Hey beauty lovers! Today we’re diving deep into one of the most popular primers out there – MAC Prep + Prime Skin. As a longtime makeup enthusiast and beauty blogger, I’ve tried my fair share of primers over the years. Some have been total game-changers while others… not so much. So where does this cult-favorite from MAC fall on the spectrum? I scoured through pages of customer reviews and tested it extensively myself to bring you the real deal on whether this primer is worth the hype (and your hard-earned cash). Grab your beauty blenders and let’s jump in!
First Impressions
MAC describes Prep + Prime Skin as a “lightweight, oil-free primer that improves the look, feel and long-term healthy appearance of your skin.” It claims to even out skin redness and tone while providing a smooth base for foundation. The consistency is really lovely – it feels silky and glides on beautifully without being heavy or greasy. There’s a subtle pearl-like shimmer that initially gave me pause (yes, it’s enough to notice up close) but I was relieved to see it doesn’t read as sparkly once foundation is applied on top. The shimmer seems to mainly serve the purpose of providing a soft, lit-from-within radiance to the skin.
One pump is plenty for the whole face. The first time I used it, I went a little overboard and used two pumps which ended up being way too much. A little goes a long way with this primer! It instantly made my skin feel super smooth and soft – honestly it feels more like a luxe moisturizer than a traditional primer. Though it leaves skin feeling hydrated, it doesn’t have the slippery silicone feel of some primers.
The Good
Let’s start with the positives, and there are quite a few! An overwhelming number of reviewers raved about how this primer improved the application and wear of their foundation. Here were some of the most common praises:
- Makes foundation glide on smoothly and evenly
- Helps makeup stay put all day with minimal touchups
- Minimizes the look of pores
- Evens out skin tone and redness
- Leaves skin feeling moisturized without being greasy
- A little goes a long way – one bottle lasts forever
For dry skin types, this primer seems to be an absolute dream as many with dry skin said it was one of the few primers that didn’t emphasize dry patches or flakiness. Those with mature skin also loved how it helped minimize the look of fine lines and created a smooth canvas for makeup.
Even some oily-skinned reviewers were impressed, noting that it controlled oil and kept their makeup from breaking down throughout the day better than most primers they’ve tried. One reviewer with extremely oily skin even said it was “GOLD for helping keep my oil production down, and my makeup in tact ALL DAY LONG!!”
As someone with normal-to-dry skin, I can attest that it made my skin feel incredibly smooth and plump, and my foundation (MAC Studio Fix Fluid) went on so much more evenly. I also noticed my base makeup lasted significantly longer before fading – I usually get some separation around my nose/chin by midday, but I was shocked to look in the mirror at 5pm and see everything still perfectly in place.
The Not-So-Good
No product is perfect for everyone, and there were a few consistent complaints that popped up in the reviews (some of which I experienced firsthand). The most prevalent gripes were:
- Contains noticeable shimmer/sparkle
- Can pill up or ball up when layering products
- May not be ideal for very oily skin
- Some found it broke them out or irritated their skin
Let’s address the shimmer first. MAC doesn’t market this as a luminous or radiant primer, so the inclusion of pearl pigments was an unexpected surprise for many. Some don’t mind the subtle glow it imparts (especially since it’s much less apparent under foundation), but others found it far too shimmery for their tastes. Personally, I didn’t mind the finish as I prefer a bit of luminosity to my skin, but I can see how those who prefer a totally matte look would find the pearlescent particles off-putting.
Another common problem was pilling. Some found that the primer would ball up when they applied foundation on top, especially if they used too much of either product. I suspect this may be due to the high silicone content and its potential incompatibility with some foundations and moisturizers. In my experience, allowing adequate time for skincare and the primer to fully absorb (and using restraint with the amount applied) minimized any pilling issues.
As mentioned, some with very oily skin didn’t find this primer mattifying enough for their needs. The hydrating, slippery texture seems more tailored for normal to dry skin types. An oily-skinned reviewer lamented “This primer is NOT good for oily skin, it made my makeup break up within 2 hours and sliiiiiide off.” Of course, this wasn’t a universal experience as plenty of other oily folks sang its praises. As with any product, patch testing and experimenting with different application techniques are key when your skin is finicky.
Lastly, there were a handful of reviewers who experienced breakouts and skin irritation after using this primer. While this reaction seems relatively uncommon based on the reviews I combed through, it’s a good reminder to always patch test new products and cross-reference the ingredients list with any known sensitivities.
Tips & Tricks
After testing this primer and poring over reviews, here are my top tips for getting the most out of MAC Prep + Prime Skin:
- Start with a clean, moisturized base. This primer works best on well-prepped skin.
- Use sparingly! A pea-sized amount is plenty for your whole face. Using too much can lead to pilling/balling up and an overly slippery feel that can disrupt foundation.
- Allow time for it to absorb before going in with foundation. I like applying it as the first step in my makeup routine to let it fully sink in while I do my brows and eyes. This helps avoid any issues with layering products.
- Experiment with application methods. Many like using fingers for a seamless blend, while others prefer a damp beauty sponge for sheerer coverage. See what works with your foundation of choice.
- Set with powder if you’re oily. While the primer alone may keep oils at bay for some, a light dusting of translucent powder can provide an extra safeguard against midday shininess.
Comparisons & Dupes
I would be remiss not to compare MAC Prep + Prime Skin to some of its most well-known contemporaries. Though I haven’t tried every primer on the market, I’ve used enough to know how this one stacks up to the competition.
The most common comparisons I saw mentioned were to Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer and Benefit The POREfessional Pro Balm. I’ve used both extensively and can confidently say that the MAC primer outperforms them for my normal-leaning-dry skin. I find Photo Finish to be slightly more mattifying but nowhere near as hydrating or smoothing. POREfessional is great at blurring pores but can leave skin looking a little flat and doesn’t provide the same longevity as Prep + Prime.
In terms of dupes, I honestly haven’t found an exact match for this formula at a lower price point. The L’Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base has a similar texture but is more of a traditional smoothing primer without the skincare benefits. NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer also has a lovely lightweight feel but isn’t as hydrating in my experience.
While there are some potential alternatives out there, I’ve yet to find a drugstore option that fully rivals the performance of MAC Prep + Prime Skin. Of course, that’s just based on my personal experience – your mileage may vary!
Final Thoughts
After an intensive deep-dive into customer feedback and putting this primer through its paces myself, I can confidently say that MAC Prep + Prime Skin lives up to the hype…with a few caveats.
This primer is a total standout for creating a smooth, hydrated base that majorly extends the wear of foundation. The silky texture, pore-blurring effect, and skin-refining ingredients make it feel more like a hybrid skincare-makeup product than just a run-of-the-mill primer. It makes a noticeable difference in the look and feel of my skin while helping my foundation apply like a dream and last all day. For that reason, I suspect this will remain a staple in my routine for a long time to come.
However, I can see how it wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea. The luminous finish from the pearl pigments can be polarizing – if you’re strongly averse to any shimmer or glow, this likely isn’t the primer for you. Similarly, those with extremely oily skin may find the hydrating texture not quite mattifying enough for their needs. And of course, as with any product, there’s always the potential for sensitivities or breakouts depending on your individual skin.
Cost is another factor to consider. At $36 for 1.7 oz, it’s certainly more of a splurge than a drugstore pick. However, given how little is needed per application, one bottle seems to go a very long way. Many reviewers noted that they’ve had the same tube for well over a year, so it may be a worthy investment for those who don’t mind spending a bit more for a high-performing staple.
All in all, I highly recommend giving MAC Prep + Prime Skin a shot if you’re on the hunt for a smoothing, long-wearing primer, especially if you have normal to dry skin. The lightweight formula, skin-refining ingredients, and impressive extending power make it a true standout in a sea of primer options. While it may not be the perfect match for everyone, its glowing reputation is well-earned in my book. This primer has secured a top shelf spot in my beauty rotation – here’s hoping MAC never discontinues this gem!
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