When Hard Candy releases a new collection, they go all out. This new primer is one of many new products the brand released for spring 2016. I have been wanting to try the Smashbox Primer Water, but I hoped that this would be a budget friendly alternative. I have been using this mist for weeks, and I love it. In fact, I just bought a back up bottle a few days ago.
I haven't tried the Smashbox version, so I can't make any comparisons. However, Hard Candy's Sheer Envy Primer Mist is pretty great. I have oily skin and appreciate the added hydration, so I expect that anyone with drier skin will love it even more.
What Hard Candy Says:
"This lightweight primer mist hydrates skin and revitalizes radiance. You will get the benefits of priming, hydrating, and refreshing your face. Coconut water infused to boost hydration benefits for up to 12 hours. Leaves skin soft, smooth, and supple."
From what I have experienced, this is very true.
I spritz this all over my face just before I start applying my eyeshadow so it has time to dry. I do notice a difference in how hydrated and smooth my skin feels. And I don't just mean right after application. It lasts all day. It doesn't leave behind a weird film or any kind of stickiness. It also helps foundation apply more smoothly and it looks more natural. It does help my foundation stay on, but if I over spray it, I can look a little oily by the end of the day. But that is everyday no matter what I do. But doing that seems to make it a little worse.
I have used it as a setting spray, and I don't like it quite as much. It worked great if I wore a full coverage foundation, but it made more sheer foundations look like a greasy mess on me. It definitely will make your skin look dewy, which would be great for drier skin.
I am also a fan of the ingredient list. It doesn't have silicone, oil, or alcohol. It also has coconut oil, electrolytes, and glycerin. Not only does glycerin help with hydration, foundation also binds to it, which is why it lasts longer than it normally would. Of course this also means you have to make sure you apply the primer evenly. Otherwise your foundation will look a little patchy by the end of the day. And I am speaking from experience.
It does have a light coconut scent, but it doesn't linger and I find it to be very pleasant.
Hard Candy's Sheer Envy Hydrating Primer Mist is right at $10 for 2.2 oz and it is available only at Walmart. If you have drier skin, want some added hydration, or are looking for an easy way to achieve a dewy look, this would be worth trying out.