I have been trying all kinds of primers lately to manage the various issues I’ve been having with my skin – combination dryness/oiliness, redness, large pores. As I’ve been getting older, a new issue has come onto the scene: under eye dark circles and fine lines. Oh the joys of aging! I have been noticing more and more fine lines than ever before. If you have fine lines under your eyes then you know that it can be a major struggle trying to cover those bad boys up with concealer without the concealer settling into your fine lines. I have been experimenting with lots of different products in order to cover up my dark circles and fine lines without it looking like a cakey mess! Let’s talk about one of the recent products I’ve been trying: the Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer, shall we? Let’s go!

The Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer ($29) is a primer specifically for your under eye area. It claims to hydrate the delicate skin under your eyes while reducing the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, dark circles, wrinkles, and age spots. It also claims to instantly brighten your eyes and improve your skin’s texture and tone as well as prevent your concealer from slipping off and settling into your fine lines.

Sounds like a winner right?  Well, unfortunately not so much. I was completely sold on this product when I stumbled upon it at my local Sephora – it’s just what I was looking for. Besides, one of my favorite all time face/foundation primers is the iconic Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (Light) so I had VERY high hopes for this product.

Unfortunately, this product does absolutely nothing for my fine lines or dark circles. It is an average primer – no better than any other face/foundation primer that I own. I have been trying it for over a month now hoping that one day it will magically work for me but it does not – major bummer!

Below are what I consider to be the Pros and Cons of this product:

Pros:

• Infused with anti-aging ingredients, caffeine, peptides, antioxidants, anti-irritants and optical diffusers
• Slanted applicator is super soft and glides the product on easily (although I still like to go in and blend it out using my ring finger)
• Hydrates the delicate skin under my eyes
• Silky texture blends easily
• Fragrance free

Cons:

• Pricey
• Has not reduced the appearance of fine lines or dark circles
• Have not noticed a brightening effect or improvement in my skin’s texture or tone
• Has not prevented concealer from settling into my fine lines

Bottom line: this product did not work for me. I would not run out and spend the money on this product when it does the same as all of my other primers. The only thing I like about this product is that it hydrates by under eye area a bit (nothing spectacular). I have now been skipping this product in my routine and using my MAC Fast Response Eye Cream then applying any one of my other face/foundation primers before applying concealer.

Have you tried this primer?

Until next time!

ShayFabs

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