Smashbox Cosmetics is known for its line of Photo Finish primers, like the Smashbox Oil and Shine Control Primer. It is supposed to control the shine on your face for up to 12 hours, keep makeup in place and give your skin a soft-focus finish. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re bound to wonder if it lives up to those claims. Find out in this Smashbox Oil and Shine Control Primer review!
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Smashbox Photo Finish Oil And Shine Control Primer Ingredients
Smashbox Photo Finish Oil and Shine Control Primer is full of healthy skin ingredients! According to the Smashbox website, the ingredients are:
“Water\Aqua\Eau, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Betula Alba Juice, Niacinamide, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopherol, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Wax, Amodimethicone, Sodium Carbomer, Carbomer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Phytate, Phenoxyethanol, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985) <46881>”
The website also notes that this product is formulated without:
Synthetic Fragrance,Phthalate,Sulfate,Paraben,Retinyl Palmitate,Talc,Mineral Oil,Alcohol,Formaldehyde,Chemical Sunscreen,Hydroquinone,Triclosan,Triclocarban,Coal Tar,Lauryl Sulfate ,Laureth Sulfate,Oxybenzone
Remember that ingredient lists change over time as companies re-formulate products. Check the ingredient list on your packaging for a comprehensive list of ingredients.
How To Use Smashbox Oil And Shine Control Primer

A little goes a long way with this primer from Smashbox Cosmetics. Simply squirt a pea-sized amount on your finger, and rub it into your clean skin. Primer goes on after cleansing and the rest of your skincare routine before makeup.
You can wear this oil and shine control primer along or underneath makeup. It works wonderfully on moisturized skin too!
Smashbox Oil And Shine Control Primer Pros Vs. Cons
Pros
Minimizes The Appearance Of Pores
If you have oily skin, there’s a good chance that you’re dealing with pores that are larger than life. The same applies to people with combination skin. Pores tend to be flatter and appear more prominent. Smashbox Photo Finish Oil and Shine Control Primer help blur the appearance of pores for a matte finish that is perfect for applying makeup.
Lasts For 12 Hours
After 12 hours, you’ll notice that this vegan and cruelty-free primer’s filter-like appearance slowly fades away. It’s nice that it lasts 12 hours without giving you greasy skin, but you’ll need reapplication if you plan to stay out all night.
Smashbox Oil And Shine Control Primer Silicone Based
If you’re looking for a water-based primer, this is a downside. However, if you have a silicone-based foundation, etc., this primer will pair perfectly with them. You can tell that it’s silicone based on the ingredient Dimethicone located at the top of the ingredient list.
Gives Your Skin A Silky Smooth Feel
Not only does it blur the appearance of pores and use ingredients like Salicylic Acid to help control oil, but it also makes your skin feel unbelievably smooth. The silky, cloud-like matte finish is something you simply don’t get with other primers.
Creates A Silky Barrier For Nice Skin Protection
The silky smooth feeling comes from the protective barrier that this primer provides. It helps to protect your skin from harmful environmental aggressors, slowing down the signs of premature aging and helping your skin fight against free radical damage. The skin protectant doesn’t help protect against UV damage, but that’s the only thing that gets through the excellent skin protectant that this primer gives you.
Suitable For All Skin Types
This Photo Finish Primer is advertised as being for oily skin, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t use it if you have normal skin or dry skin. It controls the shine during the summer and doesn’t dry out my already dry skin during the winter.
However, Smashbox Oil and Shine Control Primer is especially useful if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Ingredients like Salicylic Acid help with oil control to make your skin matte. Then, they give acne-prone skin a fighting chance against breakouts.
Works With All Skin Tones
The clear color will give you a soft-focus, silky-smooth finish no matter your skin tone. It works for both ends of the spectrum, no matter how light or dark your skin is.

Helps Makeup Stay In Place
Foundation can easily slide off oily skin. This is particularly true if you have a foundation with many moisturizing ingredients. They simply don’t work well for oily, acne-prone skin. This primer from Smashbox Cosmetics creates the matte finish your face needs to keep makeup in place.
Smashbox Oil And Control Primer Controls Shine
Smashbox Photo Finish Oil And Shine Control Primer does what it says. It helps control shine on oily skin and even on normal skin during hot weather. If you’re tired of having greasy skin, this primer is a must-have!
Cons
Sells Out Fast
If you can find this primer for oily, acne-prone skin on the Smashbox website, consider it a huge win. This product never goes out of style and can sell out quickly online.
In Conclusion
This primer retails for about $39 per bottle. It’s made headlines throughout the beauty community for years for a good reason. It’s not cheap like a drugstore brand, but it’s so effective that it’s well worth the cost. The skin protectant it provides is a nice bonus. Smashbox Oil And Shine Control Primer are a must-have if you have oily skin! You can check out Smashbox here!
Not what you’re looking for? Do you want to see if there’s another holy grail for people who don’t have oily skin or are shopping on a budget? Check out some other product reviews to find your perfect primer!
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