Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer is my personal Holy Grail of Foundation Primer.  

Until around about September time, I never actually realised the benefits of priming before your foundation.  I always thought that Moisturising was enough but I would become frustrated 5 hours into the day or when my make up would begin to look either greasy or dry.  Especially on days that I wasn't quite feeling myself, you know the days when your make up just doesn't look right?    

I started reading blogs a little while before starting one myself and the subject of foundation priming would crop up all over the place, I spoke with my mum and sister who also just moisturised but didn't really know to use a primer first.    

My first primer actually came in my first Glossy Box subscription which was the Collection 2000 version,  this one was alright, I felt it made my face feel a wee bit greasy so I stopped using it.   I wasn't really seeing a lot of benefit and nearly reverted back to only moisturiser.  

I go into town nearly every Thursday night - up here in Aberdeen it is the only night that does 'late night shopping'   we are still in the Twilight Zone none of this shopping till 10pm unfortunately (actually that's a lie now, as the new shopping mall is open till 8 daily now, however, It isn't my favourite shopping centre mine is only open till 8 once a week).  

Anyway, to cut a really long story short, i'm almost always in Boots for my make up - I like to collect my points and object to not buying from Boots if I don't have to.  Well, in October Smashbox opened a counter and I was so excited - something different.  I got into a discussion with the beauty assistant about primers and she recommended Photo Finish to me (there were a few different types of primer for different skin types), I decided to give it a whirl.  

Instantly after trying this, I fell for it.   It is a clear gel type liquid (if that is even a thing lol) and I use it religiously after moisturising now, it feels ultra smooth on application and it doesn't have a scent.  I then apply my foundation on top.  What a difference this makes to the look of my skin when the foundation is on, I can honestly say that I hardly ever think my foundation looks terrible now, it is that great.  It definitely extends the wear of my makeup. 

Some days if i'm in a hurry I may forget to put this on, it isn't until after the foundation is applied that I think 'oh crud'.  It is those days that I don't like my make up, perhaps it is psychological because I forgot the primer but I doubt it. 

I believe they have a new one out which is similar -  Photo Finish Dark Spot Correcting. 

I bought the full size 30mls for £25 in Boots, but what the sneaky minx - beauty assistant failed to mention was I could actually buy a travel size version for 12mls at £12.50  which I think is a good price as it lasts ages and you only need a pea sized amount - why pay £25 each to their own I suppose. 

This is the reason that Smashbox Photo Finish is my holy grail of primers - What is yours?