Duped: Smashbox Photofinish Primer

I swear I haven't gone insane. But this is one dupe I keep coming across again and again, in beauty site after beauty site, including Makeupalley. Word on the street is, Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel is an acceptable if unglamourous alternative to the famous Smashbox Photofinish Primer.

The key it seems is the base silicone ingredient present in both products - Dimethecone. Smashbox Primer contains dimethecone and a bunch of other skin-loving stuff, whereas Monistat is chiefly plain dimethecone. But for so much less we can forgive it a few antioxidants.

Now, unfortunately this is NOT a review comparing the two. Much as I wish it was, I - poor student that I am - could only afford to try the Monistat. As it wasn't available in the UK, I went on to eBay and bought a tube there. My only encounter with the coveted Smashbox primer, was when I played with a tester and smoothed it on the back of my hand. Not a very good test I think you'll agree.

The gel promises to be non-greasy, fragrance-free, non-irritating, and non-staining. When spreading it on, it does have the same odd feeling that the Smashbox primer has. Dry yet slick. My mineral foundation goes on very smoothly over it, and my skin looks poreless and airbrushed. So far, no breakouts, but on the other hand this does nothing to control oil, which is what I hoped it'd do. It doesn't make it worse, but it doesn't control it. So far I can't tell if the primer prolongs makeup life. Some reviews I come across on MUA swear that it does though. Still for the price, what do you have to lose?

*Disclaimer: The "Duped" column refers to cheaper alternatives to expensive products. It in no way implies that the cheaper product deliberately duplicated the pricier version. In some cases, the cheaper product may pre-date the more expensive product.