MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder Review

I do not have oily skin. I have more of a combination skin. But in summers, coz of sweat anything and everything melts off of my skin. I need a powder to set my foundation if I am wearing any. And I find that loose powders do the job better when I am out in the sun for long hours or if I am going for any festivities. In summers I try as much as I can to avoid liquid foundations and go for powder foundations. As much as I love the powder foundations for those sweaty, hot and humid days, I feel that they make me look flat. And that I need a little extra and that little extra is the MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder. Also for my dry under eye area, loose powders work better than pressed powders. This product has already been raved all over the internet. Today I am going to try to give my take on it. The whole thing lies in the versatility of the product to be used in many ways.

Product Claims – A silky finishing powder that provides an invisible way to set makeup and reduce shine. Available in one universal colour that suits all shades. Wear over makeup or on bare, moisturized skin for a velvety smooth finish. Can be used to set foundation or on bare moisturized skin if foundation is not desired.

KEY CLAIMS AND BENEFITS

• Non-drying
• Controls shine
• Oil-free
• Safe for contact lens wearers
• For all skin types, including sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free
• Dermatologist tested
• Non-acne genic
• Ophthalmologist tested

Packaging –  MAC  Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder comes in shiny black cardboard box as do all products in the Prep+Prime range. The actual powder comes in a tub packaging with a shiny black lid and a plastic stopper on the inside with holes to disperse the product. There is also a sticker on those holes so that product doesn’t come out and go waste.

Now to be honest, it is not the most convenient packaging and you need to shut off the fan while using it if you don’t want the powder to fly off everywhere. But, it comes with territory of loose powders, can’t do much about it. It can be travelled with, but I would advise you to handle it very carefully, coz one drop can lead to a lot of wastage of product.

Texture – The texture of this powder is extremely finely milled. You need be very careful while taking out this product as it will fly off under fan. You just need to dip your brush very lightly into the powder and tap off as much as you can of the excess, coz a very little powder is enough to dust off your entire face.

You can layer it up; it will still not look cakey. It pertains to its name and blends into the skin and remains transparent. Even very dry skinned ladies can get away with using this as it is so lightweight and you can’t feel it on your skin at all. You can see the effects of it on your skin immediately and your skin feels soft and velvety to touch but you can’t feel the product on your skin. As in, you can’t feel any heaviness.

My Experience

Now MAC  Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder is such a product that it can be used in many ways. I myself use it in many ways and it works for me every time. In peak summers when I am in no mood for makeup, I just apply it as it is on my bare moisturised face and it keeps my face matte without making it look flat. I use it on top of my tinted moisturiser also to set it and keep it in place.

When I am doing some heavy duty makeup, I use it to set my foundation and then apply compact on top, it gives a velvety soft base for my compact to go on. Sometimes I use only this powder on top of my foundation too. I also use it to set my under eyes and sometimes to bake it lightly. Used either ways it helps my concealer stay on for long and helps it from creasing and also minimises the lines under my eyes and also my pores.

I love using MAC  Prep + Prime powder in all its ways and it works for me in every way. The minute you apply it you can see the differences, it takes away the shine, blurs your pores and lines, mattifies your skin without making it look flat and lifeless and also gives your skin a subtle glow like feeling. I sometimes layer it up especially if I have done heavy concealing under my eyes, it doesn’t feel cakey at all.

Some people say that it leaves a white cast when taking photos in artificial lights. But to this date I haven’t experienced so in either daylight or artificial light. I am so in love with this powder especially if I have to use make up in the hot and humid weather, this powder saves me from having a mess on my hands and helps me keep my foundation and concealer on for a long time without creasing or melting.

MAC  Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder (Price 1850 for 9 gm)

Overall Thoughts

MAC  Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder is a versatile and multi-purpose Loose setting powder which can be used in multiple ways to set your makeup or even on your bare skin. It gives your skin a subtle glow, but also sets it matte.

It softens your skin and makes it velvety, yet remains lightweight. It blurs your pores and lines and controls the oil in your face, but doesn’t leave your face looking flat. It gives a softer base for your compact, blush, Bronzer etc. to go on.

It increases the longevity of your makeup, especially your foundation and concealer without creasing it. A tiny amount goes a long way, so one tub will last you very long. I love this product so much. Highly recommend it.

Rating – 5/5

*Written By Lavanya