So I got a free sample of DHC’s velvet skin coat and wanted to compare it to my Smashbox Photo Finish sample. 0.93oz is $32 on Sephora for Photo Finish or 1.04oz is $40 on DHC but currently going for $32.
You’ll notice my face is a bit shinier without the Photo Finish and velvet skin coat. I think the Photo Finish side looks a bit less porous, but then maybe that side is just naturally a bit less porous. I was so excited to compare though, that I forgot to apply moisturizer. So here’s day 2, with moisturizer.
So other than the matte finish, and the hiding of all my yucky nose pores, there’s not too big of a difference. For me the biggest thing I noticed is I use a lot less foundation as it spreads over my skin much easier, so I think I end up looking a lot more natural, and still getting a matte look.
I’m going to say I prefer DHC’s product as it was thicker, and I felt like it was coating my face. The Smashbox product went on a lot thinner, and didn’t feel as creamy, more slick. Also, a lot of reviews I saw online said if you put too much Photo Finish on it gums up. From it’s consistency I would find that very believable.
Ultimately the best test is which product looked good at the END of the day right?
So after a 12 hour work day here are the results. The right side is DHC, and the left Smashbox. Obviously it works MUCH better when you remember to moisturize first. But again, I can’t tell a difference.
After taking all of these photos of my skin close up, I think I will shortly be posting some reviews of anti-aging and moisturizing creams!
Just wanted to add that after running all those skin analyses at tradeshows and what-nots, I saw a trend that the left side of the face is typically slightly worse than the right side because of the cumulative exposure to the sun while driving a car.
So, the Smashbox side would be the “better” side to begin with.
I like the Shiseido Pre-Makeup Cream (which has sunblock). I prefer creamy textures, but then again I have used The Smoothing Veil by Shiseido as well, but found it too thick (as it can function as a stand alone foundation).
LOL, we need primer now. We would have never had this discussion in high school.
I think the smashbox side looked better. It was hard to tell the difference but I see it.