Dupe Or Not? Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Vs. Monistat Chafing Gel

Y'all, I am so happy it's Friday. Luckily this week flew by for me, because all I want to do it rest and rest, hence this post going up later than usual. All the little ones I know are sick, so I've caught their cold. But onto to today's post: I've said before--it drives me crazy when a beauty blogger/vlogger throws the word DUPE next to a product when it really truly isn't. I decided to test them out once and for all. This week's dupe test suggestion comes from Amanda and I'm testing to see if Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel is a dupe for Smashox Photo Finish.

https://youtu.be/-0mZRlaPPY0 (alternative link)

In case you've not heard of either product, Smashbox Photo Finish is a silicone-based primer that is used to diffuse the look of pores and fine lines on the skin. It is oil-free and gives a great smooth base to apply makeup.

Monistat Chafing Powder Gel gives relief and prevention from irritation from friction, like in the bikini area or inner thighs. It is not used for yeast infections.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer--

• $36 
• 1oz
• Online, finer stores where Smashbox is sold, like Sephora

Monistat Powder Chafing Gel--

• $5.99 (I've seen it $7.99-$3.99)
• 1.5 oz
• Online, drugstores, box stores

Quite a price difference, right? Let's test them out:

Appearance-wise, they are very similar. Smashbox looks a little clearer and smoother.

Feel-wise, they feel the same when applied to skin.

They have similar ingredients, with Smashbox having more plant extracts. 

Once rubbed in, they work the same at blurring pores, with Smashbox drying to that smooth finish a little faster. Sometimes Monistat was a little too thick so less product had to be used (another bonus).

But how did they last? I found Smashbox kept makeup on a little longer, but the amount was not significant enough to make that big of a difference. While both products are prepared in different places by different companies, I could not find information on the quality of ingredients, to see if one was better prepared than the other.

I think the Monistat is a great alternative and you cannot beat the price. They are nearly identical. I've been using it for almost a decade, after a former co-worker finally spilled her secret to me. I shared it nearly 5 years ago on here, and it was one of my first Pinterest pins to be popular.

Have you tried the dupe?

What "dupe" would you like tested next?

Extra Elle:

• I've got a bunch of weekend plans and hopefully some Christmas decorating too!