MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder

I used to set my makeup with MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Dark until I found this product. I tried Make Up For Ever's HD Finishing Powder and thought it was too ashy for my brown, NW40-43 skin; so, though I had the Prep + Prime powder, I allowed it to languish in the makeup drawer for several months thinking it would be just as ashy-looking. Then I decided to try it... and I loved the finish. Though it is transparent and white, it provided coverage -- as strange as that sounds -- and was not patchy or ashy-looking at all! I use a makeup puff to set my T-zone and a fluffy, natural-hair brush for the rest of my face and for blending. I recommend a light hand for people with drier skin or for those who would like a less matte look. For me, one jar of the powder easily lasts 6-8 months with 5-days-a-week use.

This is a wonderful product and I'm so glad MAC is keeping it in the permanent line. It diffuses, softens lines, extracts shine, and so much more. Great for setting foundation and concealer, but be careful, it only takes a little bit. Use a smallish long bristle brush for the corresponding area for applying this powder and with a little practice you'll wonder how you ever lived without it! Is is perfect for setting the new mineralize foundation compact (WOW! - another great product!) and also works well over just strobe cream or lotion for a fast look. It came out with the sculpt foundation and does work well with it as well but it does take a little more time to apply to get it right. But what a flawless face! Oh, and to the reviewer about the little holes; there is a black sticker over the black sifter under the cap so there's no need to punch holes. Just find the sticker and peel it off to reveal the holes underneath.

I love loose setting powder and this is my go to for the winter months when my skin gets lighter and my normal color foundation is too dark. That said, this translucent powder does actually give off a white tone so do not use with a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly. In the event that your foundation matches our skin tone, I recommend the mineralize skin finish loose powder same packaging, or mineralized pressed powder in the dome packaging.

I've been using MAC products for about 3 years, but only started using this finishing powder a few months ago....all I can say is that I can't believe I've gone without it for this long! I use MACs Studio Fix liquid foundation, and after I lightly powder over with the studio fix compact powder, this finishing powder nicely sets in all of my hard morning work and lasts me all day :) it doesn't take much, either! I absolutely love this product and will continue to use it!

Wow! This product instantly "de-shines". It is light and matt and you only need to dust on a small amount to get the desired effect. It also works when you need to re-apply later in the day or evening. The only minus was that I had to work out how to take the lid off and punch the holes to let the powder out. There must be an easier way - no?