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January 25, 2006 8:19 AM
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
What They Say: "Smashbox makeup artists use this product to create a perfect canvas for foundation application. The silky blend of vitamins and antioxidants does double-duty as a primer and a mattifier, while the unique formula helps to inhibit the destruction of collagen, and fills in fine lines."
Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This creates an incredibly smooth and velvet-like texture when applied to the skin. When wearing under foundation, it gives you a perfectly smooth surface, which makes whatever you are wearing over it simply glide softly onto your skin. I have noticed its slight mattifying properties on my combo skin as well, which is a definite benefit (there is no drying effect).
While it does everything it claims, and does indeed provide a slight visible difference to the overall look of your foundation, I don't believe it's entirely necessary. For most women, it will simply help even out skin texture and fill in finer lines, keeping makeup from settling into them. It is a completely clear formula, so it doesn't really add a glow to the skin, which is what you may be looking for in a primer (in which case perhaps you can try Smashbox's Bronzing Foundation Primer). If, however, you have slight uneven texture and combo skin like myself or some fine lines, this may be worth a try.
*Here's a tip: If you're anywhere near an actual Sephora store, buy the sample size they have up by the cash wraps for $14.00. It will last for up to several weeks and should give you a good enough idea of how much the product benefits your skin routine before shelling out for the full-sized product.
Retail Price: $36.00 (sephora.com or click here for Smashbox retail locations near you)
DeLush Rating: 
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Hair: Thick but fine in texture, very prone to flyaways; currently dark reddish-brown with some copper highlights
Eyecolor: Hazel
Age: 31
Skin Tone: Medium fair with yellow undertones
Skin Type: Combination with somewhat oily t-zone and dry areas around the nose and chin which I need to be ever-vigilant about exfoliating (or the blackheads appear) and moisturizing. Also, dark areas under the eyes.
Hair: Dark blonde currently
Eyecolor: Blue
Age: 31
Skin Tone: Very fair with blue undertones
Skin Type: Dry and very sensitive
Hair: Thick, unrelaxed (natural), curly to kinky, prone to dryness and frizziness; currently dark brown with chunky blonde highlights
Eyecolor: Dark brown
Age: 28
Skin Tone: Medium brown with golden undertones, smattering of freckles
Skin Type: Mostly oily, with dry patches on the end of my nose and right under my bottom lip.
Hair: Bright orange/red with natural golden highlights, naturally curly, currently long
Eyecolor: Green
Age: 27
Skin Tone: Very fair with blue undertones, lots of freckles!
Skin Type: Combination - oily spots in the t-zone, redness around the nose and mouth
Hair: Thin, naturally wavy but usually straightened, prone to frizz; dark brownish red with caramel highlights
Eyecolor: Blue-grey
Age: 22
Skin Tone: Fair with pink undertones and freckles
Skin Type: Oily in most places with occasional dry patches
Hair: Medium thickness, very curly and prone to frizziness. Currently, dark sable brown. I also love to have fun with wigs, extensions, hairpieces, etc.
Eyecolor: Hazel
Age: 48
Skin Tone: Medium with yellow undertones
Skin Type: Normal, beginning to change to a slightly drier complexion; it can be extra dry in winter. Hereditary dark circles and sun damage from youth as well.
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