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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer versus Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer .

Published on May 31, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, brightening skin, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Face Primer American Brand United States
Makeup Applicator American Brand United States

Face Primer

A base to help makeup products last longer on the face or to help control shine.

Makeup Applicator

Tools used to help apply makeup.

Price

Shop

Buy The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer

Starts at $60.00
Shop

Buy Timeless Smoothing Primer

Starts at $42.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Drying
Irritating
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Peptides (2)

Benefits

Redness Reducing
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Acne Trigger
Irritating
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (4)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.

D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.

D5 is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.

Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Cyclopentasiloxane

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer contains this as ingredient number 1.

Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer contains this as ingredient number 2.

Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Abrasive, Absorbent
Community Rating: Disliked

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.

Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.

Learn more about Silica

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer contains this as ingredient number 5.

Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer contains this as ingredient number 12.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.

Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer contains this as ingredient number 6.

Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer contains this as ingredient number 3.

5
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer contains this as ingredient number 9.

Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer contains this as ingredient number 14.

6
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.

This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.

Those with sensitive skin or conditions may deliver a rash when using this ingredient.

Learn more about Propylene Glycol

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer contains this as ingredient number 11.

Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer contains this as ingredient number 19.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer contains this as ingredient number 12.

Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer contains this as ingredient number 13.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

27% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
53% are disliked or very disliked
13% have no rating yet
13% are loved or liked
5% have mixed ratings
63% are disliked or very disliked
20% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer 40 ingredients

Timeless Smoothing Primer hasn't been rated yet.
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Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 13 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer.

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We haven't detected any alternatives for Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer.

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