Hey beauties! I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz lately about MAC’s classic Mineralize Blush line, so I knew I had to check it out for myself. With so many rave reviews praising these baked mineral blushes for their blendability, pigmentation, and natural-looking finish, my expectations were sky high. But after testing out a few shades, I have to say – the results were a bit of a mixed bag.
Let’s start with the positives. The Mineralize Blush formula is undeniably smooth and easy to work with. The finely-milled powder practically melts into the skin, creating a seamless wash of color. I was impressed by how blendable these blushes are – even the more pigmented shades are hard to overdo. With a light hand, you can build them up slowly for just the right amount of fresh-faced radiance. Some of you will appreciate the subtle shimmer running through most shades, which lends a soft, glowy sheen to cheeks.
Wear time is also a high point. Applied over foundation, I easily got 8+ hours of wear without any noticeable fading. Even on my drier skin, the formula never looked patchy or emphasized texture. There seems to be a great shade range with options for different skin tones, from barely-there nudes to vibrant berries and corals. The compact is sturdy and travel-friendly too.
Now for the not-so-good. Firstly, several reviewers pointed out a frustrating packaging flaw – that darn magnetic closure is a real nail-buster to open! Not what you want when you’re rushing to get ready. More concerningly though, it seems MAC may have recently reformulated some fan-favorite shades for the worse.
The biggest disappointment seems to be Warm Soul, which many said was their holy grail blush for years. Apparently the new version is a pale, glitter-bombed ghost of its former self, with a chunkier texture and less color payoff. Some of you loyalists sound ready to riot over this! While I didn’t try the original, I have to agree that this type of arbitrary change feels like a bait-and-switch from a brand. Not cool, MAC.
There were also a few complaints of unsanitary testers and possibly even used products being sent out, which is just unacceptable, especially in the COVID era. However, MAC customer service does sound prompt and accommodating about sending replacements. Still, for this price point, strict quality control shouldn’t be too much to ask.
All in all, while there are definitely some lovely, high-performing blushes in the Mineralize line (I’m looking at you, Dainty and Love Thing!), the recent inconsistencies give me pause about repurchasing, let alone recommending them wholeheartedly. I’d say try them out in person first if you can, and maybe start with just one shade to see how you like the formula. Have you tried these blushes? I’m dying to know if you’re a fan or feeling spurned by the supposed changes. Let me know in the comments!
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