Hey beauties! Jenna here with an in-depth look at the MAC Prep + Prime Pore Refiner Stick. As someone who is always on the hunt for the perfect primer to minimize pores and keep my makeup looking flawless all day, I was very intrigued by this product. MAC is known for their high-quality, professional-grade cosmetics, so I had high hopes that this stick primer could be a game-changer in my beauty routine.
To get a well-rounded perspective, I analyzed dozens of customer reviews from MAC’s website to see what real people had to say after trying out this product for themselves. Let’s dive into the details and key takeaways from this review analysis!
Product Overview
The MAC Prep + Prime Pore Refiner Stick is described as a “skin-smoothing stick that blurs and minimizes the look of pores.” It comes in a sleek black twist-up stick format for easy, targeted application. The formula contains silica to help absorb excess oil and refine texture.
MAC claims this primer stick will provide the following key benefits:
- Blur & minimize appearance of pores
- Absorb excess oil and reduce shine
- Smooth skin’s texture
- Extend wear of foundation
- Lightweight, non-greasy feel
The pore refining stick can be used on its own to perfect skin or under makeup as a primer. To use, you simply swipe the stick directly onto areas of concern like the T-zone, then blend out with fingers or a brush.
Now that we know the basics, let’s see if this primer lived up to its claims based on real customer experiences. I’ll break down the positive and negative feedback, as well as share tips for getting the best results.
Positive Reviews
After combing through all the reviews, I found that a significant portion of customers were very happy with the MAC pore refining stick and felt it delivered on its promises. Here were some of the most commonly mentioned pros:
Blurs & Minimizes Pores
So many reviewers raved that this product really does blur the appearance of enlarged pores, especially around the nose and cheeks. One reviewer said “It magically covered my pores on my cheeks. I was amazed how this small roll on stick works.” Others described their skin looking “airbrushed”, “poreless”, and “perfected” after using this.
If pore size is one of your main concerns like it is for me, it’s promising to hear that so many people saw a noticeable improvement in this area. Pores are notoriously difficult to minimize, so the fact that this was the most celebrated benefit speaks volumes!
Controls Oil & Shine
Another popular positive was that this primer really helps control excess oil and reduces shine for those with oily and combo skin. Numerous reviewers were impressed by the long-lasting mattifying effect.
One customer shared that after struggling with an extremely oily T-zone for years, this is the only product that has ever been able to tame it – “I finally have a product that works for me… I didn’t get oily at all! Now I don’t think about the oil on my face at all since buying this 2 months ago. Usually I have blotting sheets or powder with me at all times to remove oil.
Several people mentioned that the oil control lasts impressively well throughout the day, even in humid climates. If you deal with midday shine and need your primer to really go the distance, this could be a great option to try.
Extends Makeup Wear
Many customers found that this primer helped their foundation apply more smoothly and last longer compared to without it. Reviews mentioned makeup still looking fresh even after 8-10 hours of wear.
With the stick format, you can really target areas like around the nose where foundation tends to break up the fastest. One person noted that even when they got oily, their makeup still looked relatively intact instead of completely disappearing like it would without the primer.
Smooths Texture
In addition to minimizing pores, reviewers also praised this primer stick for generally smoothing out uneven texture and fine lines. Some even found it blurred the appearance of mild acne scars.
Those with drier skin appreciated that it smoothed everything out without feeling heavy, greasy, or pilling up under foundation. A little seems to go a long way, so you only need a thin layer for a perfected base.
Easy To Use
Customers liked that the twist-up stick made precise application quick and easy, especially for on-the-go touch-ups. You can swipe it on and blend it out with fingers in seconds. The targeted application also makes it simple to use on combo skin to mattify just certain areas.
The texture was frequently described as feeling lightweight, blendable and non-greasy. It layers well under various foundations without altering their color or finish. Some even use it on its own for a blurred, perfected look without makeup.
Works On Different Skin Types
While those with oily skin unsurprisingly saw the most benefits, reviewers across the board with normal, combo, and even drier skin said this worked for them. The mattifying effect isn’t so intense that it dried people out.
Of course, very dry skin types may prefer something more hydrating, but overall, it seems to play well with various skin types and foundations. Those with larger pores and uneven texture saw great results regardless of their level of oiliness. It’s nice to find a primer that can work for a range of people.
Negative Reviews
While there were many glowing reviews singing this primer’s praises, there were also some customers who didn’t have a good experience with it. Here are the main complaints that popped up:
Didn’t Minimize Pores
Some folks say they didn’t notice any difference in their pore size, even after using it for a while. One reviewer was disappointed, saying “I thought this stick would be easy to apply but I find it really hard to get the correct amount. The texture is slippery and I do not feel like the pore coverage is any better than with the prep +prime pump that I use.”
A few people mentioned that it seemed to fill in pores at first, but after a couple hours, pores were even more noticeable as makeup settled into them. The long-term pore blurring effect just wasn’t there for everyone.
Increased Oiliness
While many raved about the oil control, some customers with very oily skin found that this primer made them look even shinier. One disappointed reviewer said it was “a greasy mess! It literally looks like you’ve slapped oil on under your foundation!”
If your skin is super oily, you may fare better with a more traditional mattifying primer that contains ingredients that really cut shine like talc or clay. This one seems better suited for normal to moderately oily skin based on the experiences shared.
Didn’t Prolong Makeup Wear
Despite many mentioning how it extended the life of their foundation, some reviewers complained that they still had issues with their makeup breaking up and disappearing throughout the day. One said “I’ve tried it with various foundations and it doesn’t seem to matter. By midday my makeup has slid off my face in the oily areas.
It sounds hit or miss as to whether it will make a big difference in makeup longevity. Of course, there are so many factors like the foundation formula you use with it, your skin type, environment etc. that all impact how long your makeup lasts in addition to your primer.
Expensive For Amount Of Product
The biggest gripe, even among those who enjoyed the primer, was the small size for the price. At $32 for 0.17 oz, it’s definitely an investment. Multiple people said they used it up extremely quickly, within 2-3 weeks of daily use.
One reviewer said “Definitely doesn’t do the job, feels nice on skin before applying foundation however my pores looked a lot worse when using this stick. Would definitely not recommend this for the price point.” If you’re on a budget, the cost vs. amount of product may be tough to swallow.
Hard To Blend
A few customers struggled with blending out the primer evenly. They felt it had a slippery, silicone-y texture that was hard to work with. Some experienced issues with pilling or balling up as they tried to apply their foundation on top. One person said “I like the way it fills my pores but it is not easy to blend and disappears very quickly.”
It seems like the texture can take some getting used to and finesse to apply seamlessly. I’d recommend warming it up on the back of your hand and really working it into the skin before makeup application.
Tips For Best Results
Want to get the most out of the MAC Pore Refiner Stick? Here are some helpful hints I gleaned from reviewers on how to use it effectively:
- Only Apply Where Needed: This primer is designed for targeted application, not all over the face. Concentrate it on areas with visible pores or oiliness, like the T-zone, around the nose, and on the cheeks. Applying too much all over can cause issues with blending and makeup application.
- Blend Well: Take the time to really massage this into the skin and get a smooth, even layer. Warming it up between fingers can help it melt in better. Use gentle tapping and pressing motions to fill in pores vs. rubbing which can cause pilling.
- Pair With The Right Foundation: This primer seems to play best with long-wearing, mattifying foundation formulas that dry down. Trying to use it with something very glowy or luminous may cancel out the mattifying effect. If you’re more dry, opt for a satin or natural finish foundation on top so it doesn’t look flat.
- Set With Powder: To maximize the oil control and blurring effects, lightly set this primer with a translucent powder before applying foundation. This will create a smooth base for makeup and keep everything locked in. For oily skin, you can powder again after foundation for an extra matte, long-lasting finish.
- Use A Light Hand: This is a very concentrated formula, so a little goes a long way. Use thin layers and build up as needed vs. slathering it on heavily all at once. If you apply too much, it can pill up or cause foundation to slide around instead of adhering properly. One swipe is usually enough for most people.
- Let It Set Before Makeup: Give the primer a minute to really settle into the skin and create a smooth surface before going in with foundation. This prevents any slipping and sliding and helps everything stick better throughout the day. Apply your eyeshadow or brows during this time before moving onto your base.
- Be Patient: Don’t expect a dramatic difference in pore size overnight. While the silicones in this blur pores instantly, consistent use over time can help improve their appearance long-term when paired with the right skincare routine that contains ingredients like niacinamide, retinol, and chemical exfoliants.
Summing It Up
Overall, the MAC Prep + Prime Pore Refiner Stick seems to be a solid option for those looking to minimize the appearance of pores and control oiliness under makeup. The majority of reviewers saw noticeable improvement in pore size, shine reduction, and makeup longevity. The lightweight, non-greasy texture and stick format make it easy to apply precisely where you need it.
However, it’s not a universal holy grail, as a good chunk of customers didn’t find it particularly effective at refining pores or extending makeup wear. The biggest drawback is the small amount of product you get for the price. It likely won’t be enough for those with very oily skin who are looking for an intense matte finish.
As with all makeup and skincare, what works amazing for some may do nothing for others, so I always take online reviews with a grain of salt. Primer in particular is such a personal thing, so it’s hard to say definitively whether this will be a hit or miss for you without trying it yourself.
Personally, I’m very intrigued after reading all these reviews and definitely want to test it out and see how it works on my combo, porous skin. For me, the easy application and potential pore-perfecting benefits outweigh the hefty price tag. If it saves me from having to use a separate pore-filling product, then I’d say it’s worth it!
I recommend getting a sample from a MAC counter to test this primer out with your go-to foundation before splurging on the full size. See if you can track down the mini size that sometimes comes in sets for a smaller investment. Focus it only on your most porous zones and really take the time to blend for the best results.
Thanks for reading this deep dive with me! I hope this helped give you a balanced overview of the MAC Prep + Prime Pore Refiner Stick from a variety of customer perspectives. Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried this primer and what your experience was. Did it live up to the hype for you or was it a pass? Stay tuned for more beauty reviews and don’t forget to subscribe to never miss a post!
XOXO, Jenna
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