As promised in last month’s Beauty Round-up, here is my review on Smashbox’s Photo Finish Foundation Primer and Make Up for Ever’s HD Microfinish Powder…

I bought the products just in time for my friend’s wedding, so 1), I’d be able to view the results from more than one camera, and 2), test their endurance.

After hours of standing in the sun, a couple glasses of champagne, and even a little dancing, I have to say my skin looked extra smooth and blemish-free in all the pictures I saw. I found this surprising because there wasn’t a noticeable difference when I looked in the mirror.

I do have to warn you though, the primer feels/felt really greasy.  If you’re thinking about trying this product, don’t wait until the day of your event. I was so happy I did a test run the night before, cause it’s a little tricky to work with.

Actually, it’s more than just a little tricky… When you’re working with a product so slick, getting a thin and even application is KEY! The best way to achieve this is with your fingertips. In general, I’m not a fan of using my fingers to apply make-up, but it’s really the best way with this stuff.

Smashbox’s Photo Finish Foundation Primer, $36

It’s clear, so you need to pay attention to how much you’re grabbing in every dab. One pump should be more than enough. Pay special attention to areas where your make-up tends to wear off quickly, like eyelids and around your eyes, the chin, the lines around your mouth, and on any blemishes.

You’ll want to put the primer on a couple minutes after your moisturizer and then wait a couple of minutes for it to sink in before applying your foundation. If you put your foundation on too soon, it may come out darker in some areas, so be sure and leave yourself plenty of time.

The Smashbox website says you can wear the primer by itself, but I thought I looked t00 shiny before I applied my foundation.

Make Up For Ever’s HD Microfinish Powder finish is pretty fool-proof when it comes to application. I just used a big powder brush to apply it all over my face and neck and it left me with a really nice matte finish.

Make Up for Ever’s HD Microfinish Powder, $30

I tried both of the products independently after the wedding and the results were mixed.

I think the primer is definitely the KEY ingredient to achieving that velvet smooth look on camera, however, when I used it with just foundation and no finishing powder, I looked shiny in areas.

And when I used the HD Microfinish Powder by itself, my skin didn’t look quite as even-toned in pictures, although it did give me a nice light coverage suitable for everyday use (no cameras involved). Good option for those days you’re running late and just want to throw something on.

If you’ve tried either of these products or ones like these, I’d love LOVE to hear about them. Please share your recs below or email me at trendspotter@ineedprettythings.com

Until next time,

Trendspotter