Review: M.A.C Mineralized Skinfinish Natural

Hi Bellas,

By viewer request, I’ve done a review on M.A.C’s Mineralized Skin Finish Natural. As many of you may have seen, I use the mineralized skin finish natural in medium dark nearly every time I apply foundation. Sometimes I use it with a powder blush to set off my liquid or cream foundation. Other times, I’ll use it by itself with a flat top buffer brush (check out the pink flat top brush from www.coastalscents.com) when I feel like having lighter coverage.

www.maccosmetics.com states the following about this product:


A luxurious domed face powder with minerals, slowly baked to provide a dimensional yet natural-matte finish. Provides perfect low coverage. Use to set and fix foundation or as a touch-up throughout the day.
US$24.50

::: The Ingredients :::::
Talc, Nylon-12, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 20, Isopropyl Palmitate, Jojoba Seed Oil, Yeast Extract, Tocopheryl Actetate, Retinyl Plamitate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Magnesium Aluminium Silicate, BHT, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben

They offer multiple shades including:
*** Light (Soft pale beige)
*** Light Medium (Pale golden beige)
*** Medium (Soft creamy beige)
*** Medium Plus (Tan beige)
*** Medium Dark (Caramel beige)
*** Medium Deep (Rich golden tan)
*** Dark (Deep caramel)
*** Deep Dark (Rich golden bronze)



As you can see from the description, this is a mineralized product. Usually that translates to more minerals baked into the product, offering extra benefits to the skin. It also states that is perfect for low coverage. Mind you, these products are now part of M.A.C’s regular line so we can reap its benefits for years to come.

I first purchased this product when it was a part of the N Collection. I had heard about the other mineralized skinfinishes that were more on the frosty/metallic side. That was pretty much where my knowledge ended. Before I knew it, I was using this everyday, tossing aside my select sheer pressed powder in place of my mineralized skin finish natural.

Uses of this product:
There are really many uses for this product. Like I mentioned, you can use this alone as foundation with a buffer or kabuki brush (MAC 182). Or if you want, you can also use this as a pressed powder over your foundation using a puff or sponge. This product can also work as a finishing powder over foundation-I do this by applying it lightly with a powder brush or even the MAC 187. You can pretty much control the coverage from sheer to medium depending on the brush (i.e. from large fluffy brushes to tighter kabukis). On top of all of this, if you pick the appropriate shade this product can be used as a bronzer, highlighter, or contour color. A MAC artist once told me that you can use certain colors to brighten up one’s complexion. For example, if the winter blues have you down, you can use a mineralized skin finish in a shade up to add warmth to your entire complexion. She also told me that you can wet your brush and apply the product wet for more coverage. Just like eyeshadows, however, make sure to try and pick up the color from the edge if you are wetting it. I made the mistake of using the same 187 brush that I used my Mineralized Satinfinish foundation with, and the moisture of the foundation created a layer that I had to scrape off.

Pros
As you can tell, I love this product for everyday use. It’s amazing that I found a powder that matches my exact complexion. Unlike other pressed powders, this product really does offer a natural, matte finish. This is most likely due to the fact that it is a mineralized product. Oftentimes, other pressed powders gave me that cakey, heavy look which I would have to counteract by using fix plus. No need for that with this baby! The powder actually feels very natural and light-weight. Also, with multiple shades, this product is sure to match your complexion. I also love how I’m getting the benefits of a mineralized product without the mess of a loose powder. The pressed shape is perfect for quick application and convenient enough for travel.

Cons
Due to the dome shape, this product is fairly delicate. Don’t try dropping this or you’ll find your precious dome broken into a million pieces. On the same note, don’t press your brush or sponge too hard into the center or you might shatter it. If this happens, I would either use Enkore’s Method of repairing mineralized makeup, or just crush the entire product to make a loose mineral powder. Also, if you’re looking for a high coverage powder, this probably isn’t the one for you. At most, this product will go up to medium coverage. In terms of controlling oil, it does a decent job, but it’s not an oil-control powder so you may need touch-ups throughout the day. Be like Pursebuzz and use this powder with a retractable face brush to touch up when you’re on the go. I have read some reviews that this product can look powdery on some. If this is the case, you might want to give it a few spritzes of water or fix plus. Also, check the ingredients to make sure you’re not allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients.

In sum, I would highly recommend this product. During the summer time when I get my tan, I’m definitely going to go back for a darker shade. M.A.C Mineralized Skinfinish Natural is even more perfect for warm weather to come due to its light and natural finish. At $24.50 it’s not cheap, but it’s not as expensive as some of the higher end pressed powders on the market. So what are you waiting for? Go out and get it!