashbox if you can manage to find them!
