I know I’ve said numerous times how much I dislike using primers on my face. With the exception of theClarins Instant Light Perfecting Base(that I just found out is being discontinued, WHAT), I tend to avoid primers. However, I’m still open to finding one that doesn’t make me breakout and seems to be doing something helpful for my skin and makeup instead of just making me breakout.
Smashbox is the king of primers and even though I hate all of their primers (except theRadiance primer, that shit is kinda good), I was still pumped to try their newest addition to the primer family- thePrimerizer. First of all, if the name alone doesn’t make you want to try it, I don’t know what will. The SmashboxPrimerizeris a 2-in-1 product, combining a primer and moisturizer in on one. Interesting, right? But also, I figured it was a pimple-fest waiting to happen. I like to keep my skincare products separate from my makeup.
However, my assumptions changed as soon as I first felt this product on my hand. It was so much more lightweight and less-silicone-y than I thought it would be. I was so pleasantly surprised. But what I care most about is what this product is actually going to do for my skin. ThePrimerizercontains Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid which just happen to be two of my favorite skincare ingredients. Hyaluronic Acid is a magic ingredient that can hold up to like 50 times it’s weight in water so its gonna hydrate your skin like crazy. Niacinamide is great for helping reduce pore size and skin texture. However, I still don’t fully trust this primer to completely take the place of my moisturizer so I like to layer a separate cream underneath to make sure my skin is still getting all the moisture and oils it needs. But if you have more oily skin (or less problematic skin), thisPrimerizercould be all that you need!
But how is this product as a primer? To be honest, I don’t typically notice results with primers and I felt that same way about this one. It didn’t seem to make my makeup last any longer than usual nor did my face feel any different with it on. But if you’re not looking for a primer that locks on your foundation for heavy duty occasions, this could work for you! Maybe, just maybe, you’ll notice something I didn’t!