Hey there beauty lovers! Today we’re diving deep into one of the most iconic setting powders out there – the MAC Set Powder. As a makeup artist and beauty blogger, I’ve tried my fair share of powders over the years. Some have been hits, others total misses. But the MAC Set Powder? It’s a product that always seems to generate buzz.
So what’s the deal with this cult-favorite powder? Is it really worth the hype? I scoured hundreds of customer reviews to get the scoop, and I’m here to give you the full rundown. We’ll cover everything from the powder’s finish and performance to which skin types it works best for. By the end, you’ll know if the MAC Set Powder deserves a spot in your makeup bag. Let’s get into it!
The Basics
First things first, let’s talk about what the MAC Set Powder actually is. This loose, translucent setting powder comes in a generous 30g jar. That’s a lot of product, especially compared to other high-end powders. MAC describes the Set Powder as “a feather-light, invisible way to set makeup, reduce shine, and provide a matte finish.
The powder comes in one universal “Invisible” shade that’s designed to work across all skin tones. However, MAC does offer tinted versions for those who want a bit of extra coverage or color-correction (more on that later).
The Formula
So what’s actually in this stuff? The MAC Set Powder has a pretty simple ingredients list. The main player is silica, a common mattifying agent found in many setting powders. There’s also some Zinc Stearate for oil absorption and Nylon-12 to help the powder adhere to skin.
Though MAC doesn’t make any specific claims about the powder being non-comedogenic, many reviewers with acne-prone skin said it didn’t cause breakouts. Of course, your mileage may vary. It’s always a good idea to patch test a new product before slathering it all over your face!
The Application
Okay, now for the fun part – actually using this powder! The MAC Set Powder has a unique dispenser that’s designed to only release a small amount of product at a time. You’re meant to turn the jar upside down, give it a firm tap, then turn it right side up and open the lid. Voila! You should have the perfect amount of powder waiting for you.
In practice, this dispenser system seems to be hit or miss. Some reviewers found it genius, saying it helped prevent mess and wasted product. Others struggled with it, lamenting that the powder “puffs” out when opened or that it’s hard to get enough out for a full face. A few even resorted to completely removing the sifter! Personally, I got the hang of it after a few tries. A couple firm taps is really all you need.
As for tools, MAC recommends using their 134S Large Powder Brush for an allover application. For more targeted setting in the t-zone, they suggest the 116S Blush Brush. In my experience, any fluffy brush, sponge, or puff will do the trick. I’m partial to a big, loose powder brush for a light veil all over my face. For baking or extra oil control, I’ll pack it on with a velour puff and dust off the excess.
The Finish
Here’s where the MAC Set Powder really shines (or rather, doesn’t shine). This powder is seriously MATTE. If you’re looking for a luminous, glowy finish, this is not the one. The Set Powder zaps any hint of sheen or dewiness, leaving behind a totally shine-free canvas.
On my normal-to-oily skin, I find the finish to be pleasantly matte without looking dry or cakey. It’s not the most undetectable powder I’ve ever used – you can definitely tell there’s powder on your skin if you look closely. But from a normal distance, it just looks like smooth, even skin.
Many reviewers raved about the airbrushed effect the Set Powder gives their complexion. It really does have a blurring, perfecting effect on the skin. Pores, fine lines, and minor blemishes seem to disappear. For a powder formulated before the era of Instagram face tuning, that’s pretty dang impressive.
The Shade Range
As mentioned before, the classic MAC Set Powder comes in one “Invisible” shade. In swatches, it looks stark white. But once buffed into the skin, it’s truly translucent. The white cast disappears, leaving no discernible tint behind.
However, for those with deeper skin tones, an “Invisible” powder can sometimes still look ashy. That’s where the alternate shades come in:
- MAC Set Powder in “Soft Yellow”: A pale yellow that can help cancel out redness and brighten the under eye area. Suitable for light to medium skin tones.
- MAC Set Powder in “Peach”: A light peachy shade that’s great for combating dark circles on fair to light skin. Can also warm up sallow undertones.
- MAC Set Powder in “Deep Peach”: A richer, more orange-toned peach that works beautifully on tan to deep skin tones. Helps counteract grey or purple tones.
These tinted powders offer more color correction and coverage than the translucent one. But they still set makeup and control shine like a champ. Some deeper-skinned reviewers were disappointed that the “Deep Peach” shade was discontinued. Hopefully MAC will consider expanding their shade range again in the future!
The Oil Control
One of the MAC Set Powder’s biggest claims to fame is its oil-controlling prowess. Oily-skinned folks, this one’s for you. Review after review raved about how well this powder keeps shine at bay.
Even on the slickest of skin, reviewers reported staying matte for 8+ hours. That’s a full work day! Of course, everyone’s skin is different. A few reviewers still needed to touch up mid-day. But overall, the consensus was that this powder seriously delivers in the oil control department.
If you have dry skin, you might find the Set Powder a bit too mattifying. It can emphasize flakes or cling to dry patches if you’re not careful. I’d recommend using a light hand and making sure your skin is well moisturized beforehand. Oily and combo skin types will likely love the shine-free finish this powder provides.
The Flashback
You know that dreaded ghost face you can get in flash photos? That’s thanks to SPF and silica, two common ingredients in setting powders. And yep, the MAC Set Powder contains silica. So you’d think it would be a flashback nightmare, right?
Wrong! Surprisingly, the vast majority of reviewers said this powder did NOT cause flashback. In photo after photo, skin looked smoothed and perfected, with nary a white cast in sight. A few folks had issues with the lighter shades (Invisible and Soft Yellow) washing them out. But on the whole, the MAC Set Powder seems to be a solid pick for photography.
The Wear Time
So we know this powder keeps oil at bay. But how long does it actually last on the skin? The claims of 8,10, even 16 hours of wear seemed too good to be true. But review after review backed it up.
Even on steamy summer days or during sweaty workouts, folks reported that the MAC Set Powder kept their makeup intact. No melting, no separating, no fading. Just a smooth, matte finish that lasted all day (and sometimes all night) long. Color me impressed!
A few reviewers did note that the powder can start to look a bit dry and cakey after several hours, especially if you have naturally dry skin. But for most, a little mid-day blot or touch-up was all it took to revive the flawless finish.
The “Baking” Test
If you haven’t heard of baking, it’s a makeup technique where you apply a thick layer of powder under your eyes, let it “cook” for 5-10 minutes, then dust off the excess. The idea is that the heat from your skin will melt the makeup and powder together, creating a smooth, creaseless finish that lasts for hours.
The MAC Set Powder is a popular pick for baking, thanks to its finely milled texture and brightening effects. Many reviewers raved about how well it worked to set their under eye concealer and prevent creasing. The translucent and peach shades seemed to be the favorites for this technique.
However, baking isn’t for everyone. If you have mature, dry, or textured under eyes, a thick layer of powder can actually accentuate wrinkles and make the area look crepey. In that case, a light dusting of the MAC Set Powder should still set your concealer without emphasizing texture.
The Hacks
One of my favorite things about the beauty community is how creative and resourceful people can be with their products. The MAC Set Powder is no exception. Here are a few clever “hacks” reviewers came up with:
- Use it to set cream eyeshadows, blushes, and bronzers for longer wear time
- Mix a bit into your foundation or tinted moisturizer to sheer it out and make it more matte
- Buff it over lipstick with a small brush to create a matte, budge-proof finish
- Apply it to lashes before mascara to prevent smudging throughout the day
- Dust it between your thighs to prevent chafing in dresses and skirts (yes, really!)
Who knew one little powder could be so versatile? I personally love using it to lock in my cream blushes for a soft, diffused effect that lasts way longer than usual. Definitely give these tips a try if you end up snagging a jar of the MAC Set Powder.
The Comparisons
Of course, the MAC Set Powder isn’t the only game in town. There are tons of other popular loose powders out there. So how does it stack up to the competition? Here are a few head-to-head comparisons based on reviewer feedback:
- MAC Set Powder vs. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder: The LM powder is another cult favorite, but many reviewers found that it didn’t control oil as well as the MAC. It has a slightly more luminous finish, which some prefer. But for keeping shine at bay, MAC seems to have the edge.
- MAC Set Powder vs. Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder: The Airspun powder is a drugstore classic that’s beloved for its airbrushed finish. It has more coverage than the MAC powder, but can also look cakey if you apply too much. The big downside is the strong fragrance, which many find off-putting. For sensitive noses, the unscented MAC powder is the better pick.
- MAC Set Powder vs. Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder: Rihanna’s powder is newer to the scene, but already garnering buzz for its smoothing and blurring effects. It has a slightly more radiant finish than the MAC, but still excels at oil control. The biggest difference is the shade range – Fenty offers 8 shades to MAC’s 4.
Overall, the MAC Set Powder holds its own against the competition. It seems to be the mattifying pick of the bunch, making it ideal for oily skin or humid climates. But all of these powders have their own unique strengths. It really comes down to your personal preferences in terms of coverage, finish, and shade options.
The Verdict
Whew, you still with me? We covered a lot of ground there! After poring over hundreds of reviews and putting the MAC Set Powder to the test myself, I feel confident saying – this powder is legit.
If you’re oily, acne-prone, or just fed up with mid-day shine, the MAC Set Powder could be your new holy grail. It mattifies like nobody’s business, blurs imperfections, and locks makeup in place for hours on end. The fact that it photographs well and doesn’t cause flashback is just icing on the cake.
That said, this powder isn’t for everyone. If you have dry, mature, or textured skin, you might find it too flat and powdery. It can cling to dry patches and accentuate flakes if you’re not careful. And while the shade range is decent, it could definitely be expanded to include more options for deep skin tones.
At $31 for 30g, the MAC Set Powder is up there in price. But for the amount of product you get and the performance it delivers, I think it’s worth the splurge. You really only need the tiniest bit to set your whole face. With daily use, a jar could easily last a year or more.
So is the MAC Set Powder worth the hype? In my opinion – absolutely. It’s a tried and true staple that’s stood the test of time in an industry obsessed with the latest and greatest. If you’re on the hunt for a hardworking setting powder that’ll keep your makeup looking fresh all day, definitely give this one a go. Just maybe have a coffee on standby for the first few attempts at getting the product out of the jar!
Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried the MAC Set Powder and what you thought of it. And if you have any other powders you’d like me to review, drop those recs below too. Until next time, stay shining (or in this case, shine-free)!
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