Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Alternative

[Poppy Fields]

I <3 my SB primer, but I know it's pricey and everyone's trying to make the $$$ go as far as possible.
So. Hold onto your lipsticks, ladies, 'cos this one's a DOOZIE!

Apparently, Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Gel is basically the same stuff (similar ingredients), at a fraction of the cost.

I know, I know, but Prep-H reliefs under-eye puffiness, so it's not that much of a stretch ;D

The primer has a corn starch base - I think - so if you mixed corn starch with a glycerin gel and a foundation powder, this mad scientist thinks you'd have the same stuff!

Just stay away from the lead ;)

[Poppy Fields]

Heh heh... I was a little grossed out until I realised it's for thigh chafe, not crotch rot ;D
I'm not a makeup expert, so please check it out for yourself. If you've already bought the primer, I do love it, especially combined with GOSH pressed powder.

Heather McGuffin said:

I'm not sure if I should be interested or grossed out. . . wow, and they sell it for close to $50?? I think I'll return the SB primer I just bought.

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

It really does work. I have a friend who has used it for years, and loves it. She swears nothing works better and you can't beat the price.

[Poppy Fields]

HA! Awesome :) I love that it actually works. Will pass the info on to my makeup & photo friends!

Roxy Tart said:

It really does work. I have a friend who has used it for years, and loves it. She swears nothing works better and you can't beat the price.

[Harmony Walker]

THAT"S AWESOME!!! im gonna get some!!! i guess you could put it in another fancy container too

[Poppy Fields]

It's all about the packaging - that's what you're paying for, after all!

Harmony Walker said:

THAT"S AWESOME!!! im gonna get some!!! i guess you could put it in another fancy container too

[Ruby DeVille]

I'm such a smashbox die hard. I bet this works well but I refuse to put anything on my face but smashbox.. and of course my all natural alternatives...

[Wink Holliday]

It's true! Carissa over at HookedOnBeauty.com (full disclosure: Carissa has done my makeup for a couple of shoots, and I'm one of the portfolio gals on her business site) wrote about Monistat in December, and then posted this follow-up in January:

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2009
Dear Carissa- Finding the Right Primer
Dear Carissa,

I had the pleasure of reading through your site and I love your recommendations.
I know on your site, you recommend monistat, but I have heard that this can aggravate people with acne prone skin.
I am 35 now I have noticed my pores around my nose and cheek area are enlarging, and all foundations seem to just emphasize them.
I have tried a few primers, but they are either too oily or too dry (making mineral makeup catch on dry skin), or make me break out.
What would work for me?

Best Regards,
Andrea


Well Andrea, here are a few of my favorite primers along with what skin types might benefit most from their use.

Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel;
Who can use it?
- Most skin types except for acne prone
- Women who don't use a primer most days, but would like something for times when they want foundation to stay put
- Gals on a beauty budget

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer SPF 15;
Who can use it?
- All skin types
- Women who want a finished look but don't wear foundation daily, use it alone to soften the look and texture of skin.
- Those looking for an extra SPF boost with anti aging benefits as well.

Jane Iredale Absence Oil Control Primer;
Who can use it?
- Sensitive, oily, and acne prone skin
- Mineral makeup users
- Women who find their makeup tends to change color during the day

Peter Thomas Roth Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel;
Who can use it?
- Incredibly oily skin that needs powder after an hour of makeup application
- Those who don't enjoy applying more powder during the day for shine, just rub a bit between your fingers and press it into your t-zone to bring down shine without looking cakey.
- Skin prone to breaking out

Now my own question is, how do any of these compare to Velvet Skin Coat by DHC?

[Poppy Fields]

Why do we bother with real makeup?? More tips and alternatives!

(Got mine off Metafilter; wondering how large this cadre of super secret makeup artist tricks spreads...)

Wink Holliday said:

It's true! Carissa over at HookedOnBeauty.com (full disclosure: Carissa has done my makeup for a couple of shoots, and I'm one of the portfolio gals on her business site) wrote about Monistat in December, and then posted this follow-up in January: