SMASHBOX PHOTO FINISH PRIMERIZER

---

Rating : 2/5

Price : $42.00

Size : 1 oz

Where to Buy : Where to Buy : smashbox.com, Ulta, Sephora, Macy's, Nordstrom

Cruelty Free : Yes

One product put Smashbox on the map and that is their original Photo Finish primer. Since its original launch it has won several awards and made the company thousands of dollars. Since that product did so well, a few years later Smashbox released a variety of additional primers to add to their line. There is truly a primer for every skin type. I'm a huge fan of their original primer, but as you all know, I have very dry skin. So during the winter months I always have to add a little extra hydration to my makeup routine. According to their website, this product haws three key ingredients; triple hyaluronic acid, niacimide, and a silkscreen complex. Their unique silkscreen complex is comprised of powerhouse ingredients like hyaluronic acid, algae, probiotics, and vitamins to protect and nourish skin. This primer also helps to defend against blue light damage and pollution. If I'm being honest, this product really doesn't do much. In my opinion, it's basically a glorified moisturizer. I think it had the possibility of being really great but the formula is just too runny and thin to create a proper barrier that most primers have. It works and looks great, but it only lasts about four hours. After that, I started to notice creasing in my makeup and skin looking greasy. I'll use this product if I have a short event, but for long wear use, this just doesn’t cut it. I also think it is incredibly overpriced for what it does. There are just so many other primers on the market that work better and are way cheaper. I say stick to the original Photo Finish primer and skip this one.

KIEHL'S MICRO-DOSE ANTI-AGING RETINOL SERUM

---

Rating : 5/5

Price : $65.00

Size : 1 oz

Where to Buy : kiehls.com, Sephora, Ulta, Amazon

Cruelty Free : No

Well, I'm finally at the point in my life where it's time to start using a retinol. Dermatologists recommend to start using retinol products in your mid 20's to help prevent early signs of aging and clear troubled skin. I've tried retinol in the past and it completely broke me out. This can often happen when 1) you aren't used to the powerful ingredients yet and 2) the dose is too high. I was hesitant to try it again since it bothered my skin so bad last time. But, when I noticed forehead wrinkles, crows feet, and enlarged pores I knew it was time to try something strong. I was so thankful when I finally found something that was perfect for beginners and from a brand I trust. This potent serum delivers serious results while having a minimal amount of retinol (under 0.5%). Since the dosage is small, it is best for beginners and those with sensitive skin as there is very little irritation. Along with retinol, this serum is also packed with ceramides and peptides to enhance skins natural radiance. Within a few uses of this product, I already noticed a significant difference. My foundation looked smoother and creased much less throughout the day. I was blown away by how quickly and effectively this product worked. This is perfect for beginners to slowly work retinol into their routine. I recommend trying a few times a week at first to get accustomed to the formula, then once comfortable, you can use it everyday since the dose is so small. If you have wrinkles, scars, or even acne, I highly suggest adding a retinol product like this one to transform your skin!

IT COSMETICS YOUR SKIN BUT BETTER SETTING SPRAY

---

Rating : 5/5

Price : $30.00

Size : 3.4 fl oz

Where to Buy : itcosmetics.com, Ulta, Sephora, Amazon, Macy's, Nordstrom

Cruelty Free : Yes

I am a big believer in the power of setting spray. You wouldn't paint your nails and not finish with a top coat would you? That's basically what a setting spray is for, locking in all your hard work. To some people the concept is strange, using a wet product on a dry base. However, setting sprays actually have polymers in them which bonds together to create a film that holds the makeup in place. And thankfully, there is a spray for pretty much everyone. Whether you want to mattify or glow, or maybe need some extra hydration. There are even some setting sprays that have SPF added to them for even more protection. For how long I've been playing with makeup, I've only tried a handful of setting sprays. When it comes to setting sprays and powders, I am VERY picky because it doesn't work correctly, your makeup is pretty much ruined. But, when I saw this bad boy at work (and on sale at Sephora inside Kohl's), I had to give it a try. I am a die hard fan of everything It Cosmetics. I seriously don’t think I've ever tried a bad product from them. Since I have dry skin, I always need an extra boost of hydration. So I loved that this spray has ingredients like coconut water and hyaluronic acid to keep my skin feeling nourished. It also has a 16 hour wear time so your makeup stays in place throughout a long work day and even into the night! I have worn this in 100 degree heat dripping sweat and my foundation didn't move or crease in the slightest. The nozzle also has the most amazing mister that feels weightless on the skin. You will never look drenched or have splotches when using this product. You'll just be left feeling refreshed by this light mist. Overall, I was extremely impressed by this product. It's definitely one of my all time favorites. Dry skin girls, you need this in your makeup bag!