FREEBIE FRIDAY-- Smashbox Photo Finish Primer and Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation reviews

I decided to do a double review this week to determine how effective they both were when used together. It makes sense as a primer primes the face ready for the first application of make up. I received a sachet and a small tube sample of the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer so they could both come under the Sunday Sample feature.

I was really surprised by the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. In the tube it looks clear and gel like with some air bubbles. On the tube however it specifies that it is oil free. Looking at the bottle this is somewhat deceiving as it looks oily and gel like. I was surprised to find that when I applied it to the skin it was clear. It also had a strange consistency which I can't really describe. It feels light and almost glides across the face yet is absorbed by the skin really quickly. It was quite a strange experience and not one that I had expected. There isn't an obvious smell to the primer either which is great.

I really liked this primer as my make up stayed put all day and looked immaculate. It's quite pricey at £25 for a 30ml tube and it can feel a little greasy when first applied. Overall I loved this primer and I think it will relocate to the make up bag that I leave at my boyfriend's house. I'm not ready to give up my Olay moisturiser just yet. [Click the link to see my review if you haven't read it].

After applying the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, I used the Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation in shade 120 Classic Ivory. I've never really tried Maybelline products before but they're cheap and readily available as you can pick the products up at supermarkets. The foundation is priced at £7.99 for a bottle but I can't seem to find the size.

I was a little unsure of the Maybelline Foundation at first. The product does not contain any wax or oils and is the first gel foundation from the brand. With this is mind it's surprising how cold the foundation is to the skin. Also I find that with gel foundations they don't blend as well as other foundations.

The foundation I usually wear is labelled ivory but it's more of a pale beige colour. The Maybelline Foundation in 120 Classic Ivory is slightly too dark for my skin tone. My jaw line looked very orange when I first applied it so a lighter colour would suit me better. Despite this I loved the flawless finish of the formula. The gel works to even out any imperfections and gives an airbrushed appearance to the skin. A downside however is that it doesn't completely cover or hide spots so a good concealer is needed. Finally, the formula has SPF18 in it (a factor I didn't even know existed) which is perfect for the summer sun.

Although there are some downsides I liked both products and it's likely they'll feature in my make up bag from now on.