DIB: High-End vs. Low-End Foundation Primer

Here's the feature I've been promising for a few weeks now - my comparison of two primers; one high-end and one low-end. I'll be taking a look at several factors in each product; primarily packaging, look, feel, and wear, as well as value and function.

I hope this helps in your decision-making for buying primers - maybe you'll decide one of them is right for you!

Now, on to the primers...

The Cult Favorite
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

Other: Not paraben-free

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The Budget Contender
Natural Beauty by Sally Hansen Luminizing Face Primer



Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Tribehenin, Mica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dipropylene Glycol, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Olea Europa (Olive) Leaf Extract, Tropolone, Quercus Suber Bark Extract, Titanium Dioxide (CI77891)

Price: $9.99/.48 oz

Other: Paraben-free

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Packaging & Price: Like Smashbox's primer, this comes in a pump-top bottle - however, in some bottles, it doesn't always dispense properly and might spurt out quickly, so be prepared by placing your hand in front of the opening, not below it. You receive about half the product with Sally Hansen, but the price is much less. The smell is a little chemical-y, and some are bothered by this. If you are concerned, there are no parabens in the Luminizing Primer; some are present in Smashbox's.

Texture: While Smashbox feels more like a lotion, the Luminizing Primer has a consistency closer to a liquid cream. The ingredients contain more oils, and has more slip on the skin. That being said, however, this is likely not a good product for those with very oily skin. Smashbox, on the other hand, makes a light version of their primer for oily and sensitive skin, which is what I use.

Look: Sally Hansen's primer imparts a shimmer to the skin that becomes very subtle when makeup is applied over it. If shimmer is an absolute no-no for you, then this obviously isn't the best option. For those of us looking for a little glow, this is a fun way to get it.

Feel & Wear: After the primer is absorbed, skin feels very moisturized - not as smooth as the Smashbox, but softer, like you've applied a hydrating cream to your face. This primer seems to need a little more time to absorb and get rid of the "greasy" feeling compared to Smashbox Light, though; maybe take this into consideration if your routine must require very little time. It has a similar texture and absorption time to the original Smashbox.

As for wear and foundation application, I found the two to be close. Smashbox does a better job of filling in lines and decreasing the look of pores, but the application of my liquid foundation still felt very similar, which is important to me. Those looking for the smooth, perfecting effect might want to stick with Smashbox, since it's more of a dual-purpose product. Sally Hansen does what it says it does: prepares and smoothes, luminates skin, and extends the wear and staying power of foundation.

You'll like Smashbox better if: it's already your HG primer, you can afford the price, you're looking for a primer that preps and perfects skin, you need oil control

You'll like Sally Hansen better if: you're on a budget, you're looking for a simple foundation primer, you want a little glow, you don't use products with parabens

In the end, I enjoyed using the Luminizing Primer once I got used to it. While it's true that Smashbox Photo Finish smoothes and fills the skin better, it's not a huge concern for me - and the price tag is beyond low-budget affordability.

Some have complained Sally Hansen's product does not help foundation stay longer or look better, but I disagree. If you're really intrigued and want to try it for yourself, I'd suggest going for it - try and find a coupon or a sale, if you're worried, and buy from a store with a good return policy (as always!)

Next I'll be trying the infamous "Monistat" primer, the ingredients of which are extremely similar to those of Smashbox (see post here). For the time being, I'll keep using the Sally Hansen primer and will definitely consider repurchasing!