This foundation primer by Smashbox isn’t something I’d normally be interested in, but I managed to pick up a little travel-sized tube of it somehow—maybe it was a promo item at Sephora. At any rate, I’ve been using it for a while, and I really, really like it, even though it’s indulgent and expensive and an all-around fussy sort of product.

I mean, come on. A PRIMER? Makeup you put on before, you know, putting on makeup?

Here’s the official scoop on what it does, according to Smashbox: “Smooth on a layer of primer after you apply your daily moisturizer, or onto clean skin. Concentrate on areas that are deeply lined and/or rough in texture. PHOTO FINISH is great to use under the eye, it helps concealer glide on and stay put, it also prevents foundation from ever looking dry and patchy.”

After I moisturize, I dab a tiny, tiny bit of this on my forehead between my eyebrows, on my nose, and on my chin. That’s my oily-as-hell T-zone, and this stuff does wonders for controlling the shine. While my foundation doesn’t tend to collect in the lines on my face (because it KICKS ASS), I’ve noticed the Photo Finish helps keep certain areas—say, the frowny wrinkles on my forehead—looking more smooth than they would otherwise.

This stuff feels weirdly slick, almost silicone-like in its consistency. It’s kind of enjoyable to put on, really, because it’s so silky (not greasy in the least, it disappears into your skin instantly). I’ve had the same travel-size container for a few months now, and I imagine it will last for a while. A very small amount seems to go a long way.

Link: Smashbox Foundation Primer on Amazon (Here’s a cheaper travel size option)
Ballpark price: $36, or $16 for the smaller size