MONISTAT ANTI CHAFING GEL AS A PRIMER

Wait...You are not confused.This is an anti chafing gel which works as a great primer.The secret is that it has all the ingredients (silicones mostly) that are present in SMASHBOX face primer.The smashbox primer being high end has extra ingredients for skin care and fragrance.

The Monistat anti chafing gel is considered the best,dirt cheap dupe of smashbox face primer.The company Monistat makes anti fungal creams for vaginal yeast infection,but this product is meant to be used on thighs or any areas of skin which rub and get inflamed due to irritation.It protect chafing by making a layer on skin.This is precisely the reason it works so great for face.It is designed to control sweat and oil and is very heavy duty.

So,how did it work as a primer for me.Lets read...

MONISTAT ANTI CHAFING GEL AS A PRIMER

Read the yellow area too.

Shine is reduced and a little blurring effect is there

I got this primer for PKR 2250 from Beautyinbudget4U.The packaging is a little battered,but I don't mind ^_^.

This primer is a colorless,odorless gel.It has a little powdery feel.A pea size is enough for full face.When applied it makes my face matte with a satin finish.It is very light weight and non greasy.It doesn't ball up under the foundation.

I have been wearing it to work where I had to face problems like sweat and humidity, thanks to frequent power break downs.When worn alone it keeps makeup matte, but over my sunscreen the effectiveness is somewhat reduced.Not much though.When I have to stay without electricity for long hours the oil does shine through.A little blotting takes care of it.

[I think using a sunscreen in makeup routine will compromise the effectiveness of any primer.So,the best option is a moisturizer or a foundation with high SPF.]

I have not used  Smash box primer so I can not say how it is in comparison.Below are the ingredients of smashbox primer(highlighted ones are in common with Monistat gel):

----"Cyclopentasiloxane,Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone cross polymer,Silica,Tocopherol Acetate ,Trisiloxane,Dimethicone cross polymer,Dimethicone,Ethylhexyl salicylate,Ratinyl Palmitate,safflower seed extract,Grape seed extract,Aqua,Propylene Glycol,Cola Acuminata seed extract,Japanese green tea Leaf Extract."----

As you can see the ingredients which perform the function of shine and oil control i-e silicone are the same.

There might be a difference of texture like smash box might feel more silky and luxurious, but Monistat performs the intended purpose very well.This one works great as a primer and does its job i-e makes makeup last long.

Monistat also has less ingredients then smashbox so it might not irritate the skin.(Breakouts can be a complaint with smashbox so I heard).

Price of Smash box primer is 36$(1oz) and for Monistat is 6$(1.5oz).Availability of both in Pakistan is an issue.You will be able to get original Moni online more easily then original Smaxh box.(This point is so cool :P)

GOOD POINTS:

1)-It feels light weight,non greasy.

2)-Leaves skin soft.

3)-Gives skin a silky finish.

4-Does not ball up under foundation(mineral,powder or liquid).

5)-The makeup lasts longer.My makeup with this primer stays all through work.

6)-Controls oil.

7)-Does not cause break outs.

8)-Odorless

BAD POINTS:

1)-It is just a primer.No promise of filling your pores and color correction.

2)-Availability in Pakistan can be an issue.

In the end I would just like to say two words only...IT WORKS.Another three words...I LOVE IT.

To see how it looks with makeup on click here.

RATING:

You might have a noticed a change in format of review.I summarize the good and bad points now.I am doing this after receiving requests from my friends to do a "Shamim edition" too.hehe.(Shamim is actually a series of medical review books for every subject with bullet points.The Pakistani doctors understand me well here.)

Hope you girls like the review.Do let me know in comments. xoxoxo