Hey there, beauty lovers! Today, we’re diving deep into one of MAC’s most iconic products: the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural powder. As a long-time MAC fan and a self-confessed powder addict, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this much-raved-about product and put it to the test. Is it really the holy grail of setting powders? Let’s find out together!
First Impressions
When I first opened the sleek, black compact, I was immediately struck by the size of the product. This is no dinky, travel-sized powder – you’re getting a generous 10g of product, which is fantastic value for money. The powder itself has a subtle sheen to it, hinting at the “skinfinish” aspect of its name. I chose the shade “Medium Plus,” which seemed to be a good match for my NC25-30 skin tone.
Application and Texture
I applied the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural with a fluffy powder brush, and I was pleased to find that it picked up just the right amount of product. The powder felt silky and finely-milled, and it blended effortlessly into my skin. I was worried that the slight sheen would translate to shininess on my combination skin, but I was pleasantly surprised – it gave me a natural, almost lit-from-within glow without looking greasy.
Coverage and Finish
One of the things I love about this powder is its versatility. On good skin days, I can dust it all over my face for a sheer, natural-looking veil of coverage. But if I’m dealing with redness or blemishes, I can also build it up in specific areas for a bit more coverage. The finish is best described as “your skin but better” – it’s not completely matte, but it’s not shimmery either. It just gives your skin a beautiful, natural radiance.
Wear Time
Of course, the real test of any powder is how it performs throughout the day. I’m happy to report that the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural held up beautifully on my skin. I did get a bit shiny in my T-zone after about 6 hours (which is normal for me), but the rest of my face stayed looking fresh and smooth. I was especially impressed by how well it resisted caking and settling into fine lines – even after a full day of wear, my skin still looked like skin.
Comparing MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural to Other Popular Powders
No review would be complete without some comparisons to other popular powders on the market. Here are my thoughts:
- Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder: This is another cult-favorite powder that I love, but it serves a slightly different purpose than the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural. The Laura Mercier powder is completely matte and colorless, making it ideal for setting under-eye concealer and baking. The MAC powder, on the other hand, provides a bit of color and a natural finish, so it’s better as an all-over finishing powder.
- NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder: This is probably the closest comparison to the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in terms of finish. Both powders provide a natural, luminous look without being shimmery. However, I find that the NARS powder is a bit more finely milled and can look slightly more “perfected” on the skin.
- Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders: If you’re looking for a powder that will give you a serious glow, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders are hard to beat. They’re more shimmery than the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, so they’re better as a highlighting powder than an all-over setting powder.
Powder Hacks and Tips
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks for getting the most out of my powders. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Use a damp beauty sponge to press powder into the skin for a more flawless, long-lasting finish. This works especially well with the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural.
- Experiment with using the powder in different ways – as a light dusting all over, as a more targeted foundation, or as a subtle bronzer or highlighter. The Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is versatile enough to pull off all of these different looks.
- If you’re worried about looking too powdery, try misting your face with a setting spray after applying powder. This will help the powder melt into your skin for a more natural look.
- When your compact starts to get low, use tape to remove the last bits of powder from the edges and corners. You’d be surprised how much product can get stuck in there!
- If you find that your powder is looking cakey or heavy, try switching to a fluffier brush or using a lighter hand when applying. A little bit of this powder goes a long way.
The Many Shades of Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
One of the things I appreciate about MAC is their commitment to offering a wide range of shades for different skin tones. The Mineralize Skinfinish Natural comes in a whopping 14 shades, from very fair to deep dark. Some popular shades include:
- Light Plus: A good match for NW15-20 skin tones
- Medium Plus: Suitable for NC25-30 skin
- Medium Dark: Works well for NW35-40 skin
- Dark: A match for NW45-50 skin tones
Of course, every person’s skin is unique, so it’s always best to get matched in person if possible. But I appreciate that MAC offers such a wide shade range – it makes it much easier to find your perfect match.
Ingredients and Skin Concerns
For those with sensitive skin or specific skin concerns, it’s always important to take a look at the ingredients list before trying a new product. Here are some of the key ingredients in the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural:
- Mica: A naturally-occurring mineral that gives the powder its subtle sheen
- Silica: Helps to absorb oil and gives the powder a silky texture
- Squalane: A hydrating ingredient that can help to prevent the powder from looking too dry on the skin
- Vitamin E: An antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from free radical damage
In terms of potential skin concerns, the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is generally considered to be non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores). However, everyone’s skin is different, so if you’re prone to breakouts or have very sensitive skin, it’s always a good idea to patch test before using a new product all over your face.
Packaging and Price
As mentioned earlier, the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural comes in a sleek, black compact with a clear lid. The compact feels sturdy and well-made, and it closes securely with a satisfying snap. I appreciate that it comes with a decent-sized mirror inside, which makes it easy to touch up on the go.
In terms of price, the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural retails for $36 in the US. While this is definitely on the pricier side for a powder, I think it’s worth the investment given the amount of product you get and the high-quality formula. Plus, a little goes a long way with this powder, so one compact should last you quite a while.
Real-Life Testing and Customer Reviews
Of course, no review would be complete without some real-life testing and customer feedback. I’ve been using the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural for several months now, and I have to say, it’s become a staple in my daily makeup routine. It just gives my skin such a beautiful, natural finish that I can’t seem to replicate with other powders.
But don’t just take my word for it – let’s see what other beauty lovers have to say about this cult-favorite product:
- “I have been using this powder for over 10 years and it’s still my holy grail. It never looks cakey or heavy on the skin, and it gives me just the right amount of coverage.” – Sarah, 38
- “I have very oily skin, so I was hesitant to try a powder with a ‘glowy’ finish. But the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural has completely changed my mind. It keeps my oils at bay without making me look flat or dry.” – Jasmine, 25
- “I love how versatile this powder is. I can use it as a light setting powder, or build it up for more coverage on days when my skin needs a little extra help. It’s a true multitasker!” – Olivia, 31
- “As someone with mature skin, I’m always on the hunt for powders that won’t settle into my fine lines and wrinkles. The Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is one of the few that truly delivers – it makes my skin look smooth and radiant without emphasizing texture.” – Carol, 58
- I’ve hit pan on this powder more times than I can count. It’s just such a reliable, high-quality product that I know I can always count on for a flawless finish.” – Alex, 29
Of course, no product is perfect for everyone. A few reviewers mentioned that they found the powder to be too shimmery for their liking, or that it didn’t control oil as well as they hoped. But overall, the vast majority of reviews for the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural are glowingly positive.
Alternatives to MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
While I absolutely adore the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, I know that it won’t be the perfect powder for everyone. Here are a few alternatives that might be worth checking out:
- Too Faced Born This Way Ethereal Setting Powder: This powder has a similar radiant finish to the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, but with a slightly more blurring effect on the skin. It’s also infused with hydrating ingredients like coconut water and hyaluronic acid.
- BareMinerals Original Mineral Veil: If you prefer a more matte finish, the Mineral Veil from BareMinerals is a great option. It’s a translucent powder that helps to control shine and minimize the appearance of pores without looking heavy on the skin.
- Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder: This powder comes in a range of shades to suit different skin tones, and it has a lightweight, blurring formula that works well for oily skin types.
- Glossier Wowder: For a more natural, skinlike finish, the Wowder from Glossier is a great choice. It has a very finely-milled texture that melts into the skin, and it comes in a range of adaptable shades.
- Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Powder: This powder has a unique baked formula that feels creamy and smooth on the skin. It provides a subtle, diffused glow without any shimmer or sparkle.
Of course, these are just a few options – there are tons of amazing powders out there to suit different preferences and skin types. It’s all about finding the one that works best for you!
Final Thoughts
After extensively testing the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural and hearing from other beauty lovers, I can confidently say that this powder lives up to the hype. It’s a true multitasker that can provide sheer to medium coverage, control oil, and give the skin a naturally radiant finish – all without looking heavy or cakey.
While it may not be the perfect powder for everyone (what product is?), I think it’s definitely worth trying if you’re in the market for a high-quality, versatile setting powder. The wide shade range and buildable formula make it suitable for a variety of skin tones and types, and the sleek, sturdy packaging is an added bonus.
At $36, it’s certainly an investment piece – but in my opinion, it’s an investment that pays off in the form of beautiful, flawless-looking skin. And with so much product in each compact, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
So, is the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural the holy grail of setting powders? For me, it just might be. But the only way to know for sure is to try it out for yourself and see how it works with your unique skin type and preferences.
I hope this in-depth review has been helpful in giving you a better sense of what the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural has to offer. Of course, I’d love to hear your thoughts as well! Have you tried this powder before? What did you think of it? Do you have any other holy grail setting powders that you swear by? Let me know in the comments below – I’m always on the hunt for new products to try.
Thanks for reading, beauty lovers! Until next time, may your skin be flawless and your powder game be strong.
Xoxo, Your Trusted Beauty Guru
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