1.07.2015

This or That: Smashbox Pore Minimizing Primer Vs. Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector

Woo hoo! It's time for one of my (and yours too, I hear) series: THIS OR THAT! I compare similar products to find out which one is the best. This week I'm comparing Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Oil-Free Pore Minimizing vs. Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector. I have been meaning to post this since September, and these are two of the more-recent high-end primers.

I've reviewed lots and lots of primers on here before, but let me back up a sec: what are primers? The most common types of primers are for eyelids (read about eye primers here) and for the face. Primers, like these, usually go on your face before applying makeup. They have different functions, like mattifying skin, allowing makeup to stay on longer, giving an even surface to better apply makeup (and have the foundation look better), some help hide redness or dull skin, and they help with blurring imperfections. There's pretty much a primer for every need. Many primers can be worn alone (not under makeup) and some can be added on top. Primers have different ingredients and come in different colors, depending on purpose and ingredients. See more about primers here.

First up is Smashbox Pore Minimizing Primer. Time for some bullet points!

  • 1 0z.
  • $39 (there is a travel size for $15)
  • primer and pore minimizer
  • mattifies skin
  • oil-free
  • mousse-like texture (similar in texture only to NYX Pore Filler)
And its competitor: Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector.
  • 1 oz.
  • $35
  • skin smoother that transforms skin in seconds and over time
  • diminishes appearance of pores and refines skin texture
  • paraben-free
  • creamy texture (similar to Too Faced Primed and Poreless or L'Oreal Pore Vanisher)


THIS OR THAT:
Ok, before I go into more detail, can you believe these have the same amount of product? They look so different. Ah, packaging.

Smashbox:

  • Despite being labeled as oil-free, I conducted my "oil-test" (read about that here) and found the Smashbox to have more of an oil ring instantly. But that being said, the Smashbox definitely is more mattifying. While dry skin can use it, combo and oily will like this better. 
  • The mousse-like texture allows for even application and works well with most foundations as well as on top of foundation.
  • On my dry skin, it does a decent job of temporarily minimizing pores.
Kiehl's:
  • While this isn't billed as a primer, it is closer to a primer than say, a moisturizer. 
  • It has all sorts of fancy-pants ingredients.
  • It features a creamy texture (pictured above) that is moisturizing without making skin oily.
  • I feel like I need to use more to hide pores and it doesn't play well with all foundations if I apply too much.
Overall, I really like them both for different reasons, and would repurchase either. However, I probably wouldn't repurchase the Kiehl's because it reminds me too much of the Too Faced or L'Oreal primer. And I still like Benefit Primer or L'Oreal Miracle Blur better, but I think these offerings today are worth a try.

Giveaways:

50 comments:

  1. Good grief the packaging really is completely different! I can't believe they are the same amount.

    p.s. it's been fun to read your facebook page!

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  2. I keep seeing everyone talking about the smashbox primer, and I think I need to give it a shot one day! I'm on the cheap end, using the baby skin primer for Maybelline but I think it's time to invest in my skin.

    Kayla

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  3. the smashbox is tempting me because if my oily skin.

    xo
    PinkSole

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  4. I don;t think I have ever used primer but I would probably start with L'Oreal since I love their face creams.

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  5. What a great review! I've never tried either of these but now I think I need to try the Smashbox one!

    <3, Pamela
    Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  6. I have been looking for a good primer and I think the Smash Box will suit me well. Thanks for the review! Susan

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  7. I love both brands but would probably choose the smash box since I really like a matte finish!!! Great reviews!! xo, Biana - BlovedBoston

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  8. Thank you so much for these reviews! I have to be so careful with primers because 95% of them cause clogged pores for me. This is such a helpful post.
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

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  9. Interesting. I really love Kiehl's products, but have never tried the primer.

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  10. I love this Smashbox product!!

    xx

    http://www.madridforniagirl.com/

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  11. I love that you still like the L'oreal better. I have had luck with L'oreal products in the past! This was a great review!

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  12. great review! i have only ever used a primer for my eyes! these look interesting. xo jillian - cornflake dreams

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  13. It crazy that they both have the same amount in them. the Smashbox one is bigger packing then the other one.

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  14. Great reviews! I feel like the smashbox would be better for me since my skin is so oily!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  15. What a great review! I love the breakdown of each individual product. I think I'm going to go pick up a sample of the smashbox one!

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  16. I had a sample of the Smashbox one and I did like it, but to me, most of the "pore minimizing" ones I've tried all tend to be very similar. I've never tried the Kiehl's one though..

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  17. I use Rimmel Matte Primer right now but I would like to try the Smashbox one.

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  18. I often use a Smashbox primer, but haven't tried this one. I'll keep it in mind!

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  19. I really like the Smashbox primer. I have not tried the Kiehl's.
    Thank you for your review!

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  20. A very good comparison post, Elle, definitely worth checking out the Shashbox primer.

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  21. I've been wanting to splurge on a Smashbox primer for a while now. Have you tried their hydrating one? (I forget the name, but the product is a blue color) I've tried that a deluxe sample of that one and really liked it. :-)

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  22. I love reading this or that and that you will say actually, neither, when need be. Great reviews.

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  23. i would love to try the smashbox one .. heard so much abt it :)

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  24. I like the smashbox one..I have a tiny sample from Ipsy and its def mattifying and does tend to help hide my pores!

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  25. We'll have to check these both out, they seem great. That oil test is genius by the way!!

    xx 365hangers

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  26. Great comparison. I'd probably try a cheaper option first, since I don't wear primer right now. I feel like such a makeup newbie :)

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  27. I have been seeing a lot about the smashbox primer! thanks for this!

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  28. Nice review, Elle! I think I'd always go for the one free from parabens etc. x

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  29. I don't wear primer, but I will keep this in mind!

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  30. I'm not really one for primers, but I have sampled the Smashbox one. It was pretty good!

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  31. Great to read your review! I've heard good things about Smashbox photo finish but yet to try it!

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  32. Hey I am using the Kiehl's BB tinted cream and I love it! Great review.

    Allie of ALLIENYC
    allienyc.com

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  33. Love smashbox products. ;-)
    Great review.... Lovely greet Nessa

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  34. What a great review! I really want to try the Smashbox one!

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  35. I have been looking for a great one - thanks for the recommendation!

    xx Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

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  36. I've never tried any of those, but would like to give them a try

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  37. I've tried Smashbox and really liked it :)

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  38. I think Smashbox is so underrated! Great post

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  39. I ordered a few trial sizes of the Smashbox and have definitely been impressed with the coverage. Thanks for reviewing Kiehl's too (I'll stick with my Smashbox for now!)

    xoxo,
    little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  40. haven't tried either of them but they sound like great products!

    Jessica
    the.pyreflies.org

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  41. Great review babe! Interesting that the Kiehl's didn't play well with all foundations, especially when you used enough to cover pores. I hate it when this happens! Another good, honest review. :)

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  42. I've been curious about the Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector. Thanks for this comparison/review!

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  43. Thank you for this comparison, Elle. I've been wanting to try the new Smashbox primer so this was really helpful. Given what you said about your oil test (awesome BTW) and the fact that my skin leans more oily-combo, I may get the travel size to begin with. Thanks again, hun. And I hope you new year is going great so far! xo


    Beauty Isles | An Island Girl's Beauty and Lifestyle Blog


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  44. Great products. I've never tried them, but sounds amazing. I have to try both.

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  45. Great review! I've been on the hunt for a good primer and have been using Elf lately, which I don't hate, but could obviously do better. I think I'll try the Smashbox!

    Shannon
    Clothes & Quotes

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  46. I use the Smashbox one and I really like it, my skin is super oily and some days this primer works better than others. But overall it's definitely the best primer for oily skin that I've tried.

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  47. I have heard so much about Smashbox, I really want to try something by that brand.

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  48. Great review! Their prices are similar, that smashbox sounds really great! =)

    NEW POST on http://whattostyle.blogspot.com/

    Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin

    xoxo,
    Jessica

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  49. Havent tried either but they both look like good products!

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  50. love THIS OR THAT the most :) Try not to miss any of your posts.. hooked onto the content :*

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