jane iredale – Smooth Affair® Mattifying Face Primer Review

Product Review: Packaging, Formulation, Results, Makeup-Artist Tips

Video: Jane Iredale Mattifying Face Primer | Let’s try it!

Packaging, Size, and Versions:

The original release of the Smooth Affair® primers came in luxurious gold and rose gold colors.

These new editions are more modern and minimalist, using fresh, sustainable packaging.

With this redesign, I assume they're trying to reflect the brand's roots in clean beauty and target a younger demographic.

All their face primers come in a one-size 50ml / 1.7 fl. Oz, which is the standard sizing.

Product Formulation & Results:

The product comes out from the tube a bit thin but feels more generous on your face.

It goes on smoothly, with a lotion-like feel that glides on your skin. It doesn't feel heavy and is not tacky, unlike some drugstore primers.

Note that it dries to a soft matte very quickly. It doesn't need to be “set” like other primers, which really saves time in the morning.

Once applied, you'll see an immediate difference in shine and finish.

Personally, my skin is much less oily. The matte finish also affects how my foundation sets.

My skin stays matte generally all day but can vary depending on the humidity and your skin's oil production.

This primer helps my makeup last for a few hours when I'm outdoors and all day when I'm in a much cooler environment indoors.

I've used it this summer and switched to the Smooth Affair® Brightening Face Primer in fall/winter/spring.

I've worn it under the Pure Pressed Base and various liquid foundations.

The powder usually settles on fine lines and pores, but this primer preps it nicely and helps ease them in.

The formula may be matte, but it isn't drying at all. I'd recommend this not just for oily skin but also for combination skin as well.

It also reduces some of my redness a bit and makes it healthier-looking. I can't guarantee it will do the same for everyone, though, as it does not particularly address redness.

I've also noticed that it's not as pore-minimizing as the Smooth Affair® Oily Skin Face Primer. However, it's more mattifying and better blurs pores and fine lines, especially if worn under foundation.

The Smooth Affair® Mattifying Face Primer is non-comedogenic and didn't cause any breakouts on my acne-prone skin.

This new formula also doesn't have any natural scent, unlike the other Smooth Affair primers that have a hint of citrus.

Key Ingredients:

• Red Algae Extract – helps regulate sebum production and supports the skin's natural oil-moisture ratio; Gives a smooth and visibly matte appearance^[6]
• Hibiscus Back Extract – Prevents water loss; Promotes skin elasticity and your skin's repair process for a lifted, youthful appearance^[7][8]
• Rose Geranium Leaf Extract – A powerful antioxidant that protects and repairs UV damage^[9]

Note: While botanicals have a host of skincare benefits, they can wreak havoc on sensitized skin.

Jane Iredale products are sensitive- and allergy-tested, but almost anything can irritate a compromised skin barrier.^[10]

If you think you have damaged or sensitized skin, it's best to strip your skincare to just a gentle cleanser (e.g. Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser – Gentle Non-Foaming Face Wash for Sensitive Skin) and a skin-repairing moisturizer (e.g. Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Face Lotion or Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream) until you've re-balanced your skin.

Make-up Artist Tips:

• A pea-sized amount is all you need. Apply with your fingers for easier absorption.
• It dries very quickly, so there is no need to set it, unlike some primers. You can immediately apply foundation after.
• You can mix this with any liquid foundation for sheer coverage.
• The primer penetrates on contact, the advantage of a lightweight formula.
• It also works great on the eyelids and can be used as an eyeshadow primer.
• You can also use this as a hand and body moisturizer.

Clean Beauty & Safety Tests:

• Vegan and wheat-free.
• Non-comedogenic, it will not clog pores or leave a greasy feel.
• Dermatologist-tested. Sensitivity- and Allergy- tested.
• All Jane Iredale products are formulated without talc, mineral oil, synthetic preservatives, synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and artificial dyes.

Cruelty-Free:

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), the most reputable organization in the world for animal protection, has certified Jane Iredale as being cruelty-free through its Leaping Bunny Program.

Additionally, PETA has recognized that Jane Iredale cosmetics are cruelty-free.

Complete Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Octyldodecanol, Arginine, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Laureth-12, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Algin, Hibiscus Syriacus Bark Extract, Pelargonium Capitatum Leaf Extract, Cyanidium Caldarium Extract, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491)

Please be aware that ingredient lists may change or vary from time to time. Please refer to the ingredient list on the product package you receive for the most up-to-date list of ingredients.