MAC At-A-Glance

[November] 11/26 - Monogram - MAC's annual couture collection, 11/30 - Perfect Style
[December] 12/26 - Dame Edna, Chill

April 9, 2008

Product Review: MAC Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation (Loose)


MAC MINERALIZE SPF 15 FOUNDATION (LOOSE) $29.00 USD

"A lightweight loose powder foundation that utilizes the power of minerals to provide the skin with a smooth, radiant, natural finish. Brushes on the skin for sophisticated, medium-buildable coverage. Special mineral complex helps keep skin healthy and nourished while the blend of moisturizers and conditioners in the formula help create a smooth, flawless application. Provides essential everyday SPF 15 sun protection." ~Source
PRICE
Retailing for $29.00, the sticker price doesn't shock me when it comes to MAC foundations. That sounds about right for a high end brand if not more affordable next to brands like Laura Mercier and Vincent Longo. But if $15 for L'Oreal Bare Naturale Foundation is already a splurge, then the price of MAC Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation (Loose) just might have you visualizing what your stomach would look like after having to subject yourself to Cup O'Noodles for the next month.

PACKAGING
In terms of creativity, I think the packaging is very cute. But depending on your brush of choice, unless you plan on using the fluff 'cap'licator that it comes with or a brush with a smaller circumference, it may not work as well to accommodate something like the cult favorite, MAC 182 (buffer brush). And being that it is mineral foundation, there needs to be room for a swirl and tap.

The foundation pot fits easily into one's palm which also makes it easy to toss into your purse for on-the-go touch-ups. Albeit the container is bulkier than your average slim compact, but if you have a messenger bag or a trunk size handbag, this product will easily blend in with the rest of your belongings.


Now ain't that cute... aww. Lol.


And it just isn't mineral foundation without a sifter, is it! What I like about the sifter is that in using a MAC 188 (small duo fibre face brush) for application, the synthetic ends of the brush can pick up the powder right through the sifter without ever needing to tap the cup on the butt. It also helps keep a hot mess at bay.


MAC designed the Mineralize Foundation to include an attached puff applicator that twists securely into the top of the cup. With an ergonomically friendly handle that makes for easy gripping, it definitely makes buffing a cinch! It even comes with an extra puff for when you need to change it.


The applicator is very soft against the skin, and in a word, pampering. But despite the pamper treatment, I'm not one for using puffs or sponges after realizing how much bacteria accumulates on them. Instead, I apply the MAC Mineralize Foundation with the baby skunk brush, MAC 188.


PRODUCT TEXTURE
The texture of the MAC Mineralize Foundation is almost like that of flour. Soft and airy. It smooths over the skin very nicely and really fills in those fine lines making the skin appear more smooth and evened out.

In the first picture, I only covered what would be known as your left with the MAC Mineralize Foundation. Concentrating the foundation on my cheeks, you can tell that it evened out my skin pretty well.

In the following two pictures, I applied moisturizer,
primer, and concealer PRIOR to putting on the foundation.

This picture is to show you how my face looks with both sides completely covered with the MAC Mineralize Foundation. Overall, it looks very consistent on my face. Coverage was definitely buildable, but since I don't use much to begin with, I used enough to just even me out.


WHAT I LIKE
  • The overall design is pretty snazzy. I'm a sucker for unique packaging.
  • It's soft texture and the smoothing properties that give the face that nicely polished look.
  • I don't have to turn the cup over in order to dispense more product as my brush picks up the powder conveniently through the sifter.
  • Anything that has SPF is always a plus!
  • It is lightweight on the skin. It could be that I didn't have to use much, but even at that, I could hardly tell it was on.
  • This could go either way, but I do like that there are 8 different shades to choose from instead of having to worry about NC or NW.
  • The puff applicator is conveniently housed for those quick touch-ups when you don't have a brush available. Not to mention it is soft as clouds!
  • It gives MAC disciples the opportunity to have choice in a mineral foundation.
  • The puff applicator locks into the cup to prevent spillage while making it easy to tote around.
WHAT I DISLIKE
  • On the flipside, that there are 8 different shades to choose from instead of having to worry about NC or NW. Some people might think that if it was available in NC or NW that it might be more color accurate.
  • I have read that the shade that you think you are might be a notch darker than what you actually need.
  • They could have packaged the base to be a bit wider for those who would have liked to use a kabuki brush to buff the foundation on.
OVERALL
I'm still going to stick to my non-MAC mineral foundation as I like the fact that it is a true mineral foundation without added fillers and is spot on the money in color match. But with that being said, I honestly don't mind the MAC Mineralize Foundation at all. It's soft, filled in fine lines, gave adequate coverage, didn't oxidize on me, and was a fairly good color match. I would definitely recommend this to those who can resonate with the reasons on why I like the product.

Hope you all are having a great Wednesday so far! Happy Hump Day!

Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne

Do you enjoy our product reviews? Then don't forget to mention us in your post, link to us, subscribe to our feed, or have email updates sent directly to you!

Share and Enjoy your MakeupFix!

51 makeovers:

yummy411 said...

aloha! so i haven't picked this up yet because i heard it provides lighter coverage than the pressed powder. do you find that to be true? i know it's buildable, but i like coverage. the msf natural pressed is like the bare minimum for me. anything lighter isn't worth it in my opinion..?? what say you mrs. lynne?

Anonymous said...

have you tired the medium dark on yourself??? I heard they ran darker than the NMSF.

MrsDiaz said...

Thanks for the review on this! I haven't seen the mineral foundation in person yet. Im not sure if I want to buy it or not, since I'm really happy with my Everyday Minerals. I did hear the same thing about MAC's mineral makeup being too dark a shade on some.

Thanks for this informative review!

MakeupByRenRen said...

i think the packaging is really cute but i think i can pass on this one...i'd rather get good mmu from cheaper online...thanks for the review because i almost dropped another $30!

B said...

What a fab review, Auntie. I am in love with minerals but since I'm going through this acne treatment stuff, it will be awhile before I play around with minerals again. Boo. :( I hope that when I do go to play with this that they have a good color match.

Anonymous said...

great review. i tried this when it first came out in medium plus and found it a little too dark.

i haven't gone back to mac to see if the medium would be better with my skin. i should check to see if the pro store in canada actually has it yet.

i♥make-up said...

I've been meaning to get this ever since it came out... Im an NC20 which one would you think would be fine for me? I'll probably have to go look at them for myself though... I hate school, it keeps me away from M.A.C

Vanessa said...

Great review sis! I still wanna stick to my mineral foundation (non-MAC) as well.

BeautyTalk said...

I want to try a mineral foundation that's nonMAC because MAC is just too orange for me. Although I use MAC now, I want to switch to something else. Any suggestions?

Danyelle said...

Thank you sooooo much Mrs. Lynn for doing this review!!! I've been wanting to try it and make it my "face on the go" look. But I dont know now, I'm not ready to drop $30 for it....

Anonymous said...

i'm gonna have some product giveaways on my page. if you're interested, please go on my page, read the post, and then give your opinion in the comments so i can get the giveaways started. i'm trying to see if i should only have one grand price winner or 3 winners.

Anonymous said...

i'm gonna have some product giveaways on my page. if you're interested, please go on my page and email me. rules are on my page. there will be THREE winners. Contest ends next friday. if you wanna win, send me an email of your name and address.

Christiana Divine @ Memoirs of A Shopping Addict said...

great review sis! :) i agree with you though, i'd rather stick to the non-MAC mmu, since it is purer. Then again, i don't really own anything from MAC o_0

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

Hi yummy411,

I own the Select Sheer Pressed Powder and find that on me, they both have around the same coverage. The Mineralize Foundation is NOT like the MSF Natural though. I own that as well and that has no coverage whatsoever, in my opinion. I could be using it incorrectly, but from what I remember, it doesn't do so hot on me.

The Mineralize Powder gives more coverage in my opinion than the MSF Natural because it IS in powder form and your brush will pick up more product. When I applied that MSF before, my brush hardly picked up anything and when it did, the coverage was VERY minimal. Plus the powder really smooths out fine lines nicely.

But I agree that anything lighter than the MSF Naturals aren't worth a second glance. The Mineralize Foundation though, I think is worth checking out in the sense that the coverage is much better than the MSF. Hope that helps hun :)

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

Hi Anonymous,

I haven't tried the Medium Dark on myself. But I did hear that the Mineralize Foundations are a notch darker although I didn't hear if that was in comparison to NMSF or just in general. I was paired with Dark in the Mineralize Foundation and I think that it does well for my color match. Looking at the swatch on the Nordie's site, Medium Dark looks too pink for my skin.

Is this something you think you'll consider getting? Or are you still on the fence about the product?

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

I heard the same thing MrsDiaz. But girl, if you're happy with your EDM Foundation, then I wouldn't mess with what's already working. I mean, finding the right foundation is a struggle in itself! Lol.

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

I'm glad I saved you the dough Ren. Buying from an actual mineral company for cheaper is the way to go in my book. I definitely am going to stick to my mineral foundation because I do have the perfect color match in that. I think I'll just tote this one around as a "just in case" sidekick :)

But I still can't deny that the packaging is cute, hah.

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

Oh I hope your skin feels better Divine Blackness. Did you break out due to using minerals or is it just hormonal?

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

How did you like it when you tried it evo? Was it impressive or will you be sticking to your current foundation?

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

Hi iheartmakeup!!

Just by looking at swatch comparisons online, it looks like Medium Plus would match you more appropriately. But you'll definitely have to wave down an MA to make sure.

Oh yes, school. Darn them for wanting to make us have better lives, lol! Don't they know that playing with makeup helps us live longer in turn making us have better lives?

Are you in school for anything in particular?

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

Hi BeautyTalk.

The non-MAC mineral foundation that I use is by Buff'd Cosmetics, but there are TONS of really good companies to go through. I've only tried this, Silk Naturals, and Everyday Minerals, but I absolutely love Jennifer's (the owner) shades in foundation because they really match. And knowing that its healthy for the skin makes it just that much more attractive!

I will be doing a post on this soon, but in the meantime, you can check her out at: Buffd.com. The customer service is great and she is very helpful.

What of MAC are you using right now for foundation?

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

Hi Danyelle! You're welcome :)

It's a decent product but seriously at $30, you can find a mineral company online with healthier foundation and better color matches. But then again, you can always keep this in your purse for "just in case" ;)

What foundation is it that you're using now?

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

Hi Spankedelic!

Thank you sweetie for informing me of your giveaways! I'm excited to win - see how optimistic I am? :) Hah.

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

Hi Sis Chris,

Of all people, you would be the LAST person I'd expect to buy this, lol! I know you do right by your skin :)

Mukho said...

Hey Mrs Lynne:)

U know, ur compliment on that email sent me zooming straight up into the clouds! :) :)
I used to have acne as a teenager. Now i scrub and use sunscreen religiously, usually i stay away from moisturisers, but i do use some cream on my neck :)

Pity we dont get any reasonably priced mmu in india :(
gave ur face a radiant shimmer :)

(g)ezebel said...

hmmm. i've been waiting for MAC to come out with these. i've just been deleting all makeup emails from companies so i'm not tempted to purchase more Useless Makeup Crap I Don't Need. but i really wanna try this stuff out. i already use their MSF pressed powder, so i'm hoping the loose stuff will be the same. i think you and i are the same skin tone, so i'm gonna go back to see what color you picked. too lazy to go to the store. heehee

The Shades Of U said...

You look awesome as always, but this looks so smooth and flawless. I'm a mineral foundation purist as well (with only 4 or 5 ingredients), but I don't mind trying this out. Someday. LOL

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

Hey Mukho,

Well, your skin looks absolutely great! And when I see great skin, I HAVE to compliment, hah.

I have only started to use moisturizers regularly because for the longest time I was so against anything that would potentially make my face oilier. But now that I'm enlightened on knowledge, I realize how important moisturizer is for the skin. I do need to be more consistent on my neck though. I was, but recently I've been forgetting *shame*

There are some MMU companies online that ship Internationally. You'd have to do some research though to find out which one you feel would suit you better.

I hope you have a great weekend Mukho!

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

I really like the softness in texture of the Mineralize Foundation. It's powdery soft and really smooths those fine lines. When I was at the store and ran it across my hand, the lines smoothed out very nicely. Although I'm still going to stick to my non-MAC foundation, it sold me enough to buy and test it out, lol. Plus I can keep it for back up :)

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

Hi shades of hue,

I totally remember you saying that in one of our conversations! Although I don't see myself giving up my non-MAC foundation, I can say that I was impressed with the finish of the Mineralize Foundation. I'm just going to keep it on hand just in case, hah.

i♥make-up said...

Finishing up my Bachelor's in Psychology, it's taking every piece of sanity that I have left:( I'm getting aggravated. I thinbk I might need to get myself matched, because sometimes, my nexk looks lighter than my face and that pisses me off!!!

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

I actually really like Psychology iheartmakeup! I really like the thinking behind it all. Although then I find myself being to psychological on things, hah.

Mismatched foundation is not a good sighting. I'm either one or the other, too light or too dark. But thank goodness I discovered a true mineral foundation in the best matching shade! At least one of my battles is over, lol.

And I can tell school is sucking away your sanity, lol. Hang in there girl! Schools almost over :)

Mukho said...

Hee Hee, Mrs Lynne,

Thanks for the online shopping thing, although I dont suppose I'll be going anywhere near a make up store in the foreseeable future :(
I went and busted 2400 bucks on m/u yesterday, including a revlon skinlights face illuminator lotion worth 550 rupees!!! :O
I think its called "drugstore makeup" in your country, lolz

Out here, we need to drag up 40 of our own currency to make one of your dollars. Sad, but a girl needs her makeup, dont you agree? :)

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

Oh no Mukho! You went and broke the bank, haha. I've done that a couple times. Obviously I haven't learned my lesson yet, lol.

But yes. A girl does need her makeup. It's an unexplainable trait in each female. Don't ask or question. You'll only anger the beast ;)

Jenn said...

The puff is sooo cute!! :D thanks for the review girl! i don't have much luck with MAC powders / foundations - they break me out plus they're a little heavy for my liking. This seems lighter than the other powders though, so i actually might give it a try when my powder runs out. i'm a devout user of the Loreal Translucide loose powder! it's sooo fine and gives such a beautiful glow on my face, all in a huge tub to boot! what's not to love? :D

what's your favourite face powder? :D

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

I still have yet to experience these breakouts that y'all speak of. I did have a minor reaction one time after trying out Strobe Cream, but I think it might have been due to a dirty brush, hah. I've used it after that incident and didn't have any problems.

Hhhmm.. my favorite face powder would have to be my Buff'd foundation. I really love the color payoff although this Mineralize Foundation is very soft in look and feel. I also like the Select Sheer Pressed Powder. Used to wear that all the time!

How long have you been using L'Oreal Translucide Powder?

Anonymous said...

Sally Hansen is selling a similar product (albeit a loose powder, not a loose foundation) in similar packaging as part of it's Natural Beauty line. I'm not so fond of MAC, but I might check SH's version out. My only qualm is the unsanitary sponge. I hope it's detachable.

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

I didn't even know Sally Hansen made anything other than nail care products and wax, MandyPandy! I'm not fond of the sponge either. I don't ever use it. For this product, I've been using a duo-fibre skunk brush. After having vivid memories of the oil that collected on my compact applicator back in the days, I'm scarred from ever using them again, hah.

sarahPUFFY! said...

I'm medium deep in MSFN, and I can get some pretty good coverage when I pair it with my Cargo primer and concealer, so I'm actually pretty into the idea of buying this. I know that everyone complains about not getting enough oomph out of MSFN's, but if I can get coverage from that, then I can get plenty from this Mineralize Foundation.

I'm a bit baffled about the shades being darker than implied, though. This means I can't buy this in medium deep, but...whatever is lighter than medium deep? How lame.

Anyways, thanks for the review. After I get the shading thing situated, I'll be buying this to review for my own blog. xx

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

Hi sarahPUFFY,

You definitely will get more coverage with this as it is a loose powder. I find that there is more product adherence when getting it onto the brush whereas using the MSFN, at least for me.

If you're a Medium Deep in the MSFN, you might just need Dark like I have. But it does make it rather confusing for us that already know what we are in one line of their products. Perhaps a marketing strategy for us consumers to talk to a MA and possibly spend more money? Hmmmmm....

What brush are you using for your MSFN, if you don't mind my asking?

sarahPUFFY! said...

Ah, I use Mark's flat head blush/bronzer brush. Although I would like the 182, this brush does a fine job. Even when I used CG's Clean Pressed Powder, I still got great coverage using that brush. I noticed how EVERYONE complains about MSFN, but I'm pretty sure using a 187 will get them nowhere.

Ah, okay, I understand what you're saying about the shading now. That kind of sucks, because I had to ask for shading advice on Specktra, and they don't even know what they're talkin about with this stuff. And more so, no one will drive to the nearest [and only] MAC - which is a Red River away. I may have to convince a driver now, haha.

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

I agree on the 187 sarahPUFFY. When using it for pressed powders, unless it's blushes whose pigmentation is high, then it's not the best choice in brush. I use the 188 for the loose powder only because it does pick up more because it is a loose powder, you know? But I spot buff the powder onto my face by concentrating the powder in small area at a time instead of running it all over my face. By doing that, then I'd get no coverage, but concentrating it area at a time, I get enough that I need then do a final buff to even it all out. Can be rather time consuming for some, but works for me :P

I have the 182 and my only grip on it while using the MSFN was that because it is a dome shaped powder, it didn't distribute as evenly on my bristles in comparison to swirling my brush in my Select Sheer Powder compact. It's been a while and perhaps I was just a dummy in knowing how to use it before, but that's all that I can remember from that. I should give it another shot, but I'm just so spoiled with what I use now, lol! Do you ever get that way?

Have you tried using the MAC Chat Live program? They might be able to assist you in some way until you can get yourself to an actual store.

Anyhow, how's your weekend going so far, girl? Anything poppin'?

sarahPUFFY! said...

Ah, that's exactly why I want to kill myself when girls say they try using the 187. I actually just posted a slightly angry blog about it, haha.

Hm, I personally haven't used the 182 [or any of the MAC brushes! who knew?], but the trick I use is to take the brush and swirl it around the dome. Since it is a brush that's kind of on the small side, its able to pick up enough powder that way, and the powder will still hold its shape.

And my weekend has been nice and semi-peaceful! Much more enjoyable than usual. I'm feeling rested, and although I really want to say I'm ready for school...I never am. Hahah.

Oh, and I think I may have even decided to get Philosophy's foundation instead [well, for now], since it seems a little more travel friendly. However, if the time allows for me to see the stuff in person, I'd eat it up faster than a damn chocolate cake.

Kim said...

i tried applying this today with my 188 and i think it makes a great difference than using the attached sponge :) thanks! this is the first foundation that i have used consistently in a while. i am wary of a bad reaction though so i wash it off right after the day is over.

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

Hi sarahPUFFY! I'm so sorry I'm so late in responding to this comment. The email must have slipped through the cracks. My apologies.

I guess to each his own on the MAC 187 when it comes to using it on pressed powder foundations. For me, it just never transferred anything.

How is the Philosophy's foundation working for you? Its the Supernatural foundation, right? Looks cute!

And speaking of chocolate cake... I can sure eat a slice right now! LOL.

Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net said...

Hi Kimberly,

I'm glad the 188 works well for you. I really like using the duo-fibre brushes for loose powders now that I'm getting the hang of using them. I even use my 187 to apply moisturizer to my face! It makes a huge difference and I feel like it absorbs into my skin better than using my fingers.

And good for you to be on top of taking your makeup off at the end of the day. Definitely don't want to do anything to upset your skin :)

How is your Monday so far?

Post a Comment