MAC Prep + Prime Skin Smoother Review
The new MAC Prep + Prime Skin Smoother is one of thee most exciting releases to date for me. I love, I LOVE Mally’s Face Defender and this is along the same lines. My mentality was, if anyone was going to do an awesome product like this, it would have to be MAC right?
MAC Prep + Prime Skin Smoother isn’t a new idea by any means although for some folks it might be unique and new as Mally’s version isn’t well known and a ton of people don’t realize that Dior also has a similiar product.
This next generation primer is very interesting and I had high hopes for it…
Take a look!
I didn’t love it but I do like it, Ha…I’m so negative.
I actually prefer Mally’s version and I highly suggest trying hers. Hell, if you can afford it, try both. QVC sells Mally’s version and has an excellent return policy so you can go ahead and indulge guilt free. And of course, Nordstrom has an equally generous return policy so you can try out MAC Prep + Prime Skin Smoother as well and see which is for you.
I’ll explain some of the reasons I like Mally’s version better and what the difference is between the two primers but let me get into some details about MAC’s version first.
For someone that’s never used a product like this before I typically describe it as your favorite silicone primer, poured into a compact, and solidified. That’s about the extent of it. It’s simply like having your favorite primer in compact form.
MAC made two mistakes with Prep + Prime Skin Smoother one of which is the overly emollient texture and feel of the product and secondly, they choose to piss me off by not including a sponge for application, seriously, it’s the little things.
This is a creamy balm that comes in a compact and promises to fill lines, wrinkles, and pores up to 28% by providing a silky, matte finish. I feel like the balmer, creamier feel of the product feels more emollient, not necessarily hydrating, but not matte. The typical powdery, velvety feel you get from a silicone primer is lacking here and the product feels more emollient almost greasy for lack of a better word as you apply. Needless to say I find the greasiness is most prominent during application with a sponge so maybe the lack of one was actually intentional and not poor marketing. MAC suggests using fingers for application and really most of us kinda feel a little icky about that particularly if we are traveling with the compact. On the upside, this actually works out better for application than a sponge does and the finish is a good deal smoother however it still remains less matte than what I expected.
Now without a doubt, the 28% smoothing claim could possibly be very real. The pores on my nose, the only really visible ones on my entire face look invisible after application. And really with application all over my face I can easily see how much smoother and flawless it looks.
MAC does things a little different with this as Mally’s version suggests use before foundation but strongly advises after. MAC suggests under foundation and powder or used as a touch up by lightly pressing into place or strippling onto oily areas.
The formula contains a mix of HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolmer, Silicia, T102, and Iron Oxide plus a blend of peptdes to boost skin’s smoothness which helps to improve collagen production.
The differences between Mally’s version and MAC’s are pretty defined here Mally Face Defender is denser, less balmy, less creamy. It works great to not only mattify skin but perfect it and fill pores and wrinkles. MAC’s version is creamier, more balmy, less dense, more emollient and hydrating if you will plus less likely to mattify skin as well as Mally’s version. I thought MAC’s version held out a little longer than Mally’s version though which needs a touch up ever few hours versus MAC’s which seems to get through a day very well, about six hours of wear. I didn’t feel like MAC’s version prolonged foundation wear however Mally’s seemed to do a good job keeping my base from oxidizing and allowing it to remain fresher, longer.
If it’s skin perfection you seek MAC Prep + Prime Skin Smoother delivers but if you want the best mattifying action I think Mally’s version does a better job. MAC Senior Artist, Luc Bouchard, calls it his “real life photoshop” and yes, that’s exactly the effect it has on skin. It perfects and beautifies.
It’s good, really good but it needs a little work to be perfect and a sponge wouldn’t have hurt guys.
I’m slapping a Muse Approval on it but I highly suggest trying out both Mally’s and this to get the best feel for both products.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on MAC Prep + Prime Skin Smoother and heck, if you love the Mally Beauty one, do share your thoughts on that too.
MAC Prep + Prime Skin Smoother releases this Thursday at MAC counters and is online at maccosmetics.com