What’s the solution to fading makeup and dull skin? A primer, of course! After receiving LAFACE Age Defying Primer sample in my May Birchbox, I was eager to try a primer for the first time. In an attempt to compare popular primers (because, you know, that’s what beauty bloggers do), I snagged a sample of the “best primer,” according to Allure Magazine, Smashbox Photo Finish. As a girl on a budget, I always shied away from primer, thinking it was a frivolous luxury. After all, I thought, what’s the point of investing in a product that goes under your makeup? Since using Smashbox and LAFACE, I’ve come to see the perks of using a primer and I’m (almost) convinced it’s an integral part of my beauty routine. But first, let’s evaluate what a primer is supposed to do and then compare the effectiveness of LAFACE and Smashbox.
A primer goes on after a moisturizer and before applying foundation/CC cream/BB cream/etc (I’m partial to CC or BB cream, lately). The purpose of a primer is to provide a flawless palette for long-lasting makeup and radiant skin, in addition to reducing the appearance of fine lines. The Smashbox primer proclaims to promote collagen production and even skin tone. LAFACE is more focused on moisturizing and filling in fine lines.
Both primers have a silky, smooth texture, however, Smashbox is thicker than LAFACE. When using Smashbox, I made sure to use just a dime-size amount – a lot goes a long way. Both primers made my skin soft, however Smashbox felt and looked a bit drying under my eyes. In contrast, LAFACE provided additional moisture to my moisturizer. When it comes to reducing the appearance of fine lines, LAFACE wins, hands down; the lines around my mouth looked airbrushed! LAFACE also does a better job at diminishing blemishes. While both Smashbox and LAFACE provided long-lasting makeup for over 12 hours, LAFACE did slightly better at evening skin tone.
In short, though Smashbox is a great primer, I would have to give the edge to LAFACE for effectively concealing fine lines and creating a more flawless complexion. The $65 price tag of LAFACE might seem intimidating but it’s twice the size of Smashbox at less than double the price, making it a better value (yes, please!). While Smashbox suffices as a primer, LAFACE is exceptional. To control for any extraneous variables, I maintained my skin care routine and consistently applied the same CC Cream from Smashbox when using both primers. Speaking of which, a review for Smashbox CC Cream is coming soon!
