If you love the iconic Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth Primer but it’s too costly for your pocket. Fortunately, there are several budget-friendly alternatives that deliver surprisingly similar results without compromising on quality or performance.
I tested the most buzzed-about Smashbox primer alternatives over several weeks to see which ones truly stand up to the original’s reputation. What I looked for were primers that offered a smooth, lightweight texture, excellent oil control, and a flawless base for foundation that lasts all day. Whether you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, these picks provide great options to achieve that coveted airbrushed finish, minus the splurge.
Our Top Smashbox Primer Alternatives
Maybelline Master Prime Blur + Pore Minimizer
All the Maybelline primers I’ve tried typically have a lightweight cream texture, but this one pleasantly surprised me with a silky, cooling sensation on application. It felt comfortable and soothing — perfect for those with sensitive or oily skin.
This primer effortlessly smoothed out my pores and left a subtle blurring effect that instantly elevated my foundation’s finish. The quick dry-down meant no waiting before blending makeup, and my skin looked naturally matte right after foundation application. I usually need setting powder to tame shine, but with this primer, I barely needed to touch up throughout the day.
Cream products layered on top were a bit trickier to blend, but liquid foundations worked beautifully. It kept oil mostly at bay, with just a tiny buildup around the nose and forehead after extended wear — a small compromise for the price.
NYX Studio Perfect Photo-Loving Primer
NYX has a smooth gel-like texture that glides on effortlessly without any heaviness or tackiness. The formula absorbs quickly, leaving a soft, velvety finish.
My foundation applied evenly and lasted longer, with a subtle matte effect that controlled excess shine well. The lightweight feel means it’s gentle on skin and won’t clog pores, making it suitable for everyday wear.
While not a perfect alternative for every skin type, it’s an excellent option if you want a primer that balances shine control with a natural finish.
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Primer
This primer has a lightweight cream texture that feels cool and refreshing as it smooths across skin. It blurs pores and fine lines, creating a soft-focus effect that makes foundation look airbrushed and flawless. The quick dry-down allows for swift makeup application, and it keeps shine under control without drying or cakiness.
Best paired with liquid and powder foundations. Cream products can be a little harder to blend over the primer, but this is easy to manage with a bit of patience.
Revolution Beauty Rehab Retinol Rescue Primer
This primer has a smooth, silicone-like texture that creates a perfect pore-blurring base. What sets it apart is its skincare angle, with retinol and salicylic acid incorporated to improve skin texture and help with acne over time
It absorbs quickly without greasiness, delivering a matte finish that helps makeup stay put all day. For those who want skincare benefits in their primer, this is a rare gem.
Sensitive or acne-prone skin types should patch test first, as retinol and salicylic acid can be strong. But for others, it’s a standout for makeup and skincare combined
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect primer can be a challenge, especially when juggling oily skin and texture concerns. These alternatives offer a range of textures and finishes to suit different preferences, all while delivering the blurring, oil-control benefits that make Smashbox’s Photo Finish primer gives.
From Maybelline’s silky pore minimizer to Revolution Beauty’s skincare-infused formula, there’s a budget-friendly option for everyone looking to keep their makeup fresh, matte, and flawless throughout the day.
