I have good news and bad news. The good news is I tried a sample of a Smashbox primer
, and it made a HUGE difference in how my makeup looked and how long it lasted. The bad news is it costs $36-42 for a small tube! I generally use drug store makeup, but after seeing the results of this primer, I think I need to buy this. I only give myself $50 a month for "personal care" in my budget, which includes makeup and other toiletries such as toilet paper and tampons, lol. If I end up buying this primer, I will have to see how long the tube lasts (hopefully more than 1 month) and decide if it is something I can't live without. I'm pretty "meh" about most of my other makeup, as in, I'm not too attached to any particular formula or brand, so maybe I can cut corners with other products to make room for primer in my budget. The next problem will be choosing which exact primer to buy, because there are like 9 different types of Smashbox primer! I loved reading Julia's explanations here, but I'd like to go into Sephora or Ulta and talk to somebody there about it, and/or try some on myself before purchasing. Do you use foundation primer? I'd love to know about any more affordable options to dissuade me from buying the Smashbox one!
I wore this out for a nice little Saturday running errands. I stopped by CVS, Target, the dry cleaner, and Chipotle :) I love, LOVE Chipotle...
Vest: Zara (similar)
Blouse: Old Navy
Jeans: Forever 21
Shoes: Target (similar)
Scarf: Cynthia Rowley (similar colors)
Bag: Longchamp

What a great weekend look! I loooove that scarf with that top- so gorgeous! Can you believe I tried Chipotle FOR THE FIRST TIME this past Friday night? It was pretty great!
ReplyDelete-Jenna Brianne
wearablefunfashion.blogspot.com
Victoria's secret has two that are pretty good. I've used the oil free one because, well, I'm oily. They're a little cheaper, at $18 for 21 g/.75 oz the regular one and $18 for 25 ml/.84 fl oz the oil free one.
ReplyDeletewill i see it online? are there just the 2 kinds so i cant miss it?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked Chipotle! I have another craving already haha
ReplyDeleteI love this outfit - I don't know if I would have thought to pair that scarf with the color of your shirt, but it totally works! I have the same shirt in navy and gray - I love it :) Also, the color of your shoes is just lovely!!
ReplyDeletetheoriginalbrynn.blogspot.com
I don't use a primer as I use a BB cream but I heard there's like a diaper rash cream or something that works just as well. Ugh, I read about it on the favorite makeup thread on gomi I think, but I haven't tried it out because...I don't use a primer. Man, I'm not very helpful am I?
ReplyDeleteok, those jeans look great on you, and F21?! they look awesome. also, chipotle is like my second home. love that place :)
Love the scarf with the purple shirt
ReplyDeleteI use the Smashbox primer at least 2/3 of the month and have been using the same tube since July! One regular sized tube will definitely last quite a while. I've read that many people find ELF's Mineral Primer (I believe $6 at Target) is a dupe for the Smashbox Primer. It might be worth looking into!
ReplyDeleteI personally love the primer by Bare Minerals which is around $21, I believe. I know I only need to buy a couple tubes a year. And you could sample them at Ulta or Sephora as well for a slightly cheaper option!
ReplyDeletei believe so...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.victoriassecret.com/beauty/face-makeup/vs-pro-airbrush-fx-oil-free-primer-spf-15-vs-makeup?ProductID=95172&CatalogueType=OLS
http://www.victoriassecret.com/beauty/face-makeup/vs-pro-airbrush-fx-perfecting-primer-spf-20-vs-makeup?ProductID=4302&CatalogueType=OLS
Smashbox is really the best, but a lot of people use monistat chafing gel as a cheaper replacement. It really does have similar ingredients, but it feels awkward to buy.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds weird, but Monistat Chafing Gel has a lot of the same ingredients as Smashbox, and is 1/4 the price. Google brought up this comparison (not my blog): http://peaceloveandglitter.com/2011/12/20/monistat-chafing-gel-vs-smashbox-photo-finish-primers/
ReplyDeleteHey dear I really like your blog! What about following each other? Also on bloglovin, facebook and even lookbook if you want...just let me know :3 <3
ReplyDeleteNEW POST UP!
www.OntoMyWardrobe.com
Love your green and purple together and am obsessed with that leather vest!! Great look lady!
ReplyDeletexx
Katie
http://www.pearlsandtwirls.net
thanks so much for the info! i might be a little embarrassed buying chafing gel, but i think it's worth it to save a lot of money!
ReplyDeletethanks for the suggestion!
ReplyDeleteoo thanks for the suggestion! I'm down for spending 6 bucks over 36!
ReplyDeletehaha, a commenter above said the smashbox primer is similar to the monistat chafing gel - is that what you're thinking of? might be a little embarrassing to buy but I'll do it stealthily or something :)
ReplyDeletethanks!
ReplyDeleteYes, I order it online so I don't have to deal with the embarrassment!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to check out Smashbox. I'm in need of a primer!
ReplyDeleteI was just going to mention that stuff! A neat trick I found online is to mix it with your foundation before applying it. It really helps. I seal it with Hardy Candy mutifying powder.
ReplyDeleteElissa, that color combo is fabulous! (Love the shoes). And i have to second Emily below on the Monistat gel - I know I know I know it's an awkward thing to buy, but seriously it's exactly the same and you can get it for $4-5!
ReplyDeleteLove your bag! And fun shoes. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
ReplyDelete-Bree @ aBreeFashion.blogpsot.com
Agreed about the chafing gel. I don't personally use it (I swear, right when my current primer is about to be used up, I end up getting my hands on another deluxe size sample of a decent primer, so I rarely have to buy one and don't mind spending the money when I do!), but I know TONS of girls who swear by it!
ReplyDeleteI used to swear by the ELF primer. It seriously is amazing stuff and feels like a dream when you put it on!
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous of your Longchamp bag. That scarf is SO gorgeous too!
ReplyDeleteLove your scarf!
ReplyDeleteMy online beauty store: http://beautybymissash.blogspot.ca/