Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer

What it is: A multipurpose skin product that promises to supplant both your primer and your moisturizer from the usual routine.

The combo product delivers a full day’s worth of hydration to skin, while also priming the skin’s surface for flawless makeup application.

Good for all skin types — from normal to dry and even oily — offers a non-greasy finish and a quick-drying formula that acts as a “makeup magnet” for foundation, while also masking skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, dullness and uneven texture.

The Primerizer is formulated with niacinamide (an ingredient that reportedly improves skin’s barrier repair function) and hyaluronic acid (a molecule that helps the skin avoid moisture loss) and without phthalates and parabens.

What we say: This is the perfect product to introduce new beauty users to primers. Why? Well, while we can’t all justify adding yet another step to our beauty routines — primer is meant to be applied after your moisturizer but before foundation — we can all get behind a double-duty product offering.

This lightweight formula is slated as a possible replacement for both a primer and a facial moisturizer — so that’s exactly how our tester tried it. Applied to clean skin post-cleansing, the formula smooths easily over skin and requires no blending.

Skin felt soft and hydrated after application, much like it would after applying a moisturizer. From the primer perspective, our tester noted her liquid and powder foundations seemed to go on slightly smoother and more even than normal.

While it didn’t dramatically alter the overall performance — wear and/or longevity — throughout the day, skin did look noticeably more hydrated and smooth. Where to get it: Sephora; smashbox.ca What it will cost you: $50