MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm Compact Review & Swatches
I purchased my first MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm Compact in August I believe? MAC launched the BB Beauty Balm Compact a few months ago but not many folks realized it was hanging out on the website.
It comes to the forefront this Spring 2013 as part of the general catalog. I mentioned in a few posts already that you’ll see BB Creams getting a big push for Spring so I suspect that’s why MAC is kinda bringing this forward.
Also keep in mind, it was supposed to launch with the Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm but for some reason there were some delays thus the new “relaunch” of the product.
Take a look!
This is a long over due review. I purchased the Light Plus version of MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm Compact this Summer. Now MAC recently sent me the three shades available so I decided it was time to review.
Sadly, this is lacking in the shade department. Shades available are Extra Light, Light, and Light Plus. Honestly, with a shade range like this, very few will find a match. If you are lucky enough to find a match I can honestly say that BB Beauty Balm Compact is a brilliant product.
Light, Light Plus, Extra Light
BB Cream Compacts are a dime a dozen in Korea. Every brand seems to have one. It’s basically a BB Cream in a compact form which has a denser cream formula than you’d find in a tube. In my experience I dislike cream compact foundations overall. That dislike stems to BB Creams in this format as well. In most cases, I find them too thick, too heavy, and too moisturizing.
The one exception to my rule is Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer Creme Compact. Speaking of which MAC’s BB Beauty Balm Compact is very similiar in texture to this product.
Where as Laura’s version was sheerer, MAC seems to have better pigmentation. Coverage is sheer still but still overall coverage is a bit better than Laura’s version. Now I loved the Tinted Moisturizer Creme Compact I purchased and even Muse Approved it. But MAC’s BB Beauty Balm Compact is better.
I find the glide is most moisturizing but not greasy or oily. It glides onto skin and evens out skin tone, perfecting it, and creating the illusion of flawlessness. It does accentuate drier skin so be sure you prep well prior to application. I noticed it clung rather unnaturally and badly to flakier areas around my cheeks. So exfoliating, moisturizer, and primer are a good idea…heck, they should be apart of your daily regime anyway but just be sure to take extra care with application.
Coverage is not life altering. Don’t expect it to conceal major problems because it simply won’t do that. However, if you desire a “my skin but better” appearance this will surely give you that. It’ll blur minor imperfections, even out uneven spots, and just create a beautifully perfect canvas for makeup.
It’s a touch dewy at first but dries down to a satiny soft finish. It comes with a sponge for application which does the trick perfectly however, be sure to rinse it with each use to avoid bacteria.
Wear time is iffy. On my drier skin I notice it fades within a three hour period. You might see longer or shorter results depending on your skin type. I imagine the shortest wear time will be for oily skin. It is easy enough to tuck into your bag for touch ups so the short wear time might not be too much of a bother.
It does contain SPF 30 but you really NEED to apply a ton for that to be effective so proper sunscreen prior application is a smart idea.
Overall, I don’t love a ton of coverage and merely use a smidge of BB Cream or foundation so this is ideal for someone like me. My skin is good overall sans acne or any major issues. I suffer from dullness and this does an excellent job easing that and creating a smooth, perfect canvas for makeup. If you lighter, sheerer coverage which perfects already good skin I highly suggest checking out Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm Compact. The downfall is the unfortunate lack of shades but if you can find a shade to match your tone, you’re in for a treat!
Excellent product.
Available now at all MAC stores or online at maccosmetics.com
Tried it?
Do share!
Disclosure: This review contains a compact I purchased as well as press samples provided by MAC for review.