Estee Lauder Set + Refresh Perfecting Makeup Mist vs Photo Finish Primer Water: which is safer?

Estee Lauder Set + Refresh Perfecting Makeup Mist is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Our pick

Estée Lauder

Estee Lauder Set + Refresh Perfecting Makeup Mist

PFAS grade

C 75/100

Overall grade

D 67/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 2

Material

liquid spray formulation, water and glycerin base

Confidence

72%

PossibleFormaldehyde releasers (preservative system)

PossibleFragrance allergens (undisclosed fragrance components)

Why this gradeBuy

Smashbox

Photo Finish Primer Water

PFAS grade

C 75/100

Overall grade

F 63/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

Water-based liquid cosmetic primer

Confidence

72%

Possible1,4-dioxane contamination (manufacturing byproduct)

PossibleFragrance allergens (undisclosed components)

PossibleMicrobial growth in preserved liquid (if seal is compromised)

Why this gradeBuy

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More beauty primers & setting sprays: see the full ranking