As evidenced by some of my recent blog posts (exhibits a, b and c), I‘m an admitted cosmetics junky. As such I have built up quite a collection of favorites; however, I’m always up for trying new or different products. On a recent Sephora run to replace some cosmetic staples (Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, and re-up my go-to favorite setting powder, Makeup Forever’s HD Microfinish Powder), Smashbox’s limited edition Behind the Lens Prime & Set Kit caught my eye. I’ve always been a fan of value sets, so I decided to pass on my usual finishing powder and give the Smashbox duo a try.

Here is my review of the Smashbox Behind the Lens Prime & Set Kit, and a bonus side by side comparison of the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer and the Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder (click here to scroll down to the comparison!)

1-oz Photo Finish Foundation Primer

The primer glides on smoothly, so smoothly in fact that at first I was a little worried that it would create an oily appearance. It doesn’t. Even before applying my foundation the Photo Finish Foundation Primer gave my skin a silky feel and instantly improved the appearance of my complexion. This primer lives up to its claim to even out skin texture, and this is also true when used under foundation.

I experimented using the primer under two different kinds of foundation (DiorSkin AirFlash Spray Foundation and Chanel Perfection Lumière Long-Wear Flawless Fluid Makeup) and it seems that the primer will combine well with various foundations.

Travel-size Photo Set Finishing Powder SPF15

The Photo Set Finishing Powder actually works better than the Makeup Forever’s HD Microfinish Powder (scroll down to see the side-by-side comparison). The full size of Smashbox’s finishing powder is slightly less expensive than Makeup Forever’s finishing powder; however, the amount of powder that comes in Smashbox’s full size finishing powder is considerably less than Makeup Forever’s (0.17 oz vs. 0.35 oz).

Despite the discrepancy in cost and size, I consider the overall winner to be the Smashbox Photo Set Finishing Powder. Thanks to the longevity of the shine absorption, mid-day touch-ups are a thing of the past, which is not only convenient but also means you won’t go through the Smashbox finishing powder as quickly.

Smashbox Photo Set Finishing Powder Versus Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder

	Smashbox Photo Set Finishing Powder	Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder
Price	$28 (Sephora)	$30 (Sephora)
Size	0.17 oz	0.35 oz
Ability to set makeup	Meets expectations	Meets expectations
Ability to mattify	Exceeds expectations	Meets expectations
Natural Look	Exceeds expectations	Meets expectations (when applied carefully)
SPF	15	None
Longevity	Exceeds expectations; I applied the finishing powder almost nine hours ago and my T-zone still has a matte appearance. Very impressed.	Does not meet expectations; usually requires a touch-up halfway through the day.
Package	Meets expectations; this is a loose powder, which are often messy and not very portable	Meets expectations; this is a loose powder, which are often messy and not very portable
Overall	Winner   Although priced comparably, the size of the Smashbox Photo Set Finishing Powder is considerably smaller than the Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder. However, when compared side by side I feel that the Smashbox finishing powder is the winner thanks to its ability to absorb shine for the long haul.	Honorable Mention   Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder is not a bad product, in fact before trying the Smashbox finishing powder, it was my favorite. But when compared side by side, I feel that the Smashbox Photo Set Finishing Powder is the better buy.