jane iredale – Smooth Affair® Oily Skin Face Primer Review

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

Packaging, Size, and Versions:

The original versions of the Smooth Affair® primers came in luxurious 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.

You only use a pea-sized amount each time, so a bottle can last you a long while.

Product Formulation & Results:

This lightweight, water-based primer feels more like a gentle lotion.

I have oily skin, and this product is easy to apply and absorbs quickly.

I've used this as both moisturizer and base to stop my liquid foundation and bb cream from caking.

This primer makes the application smoother, leaving my skin soft and silky.

Skin Texture

I particularly love how it gets rid of any texture around my nose.

My skin looks smoother with or without makeup.

It feels hydrating, and long-term use shows a considerable difference.

I also use it on my face and eyes.

Oil Control

I found this primer's capacity for oil control depends on the season.

I get really dry in the winter, especially under my eyes but remain oily in my T-zone. This primer works for all areas, even though it's meant for oily skin.

It's not greasy at all and leaves my skin refreshed and hydrated. I get compliments whenever I use this.

Only in the winter, though—it's too much for me in the summer. It does nothing to control oil at all in that humidity.

During summer, it melts when I sweat at the end of the day.

It even made my pores look more prominent and my skin oilier after a session at the gym.

I recommend using the Smooth Affair® Mattifying Face Primer. during the summer instead, as that (ironically) has control oil better than this one.

On Acne & Inflammed Skin

I've been using this primer for a few weeks and was pleasantly surprised when it improved my complexion during a breakout.

I have sensitive skin when I have hormonal acne, and my skin doesn't usually tolerate any makeup.

However, this primer actually reduced a bit of the redness and inflammation after wearing it all day.

It applies well above the spots and covers the large pores.

Overall, I'd say it's also a good primer for acne-prone skin.

Makeup Longevity

I've had my foundation and blush last for 10+ hours in the winter wearing this primer with a bb cream.

A little bit of shine pushed through at the end but was quickly solved by loose powder.

Scent

It has a pleasant citrusy grapefruit smell, typical in the Smooth Affair primer line.

The scent fades off pretty quickly as soon as I put foundation over it.

It may be a natural fragrance, but it might bother some people, so something to take note of.

Discontinuation

With the introduction of the new Smooth Affair collection, the Smooth Affair® Oily Skin Face Primer is about to be phased out in favor of the Smooth Affair® Mattifying Primer .

They have it on sale in many places, so make sure to stock up before it runs out.

Key Ingredients:

• PoreAway™ Technology – Helps reduce shine, the appearance of pores and clogged pores, and creates a smooth matte finish
• Titanium Dioxide and Iron Oxides color spheres – Color capsules that adjust to the skin
• Apple extract – soothing antioxidant that helps maintain elasticity to keep it firm and tight, malic acid gently exfoliates the skin

This primer is sensitive- and allergy-tested, so there shouldn’t be any problems with irritation.

There are still botanical ingredients, so it can still irritate some, especially those with sensitized skin.

If you think you have damaged or sensitized skin, it’s best to strip your skincare to just the following until you’ve re-balanced your skin:

1. a gentle cleanser (e.g. Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser – Gentle Non-Foaming Face Wash for Sensitive Skin) and
2. a skin-repairing moisturizer (e.g. Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Face Lotion or Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream)

Make-up Artist Tips:

• A pea-sized amount is all you need. Apply with your fingers for easier absorption.
• You can mix this with any liquid foundation for sheer coverage.
• 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.

Related: The Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers for Oily Skin; The Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin

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:

Aqua/Water/Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Coconut Alkanes (and) Polysilicone 11, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Root Extract, Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Pectin, Chlorella Vulgaris/Lupinus Albus Protein Ferment, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium Chloride, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract (and) Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Lecithin, Alcohol Denat., Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77489, CI 77491), Mica, Sucrose, Ethylcellulose, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Citric Acid

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.