Hey there, beauty lovers! Today we’re diving deep into one of MAC’s most talked-about products – the Studio Fix Mattifine 12hr Shine-Control Primer. As someone who’s constantly battling the midday oil slick, I was super excited to put this primer to the test and see if it lives up to its claims. After trying it myself and analyzing hundreds of customer reviews, I’m ready to give you the full scoop on whether this product is worth adding to your makeup routine.
Product Overview
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s chat about what MAC claims this primer can do. The Studio Fix Mattifine 12hr Shine-Control Primer is marketed as a powerhouse product for those with oily and combination skin. MAC promises that this primer will:
- Control shine for up to 12 hours
- Minimize the appearance of pores
- Create a smooth canvas for makeup application
- Extend the wear of your foundation
- Resist sweat and humidity
Sounds pretty amazing, right? But does it actually deliver on these lofty claims? Let’s find out!
First Impressions
When you first squeeze out the product, you’ll notice it has a creamy consistency that feels lightweight and silky smooth. Many users compared the texture to other silicone-based primers, but noted that it seems to absorb into the skin better than some competitors.
The primer is white in color but goes on clear, so there’s no need to worry about it leaving a white cast or altering your foundation shade. It has a subtle, pleasant scent that most reviewers found inoffensive.
Application Tips
One thing that came up repeatedly in the reviews was the importance of using the right amount of product. Several users initially found the primer disappointing, but discovered it worked much better when they used less. As one reviewer put it, “a little goes a VERY long way. A pea-sized drop covers my entire face.”
For best results, apply a thin layer to clean, moisturized skin. Focus on your T-zone or other oily areas if you don’t need it all over. Allow the primer to set for a few minutes before applying your foundation.
Performance: Does It Really Control Shine?
Now for the million-dollar question – does this primer actually keep oil at bay? The answer seems to be a resounding “yes” for most users, but with some caveats.
Many reviewers with oily and combination skin raved about the primer’s mattifying effects. One user exclaimed, “I have super oily skin, too the point where the oils get into my eyes and start to burn. Its the first time I purchase this and I love it it controls the shine of my skin during the time I’m at work.”
Another happy customer shared, “I have tried many primers and this one definitely delivers! It was recommended by a lovely consultant in the store when I said I needed help with JUST my oily nose. She advised how to use it and highly recommended! I was definitely happy with my purchase!”
However, the level of oil control varied among users. Some found it kept them matte all day, while others noticed some shine breaking through after 4-6 hours. This isn’t unusual for a primer, as everyone’s skin is different. Even those who experienced some oil breakthrough often noted that it was significantly less than without the primer.
A few reviewers with extremely oily skin felt the primer didn’t live up to its claims. One disappointed user wrote, “I have naturally oily skin, especially the T zone. So I was very excited to try this primer given the reviews. I applied this and waited a bit before applying my foundation. Upon application it appears to be matte. However, Within a couple hours I was starting to shine. It seems to have drawn even more oil out of my forehead.”
These negative experiences were in the minority, but they’re worth noting if you have very oily skin. You may need to combine this primer with other oil-control products for maximum effect.
Pore-Minimizing Effects
Many users were impressed with how well the primer smoothed their skin and minimized the appearance of pores. One reviewer gushed, “When applied, a little goes a long way. I only apply on my oily areas. It has a creamy consistency but once applied to the skin it glides on very smoothly and feels like a velvety finish. When used as a makeup primer, my foundation glides on smoothly and the end results are amazing it gives me an instant blurred effect.”
Another user shared, “I could not see my pores or very few lines on my face. When it was time to remove my makeup several hours later, it was as fresh as when I first put it on.
If you struggle with visible pores, especially in your T-zone, this primer could be a game-changer for creating a smooth, flawless base for your makeup.
Makeup Longevity
One of the key claims of this primer is that it helps your foundation last longer. Many reviewers found this to be true, noting that their makeup looked fresh hours after application.
A particularly glowing review stated, “With this primer my foundation looked flawless all day even with wearing a face mask. I moisturized, applied the primer, and then foundation with a little strobe cream. I never had to touch up or anything!”
Another user commented, “It definitely makes your foundation go on a lot smoother and reduces the appearance of lines and blemishes. Doesn’t dry your skin out.”
However, a few users felt the primer didn’t improve the longevity of their makeup. One reviewer noted, “It saddens me to spend my hard earned dollars on makeup that sells itself as good quality and ends up being not worth using. If it can’t do what you bought it for it ends up in the trash. Voila! A primer that doesn’t prime. Gets absorbed within an hour and it’s like it was never there to begin with.”
These experiences were in the minority, but they highlight the importance of finding the right combination of primer, foundation, and application technique for your unique skin.
Sweat and Humidity Resistance
For those living in hot, humid climates, this primer’s ability to withstand sweat and humidity is a major selling point. Many users in tropical and subtropical areas praised its performance.
One Florida resident shared, “I live in the Mecca of humidity and this really does keep my skin and make up in check. It’s not powdery but more like a gel so any foundation dewy or matte goes over nicely.”
Another user tested it in Miami, saying, “I used this new mattifying primer for 8 days while on my vacation in Miami and it did not hold up well. I seen no difference in the oily appearance of my studio fix foundation and concealer.
As with other aspects of this primer, individual results may vary depending on your skin type and climate. However, the majority of users in humid areas seemed pleased with its performance.
Skin Type Considerations
While this primer is marketed primarily for oily and combination skin, reviews from users with different skin types provide valuable insights:
Oily Skin: The majority of users with oily skin loved this primer. Many found it to be one of the most effective oil-control products they’ve tried. However, those with extremely oily skin may need to pair it with other mattifying products for all-day shine control.
Combination Skin: Users with combination skin generally had positive experiences, especially when they focused application on their oily areas. One reviewer noted, “I have combo skin and this somehow makes my oil WORSE,” but this was not a common complaint.
Dry Skin: Surprisingly, several users with dry skin found this primer worked well for them. One reviewer shared, “As a 40-something I appreciate a product like this that creates a base for makeup to apply more smoothly. I felt this did the trick for me as I definitely liked the look of my foundation more with this primer. There is no smell and no negative skin reaction.”
Another dry-skinned user commented, “I have dry skin, no oily areas whatsoever. My prep after cleansing is very moisturizing already, and I do love dewy products and highlighter so in the summer especially I do reach for mattifiers to tone down the juicy shine. I loved this product from first application and even when I wasn’t as moisturized.”
Sensitive Skin: A few users with sensitive skin mentioned using this primer without issues. One reviewer noted, “I have super sensitive, super fair skin, a very distinct T-zone even at 60+years of age. This went on so effortlessly, controlled my T-zone without drying out my cheeks & made my face canvas ready .. love it!”
Mature Skin: Several reviewers in their 50s and 60s praised the primer for its smoothing effects and ability to minimize fine lines. One user in her 60s exclaimed, “Oily skin at age 60, oh the inhumanity. After trying so many ‘mattifying’ primers, both silicone based and water based, I have found my salvation with MAC primer.”
Pros and Cons
After analyzing hundreds of reviews, here’s a summary of the most frequently mentioned pros and cons:
Pros:
- Effective oil control for most users
- Smooths skin and minimizes the appearance of pores
- Creates a good base for foundation application
- Improves makeup longevity for many users
- A little product goes a long way
- Works well in humid climates for most users
- Suitable for a range of skin types, not just oily skin
- Doesn’t feel heavy or cakey on the skin
Cons:
- May not control oil all day for those with extremely oily skin
- Some users found it didn’t improve makeup longevity
- A few users experienced increased oiliness
- Can be drying for some users, especially if too much is applied
- Relatively expensive compared to drugstore primers
- May not work well with all foundations
Tips for Best Results
Based on user experiences, here are some tips to get the most out of the MAC Studio Fix Mattifine 12hr Shine-Control Primer:
- Less is more: Start with a small amount and add more if needed. Using too much can lead to pilling or decreased effectiveness.
- Allow it to set: Give the primer a few minutes to absorb into your skin before applying foundation.
- Focus on oily areas: If you have combination skin, concentrate the primer on your T-zone or other oily areas.
- Experiment with application: Some users preferred patting or pressing the primer into their skin rather than rubbing it in.
- Pair with compatible products: This primer may work better with some foundations than others. Experiment to find your perfect combination.
- Consider your skincare routine: Make sure your moisturizer is fully absorbed before applying the primer.
- Use with other oil-control products: For extremely oily skin, consider using this primer in conjunction with a mattifying setting spray or powder.
Value for Money
At around $39 for 1 oz (30 ml), this primer is definitely on the pricier side. However, many users felt it was worth the investment due to its effectiveness and the fact that a little goes a long way.
One reviewer commented, “Expensive, but worth getting when there are offers on.” Another noted, “I end up buying after using the sample! I love samples for this reason!”
If you’re on the fence, consider asking for a sample at a MAC counter or purchasing the smaller 0.5 oz size to try before committing to the full-size product.
Comparisons to Other Primers
Several reviewers compared the MAC Studio Fix Mattifine 12hr Shine-Control Primer to other popular primers:
Benefit Porefessional: A few users mentioned switching from Porefessional to this MAC primer and preferring it. One reviewer shared, “I’ve always used pore professional with benefit. Love this studio fix Mattfine 12hr shine control primer. This does wonders to my makeup.”
Smashbox Photo Finish: One user who typically used Smashbox primers found themselves reaching for the MAC primer more often: “I usually use the smashbox one this one smooths blurs and keeps me matte even in a Los Angeles heat wave now that’s a good primer if it can last through that I find myself reaching for this more than my usual primer.”
Other MAC Primers: Some users compared this to other MAC primers they’ve tried. One reviewer noted, “You use to have one that came in a clear tube which was great but you discontinue it and was replaced with this one. Can you bring the other one back?” This suggests that while the Mattifine primer works well for many, it may not be a perfect replacement for discontinued MAC primers that some users loved.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
After thoroughly analyzing the reviews and trying the product myself, I can confidently say that the MAC Studio Fix Mattifine 12hr Shine-Control Primer is a solid choice for many people struggling with oily or combination skin. It delivers on its primary claims of oil control, pore minimization, and creating a smooth base for makeup.
However, as with any beauty product, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. While it works wonders for many users, a small percentage found it ineffective or even counterproductive for their skin type.
Here are my recommendations based on skin type:
- Oily Skin: If you have oily skin and haven’t found a primer that keeps the shine at bay, this is definitely worth trying. It may not control oil for a full 12 hours if you’re extremely oily, but it should significantly improve your makeup’s staying power.
- Combination Skin: This primer could be your new best friend. Focus application on your oily areas for best results.
- Normal to Dry Skin: While not specifically marketed for your skin type, many users with normal to dry skin found this primer worked well for them, especially when they wanted a more matte look. Just be sure to moisturize well beforehand.
- Mature Skin: If you’re looking for a primer that smooths fine lines and controls oil without settling into wrinkles, this could be a great option.
- Sensitive Skin: While some users with sensitive skin had no issues, it’s always best to patch test or request a sample before purchasing.
Have you tried the MAC Studio Fix Mattifine 12hr Shine-Control Primer? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! And if you have any questions about this primer or other MAC products, feel free to ask. Here’s to flawless, shine-free makeup days ahead!
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