E.L.F. Studio Mineral Infused Facial Primer Review!

E.L.F. Mineral Facial Primer

Product Description: "Transform your face into a flawless and smooth canvas with the Mineral Infused Face Primer. Developed to combat against excess oil, flaky dryness, enlarged pores and fine lines. This clear multipurpose skin primer will prepare your skin so makeup goes on evenly for a long lasting satin finish."

Directions: Apply to clear skin prior to makeup application. Use a small amount and blend evenly all over the face for a smooth and flawless base.

Left: Smoothed Out, Right: Blended

Ingredients: Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Penoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben.

Ingredients in Smashbox Photofinish Primer (to compare): Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Trisiloxane, Silica, Dimethicone/ Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Extract, Propylene Glycol, Water (Aqua, Eau), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Cola Acuminata Seed Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract.

What do these ingredients mean?
Cyclomethicone is a clear, odorless silicone with a non-greasy feel that dries quickly and leaves no oily residue. It is widely used in personal care products such as deodorant, skin care, hair products and cosmetics. Its molecules are too large to enter the skin cells. Because it stays on the surface of the skin, it gives the skin a silky texture and creates a film on the skin that locks in moisture (ideal for primers).

Dimethicone Crosspolymer is also a silicone and is used to give the product a thicker and smoother texture.
Dimethicone A silicone oil that is used to create a protective (breathable) barrier for the skin. It is widely used as a skin protectant, emollient, and moisturizer.

Silica is a white powder which is slightly soluble in water, occurs abundantly in nature and is an absorbent material for skin creams.

Penoxyethanol is a parben-free preservative used to protect against bacteria.

(Sources: Thenaturalstore.com, wikipedia.org & cosmedicine.com)

As you can see, the top ingredients are similar to Smashbox Photofinish Primer. But, Smashbox has a larger list of ingredients. ELF Mineral Primer only contains silicones and a few preservatives. Smashbox has different oils, extracts, etc. Since it's a Silicone based primer, if you tend to break out from silicones, you may want to steer clear of this product. I personally haven't had any problems with using this product & I think it's a great alternative to the higher end silicone primers. A lot of people use Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel as a cheaper alternative (which can range from around the same price as ELF Mineral Primer or a couple dollars more - BUT, you receive a .5 oz more product). I really like the primer. It seems to help my makeup apply more evenly and it does slightly mattify or "blur" my pores. I can't say for sure.. but I don't think it actually "helps" my makeup stay on longer. In fact, I don't think any primer really does. Or least I haven't noticed any do so. The regular price of this primer is $6, and I got it for only $3 - I think it's a great bargain for a primer. Also, I love that it comes with a pump.. and the bottle is very sturdy!

Have you tried this primer? What primer is your favorite?

Do you feel that they are a waste of money and a reg moisturizer will work the same?