MAC Future Earth: Volcanic Ash Exfoliator and Prep + Prime Microfine Lip Finisher

This is a review of two interesting and newly-released products from MAC which belong to the Future Earth collection. Let's start with this well-received volcanic ash exfoliator. It literally looks like black, slimy sludge, mainly because, as the name suggests, it came from volcanic ash. It is thus not a surprise that this looks a lot like molten rock or lava. It is infused with sugar granules to slough off dead skin cells and to make the skin smooth, bright and supple. It has also been described as mineral-rich. When I opened the tub, I realized that the packaging was not as lovely as I thought it was - it is, err, messy. The tar-looking goopy stuff gets all over the place, and I have to wipe the sides and the bottom of the tub clean each time I use it. The smell kinda gets to me too. It IS a pleasant scent, but it is just a bit too strong for me. Other than that, it is a great product. I used it on my face and back, and it just made my skin supple and smooth. The sugar granules were a bit big compared to what I am used to (I use Mary Kay Microdermabrasion set), but it is definitely effective nonetheless. My face looked noticeably smoother with a lot less of those half-in-half-out whiteheads on my temples and forehead. I can't wait to use this on my elbows, knees, ankles and heels, the more common rough spots. For $19 per 4.5g container, I'd say it's a pretty good deal, and will probably last you a while.



I love the lip exfoliant/lip conditioner in one. I used to have the Satin Lips set of Mary Kay that has two tubes sold as a set - the exfoliant and the lip conditioner. Now MAC has made things so much easier with this two-in-one stick. One side is the lip exfoliator that sloughs off nasty dead skin right where you need it - on your dry, cracked lips - and it has the lip conditioner side that acts as a lip balm which soothes and protects after you exfoliate. Such a simple but brilliant idea. I just love how convenient this little tube is - just pop it in your makeup bag and you can exfoliate whenever and wherever you want. The two-step process just makes the lips so much better-looking under your lipstick and favorite gloss. This is all you need to give your lips a quick makeover.

I heard that the volcanic ash exfoliator will become a permanent item in MAC due to the brisk sales (it's already sold out online), but I fear for the lip exfoliator because it still has the dreaded black triangle of death on the MAC website. MAC, please make this Prep + Prime Microfine Lip Finisher permanent as well; it is truly a stroke of genius!