July 27, 2011

MAC Prep + Primer Fortified Skin Enhancer SPF 35 Neutralize & Recharge Review, Swatches, Photos

MAC extends it’s Prep + Prime Collection mid-August with some new additions including their new Prep + Primer Fortified Skin Enhancer SPF 35.

Available in four shades, Fortified Skin Enhancers are a series of correcting primers to address issues such as dull skin, redness, etc…

Let’s take a look at two of them now!


A series of moisturizing primer/correctors to visibly enhance skin for a more flawless appearance.


I consider these both a primer and a corrector as they prep skin for makeup while correcting skin problems for a more flawless finish.

The formula is a creamy, moisturizing blend with a very subtle color pay off so you’re not going to be using these for any major issues. These merely corrector but do not perfect in my experience or cover.

MAC created four shades each of which addresses a specific problem. They were actually originally introduced to the Asian market and only included three shades I believe.

Each bottle is 1 oz in size but I find the size very generous for some reason as the needle nose applicator allows for just the right amount to be disturbed without getting a big gob of product on your fingers that you won’t end up using. However, at $30 they are probably an ickle high by MAC standards.

I received two of the four shades to try out. Neutralize is a butter yellow which is meant to calm a blotchy complexion or redness and Recharge is an orange beige shade which is meant for brightening up darker skin tones.

I can’t say that Neutralize did much of anything for me as I don’t have any redness to address. I did try it out of curiosity to see if it would even out my skin tone or brighten anything up but sadly, it seems to absorb super quickly without leaving anything behind aside from a nice hydrated finish. I thought the shade was an interesting choice as traditionally green primers are recommended to address redness so I’m curious how those with the problem will find this works.

Recharge is actually very interesting even though the color is very unflattering it seems to brighten up my dull, tired skin and created a nice soft focus on my face.

I do find the product a little too sheer and quick to absorb to really address any major issues but I’m curious to try out Adjust which promises to brighten and even out the complexion as this would be the shade most suited to my own tone I think.

It deserves to be mentioned that MAC added an SPF 35 in the mix. Interestingly enough this does not change the formula. SPF sometimes makes a formula greasy or too heavy but this remains lightweight, non-oily, and has just the right hydration without feeling heavy!


I find it very irritating you have to guess what these are for. I like to hunt and peck around my counter by myself but in the case of these you might find you need to ask an MA exactly what the product does and what shades address what issues since MAC fails to include a description on the boxes or bottles.

  • Anyone looking for a correcting primer with a hydrating finish.
  • Anyone who suffers from dullness, tired skin, redness, or those in need something to even out their skin tone.
  • Those who currently use a corrector(s) as part of their daily regime and are interesting in checking out one from MAC.
  • Those wanting a corrector with SPF.

  • Those who expect major results (I find these are a little sheer and they absorb easily without leaving behind too much of a difference in skin).


I’m honestly unsure how I feel about the Fortified Skin Enhancers at this point. I love MAC for including correcting primers in their permanent range but speaking from experience with correctors these fall on the lower rung due to the subtly of the payoff of the product. I think a bit more pigment here would make these a winner as you’d visibly see the results but than again, on the up side, it’s nice these are so lightweight and work so easily with other base products. Another perk of the product is the SPF 35!

Will you be trying these when they release?

You’ll see the MAC Prep + Primer Fortified Skin Enhancer

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Renata

    Hi, Muse
    Have you tried the YSL correctors? There are 6 shades to correct, brighten, etc etc.

    • the Muse

      no renata haven’t…I use a few Korean and Japanese ones plus I have various color wheels.

  • Deb

    Muse, did you use a moisturizer under this? I notice you mention they are hydrating and I’m wondering if a moisturizer would be necessary.

    • the Muse

      my skin is like the Sahara at the moment deb ;-D so yup, I did but you don’t have to if you’re a bit oily or combo. normally I mist, moisturizer, spf,, followed up with this, and a bb cream.

  • Barbara

    I deal with redness (it comes with the acne-prone skin territory) and, from personal experience, yellow-based correctors do a much better job of neutralizing redness than green-based ones. The green ones left me looking sickly even after working my ass off to blend it in. I can see in theory why green should work, but it just didn’t irl. It’s actually one of the reasons why I bought a BB cream, since most come with a yellow base.

    I don’t feel like I need to add another step to my makeup regime, so I won’t be buying this. However, that won’t stop me from trying it out at a counter just to see if it will work.

    • the Muse

      interesting barbara! it’s nice to hear from someone who has the issues maybe this will work for you!? but I agree another step is the worst…I am already doing TOO much!

  • Cj

    These are very interesting. I just don’t know what I’d use it as. A real primer would probably do a better job priming than these. I don’t know if I wanna add another step for nothing lol

  • Jen

    From your review it sounds like a must try for me. I’d like a more hydrating primer and since my new foundation doesn’t include SPF it’d be nice not to have to add another layer of SPF before my Dr. Jart primer, which does a very good job of mattifying and creating a smooth base for foundation however cutting out a step is more ideal. Can you tell me how this fares as a primer paired with foundation? I currently use the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural.

  • jilian

    I’m sorry my response is soooo random and so late lol…but these are actually great MIXED INTO your foundation