MAC Prime Focus: Prep + Prime Fortified Skin Enhancer SPF 35 and Transparent Finishing Powder/Pressed Swatches and Review

Here are some recent offerings from MAC's Prep + Prime line. These products were roadtested backstage during Fashion Week, and I guess these garnered good feedback so MAC decided to offer them to the public. I was able to try some of the items, so here are my thoughts on these.



MAC Prep + Prime Fortified Skin Enhancer SPF 35


Top to bottom: Neutralize, Adjust, Recharge

Swatches:


Adjust


Neutralize, Recharge


Blended into skin







The Prep + Prime Fortified Skin Enhancer SPF 35 is a multi-tasker. It functions as a colour-corrector, face primer and UV protector (love the high SPF 35!) with light hydrating properties all in one. I just love the fact that this is a primer and sunscreen in one. I am adamant about putting on sunscreen (at least SPF 30) everyday, and this is a godsend for me because I don't need to apply a separate sunscreen in the morning. I also like the fact that this is colour correcting. Every shade has a specific target area that it addresses. This concept is based on the good, reliable color wheel. A color that is opposite another color on the color wheel is used to cancel one another out. Yellow counteracts purplish blemishes, thus good for the undereye area. Lilac neutralizes a sallow complexion and minimizes yellow undertones. Orange or salmon-colored products counteract blues, so salmon correctors are perfect for the undereye area as well.

These new Fortified Skin Enhancers target the specific problem areas mentioned. Neutralize is a pale yellow that will help counteract purplish bruises or blemishes. Illuminate is a pale lavender that would work to counter sallow or yellow undertones. Recharge is a bronzey orange that can work as a salmon color to counteract blue undereye circles. Adjust is a light, neutral peach that can work to illuminate the skin and give a slight glow.

Speaking of glow, these Fortified Skin Enhancers give a slight illuminating quality to the skin, which is great if you have dry or mature skin, because radiance on the skin suggests youth and vitality.

I like this new product because it is a sunscreen and primer and corrector in one. I love multi-taskers. Also, I love the fact that it gives a certain radiance to the skin. If you have very oily skin, though, this may make your skin look too greasy, so this might not be for you.

Pros: Color-corrector + sunscreen + primer in one, gives a nice radiance to the skin

Cons: might not be suited for very oily skin

The Shades Of U Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars


Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder/Pressed:



Imagine this:



turning to this:



Glorious, isn't it? No messy spills, no worries when traveling. The new compact is great, and I think I am loving this new Transparent Finishing Powder/Pressed more than the loose one, mostly because I don't look like a ghost when I dust it lightly all over my face to set my foundation. The loose version makes my finished look a tad too white. This one looks nice and gives the illusion of blemish-free skin. It blurs imperfections and softens the appearance of lines.  I love that you can also bring this with you in your makeup kit without worrying about messy spills.


Wearing Prep + Prime Fortified Skin Enhancer SPF 35 and Transparent Finishing Powder/Pressed

Pros: blurs imperfections, gives a flawless finish to makeup, now comes in a convenient, mess-free and travel-friendly compact

Cons: has silica and mica, so stay away if your skin is allergic to these ingredients or if these cause you to break out

The Shades Of U Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Available in the permanent line starting August 18, 2011 in North America and September 2011 International.

Note: Media samples were provided by a representative of the company for consideration.  All opinions are completely mine.