Review! Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

I received a mini Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 with Dermaxyl Complex.

Smashbox says:
Prime, protect, and correct in just one step! This anti-aging primer creates the perfect canvas for foundation application. Worn alone or under foundation, this unique formula helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly softer skin. SPF 20 helps guard against harmful UVA/UVB rays. Winner of Allure Magazine Best of Beauty Editor's Choice Award for Best Primer.

What I say:
It's a silicone gel, and although it works, it does have a reasonable dupe.  Yes, the Smashbox version has sunscreen in it, but you can find a good sunscreen for less than the $42 price tag this comes with.

Save your cash and go with its much cheaper dupe, Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel.  It isn't a total dupe because there is no sunscreen in the Monistat version, but the price difference will make you not worry about one extra step to apply your own sunscreen.

If you are determined to not use the Monistat version, I still wouldn't stop the search for a good primer with this one.  It doesn't keep oiliness in check all day.  My nose still became oily (as is normal for me).  It did a good job of filling in pores and softening the look of fine lines.  You have to apply it like a spackle if you want it to fill in pores, and that has been my experience with all of the primers I have tried... they hide pores by filling them in with the silicone gel, and then you smooth your foundation over that newly smoothed area.  I didn't experience any new blemishes while trialing this product, and there was no noticeable scent.  It looks pink in the tube, but dispenses and applies clear.

Review! Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream

I recently tried Benefit's Total Moisture Facial Cream.  I received a small sample for free with another purchase.

Benefit says:
Say good-bye to dry skin and hello to "total moisture." This facial cream provides concentrated immediate & long-term hydration for a radiantly refreshed complexion. Our exclusive tri-radiance complex helps develop the skin's reserves of water & reinforce skin's moisture barrier. Contains mango butter, a natural plant-based emollient known to provide moisture. For normal to dry skin.In consumer testing, 100% of people tested felt that their skin was immediately and intensely quenched.

I say:
Holy cow, this is HEAVILY scented!  The perfume level in this moisturizer is right up there with some of the higher-end perfume lotions I have owned.  It didn't hit me until a fraction of a second before I applied it to my skin, so I was already in it by the time I realized how much fragrance is in there.  Luckily, the scent faded very quickly, and was completely unnoticeable in about 5 minutes. The scent level is almost high enough to make me not like this product, so if you are sensitive to scents, stay far away from this one.

The fragrance is nice though; it is a clean, softly soapy floral scent. 

The lotion is a thick cream.  It applies heavily, and I wondered how it would absorb.  I didn't have long to wonder; it absorbed very quickly, and completely, without leaving a filmy mask feeling behind. 

It kept my skin hydrated all day, and it did not promote unusual oiliness.

I did not experience any reactions or blemishes while using this cream, and my sample lasted for 3 applications.

It is currently priced at $40 for 1.7 ounces.

Pros:
A little goes a long way.
It absorbs completely.
It did not cause breakouts.
It kept my skin moisturized all day.
The scent fades quickly.

Cons:
Heavy scent.
It's a bit pricey.

Would I buy it?  Yes.  After the first day, the scent did not surprise me any more, and I liked how this moisturizer performed.