Smashbox Photo Finish Primer vs. W7 Prime Magic Primer
One is £3.25, the other is £12.50. Both have an identical purpose; to help make your base look flawless for longer. When my logic says why I should pay more for something that I can get cheaper, the beauty junkie in me screams you get what you pay for. Or do you? Time to find out.
I tested out the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer and the W7 Prime Magic Primer on two normal work days, wearing identical make-up (apart from the different primers). Formulated to withstand hot studio lights, they were certainly put to the test during an English heatwave.
W7 & Smashbox Primer Comparison: Packaging
You don’t need a degree in merchandising to know that these two products are very similar, both in appearance and contents. I like to think of them as twins, not identical, but the main features are the same.
The Smashbox Photo Finish Primer is meant to appeal to both professional’s and beauty lovers alike and I have to admit the sleek packaging is definitely ticking boxes. Keeping things monochrome, there are no gimmicks or fancy images here, just plain old does what it says on the tin (or packaging).
Whilst W7 Prime Magic Primer has slightly more in the design aspect, it’s still relatively minimalist, and if you’re rummaging around your makeup bag in a morning, you could easily get the two confused.
W7 & Smashbox Primer Comparison: Product
Both primers are gel in form, but I found Smashbox Photo Finish Primer to be of a thinner consistency and I used a bit more of it than W7.
Colour wise, whilst Smashbox is completely clear, W7 Prime Magic Primer version is slightly more cloudy.
Smashbox’s feels more luxurious and velvety, whereas W7’s does feel slightly more silicone-based. That’s to be expected though when you think of the price difference. Both had no noticeable scent.
W7 & Smashbox Primer Comparison: Performance
Instantly both primers helped smooth out and blur imperfections, and despite the noticeable price difference, the immediate effect was pretty much identical!
Surprisingly, I felt that after I’d applied my foundation, my makeup tended to cling to dry patches much more when I was wearing Smashbox Photo Finish Primer rather than W7’s, which actually helped prevent it.
After 12 hours of work in 28 Degrees Celsius heat (scorching for the UK), I finally gave in to see how my base has lasted. Impressively, both bases were intact and I didn’t touch up once during the day on either occasion.
When I was wearing the Smashbox primer, I did have more of a dewy look and felt I could have done with a bit of powder. W7 Prime Magic Primer was still matte and my base really did look flawless, even after all that time.
W7 & Smashbox Primer Comparison: Overall
Overall, I don’t think the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer is worth the extra splurge. For me W7 Prime Magic Primer work’s far better with my skin and gives me a flawless looking base which lasts all day.
Both primers delivered on their promises and I think Smashbox would suit those with more oily skin or those who want a dewy look. At least now I can attempt to save some money.
Have you tried the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer or the W7 Prime Magic Primer? What’s your favorite dupe? Let me know in the comments below!
xoxo
J
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I've tried the Smashbox primer before and I really liked it, the W7's primer sounds like a fab dupe tho 🙂 x
http://www.anacelinelabod.com
Great post, I've tried a few of W7's primers but not this one yet, it looks like a fab dupe for Smashbox's primer.
Catherine xx
http://www.youwishyou.com
I've not tried either of these, but the W7 products I've tried in the past have been really lovely quality for the price! Great comparison 🙂
Jess xo