DIB: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

"You want me to put WHAT on my face?!"

I know what I'm posting about is nothing new (the secret's actually been out for a few years), because it's spread all across the internet by now - but it certainly has me intrigued! And because we like to do it budget around here, we're going to take a look at a very interesting knock-off of the pricey Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer.

Someone, somewhere, discovered that Smashbox Photo Finish Primer has ingredients that are incredibly similar to - get this - a drugstore female hygiene product. I know, I couldn't believe it either. Would you dare to try it? More importantly, would you dare to put the stuff on your face?

Some swear by this product, called Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel. Others have gone so far as to say it's better than Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. Crazy? Maybe, maybe not... but if you don't want to shell out the cash for Smashbox (or any other high-end primer out there!) and want similar results, this could be the alternative for you!

Smashbox has been the go-to company for foundation primers, even being labeled the "primer authority," for makeup lovers and artists alike for some time now. The product claims to reduce the appearance of pores, smooth the face, and fill imperfections, creating a clean canvas for makeup and a flawless application for foundation.

Let's look at a side-by-side comparison:

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Ingredients: Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isopropylparaben, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Carthamus Tinctorium (Safflower) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Cola Acuminata Seed Extract, Propylene Glycol, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Water

Price: $36.00/.93 oz


Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Trisiloxane

Price: $6.99/1.5 oz

Not much different, right? Smashbox's list has a few extra ingredients and oils, but some insist these don't make much difference (while some do).

Let's remind ourselves that the gel is NOT a product that is at all related to what Monistat is known for (yeast infection treatments). In addition, you get much more product for an incredibly cheaper price.

Have you tried this yet? Would you recommend it? Is it just plain crazy?

Hey - if the price is right, and it works... I just may consider returning my new purchase.

What do you think, budget beauty buyers? :)