Splurge of the Month - Smashbox, Urban Decay

After my little Spring Break trip last week, it turned out I had more extra cash left over than I thought - as well as another paycheck waiting for me. :) Since I've been fairly good at staying away from expensive products lately, I ended up treating myself a little more than usual... oops, hehe.

I decided to purchase some high-end basics, namely primers, since low-end versions of these products can be difficult to find. I also have very, very fussy skin that does not seem to enjoy my make-up nearly as much as I do, so I've been desperate to improve and ease application lately.

At Sephora, I picked up some cult classics: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (Light, $36), and the full version of Urban Decay Eyeshadow Potion Primer ($16). I purchased the Smashbox primer even after hearing about the Monistat alternative I wrote about, because I decided I would try both products for an extended period so I could decide for myself which was truly the better buy.

So far, I'm not completely blown away by Smashbox; while it does smooth my face and help my foundation go on nicer, it's not as flawless and perfect as one would be led to believe. I'm wondering if the condition of my skin has anything to do with that, though.

Since I'd used up the travel-size Primer Potion that came with last month's buy, I knew I had to get more. This stuff is amazingly addictive. My shadows have stopped creasing, fading, flaking, smudging, looking dull... and application has been so much easier. I love it, really I do. While I don't love the price tag or the wasteful packaging, my hope is that I won't have to buy another bottle for some time. In the meantime, I'll stay on the lookout for a cheaper equivalent. I'm praying it's out there somewhere.

To conclude this month's splurge report: if you get the chance to obtain some Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, try it out first - ask a Sephora rep for a sample - and see if you love it, too, before buying. The jury's still out on the Smashbox foundation primer, though, and once I try the alternative, I'll be able to give a better report.