Review - MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural

Whoever invented MAC MSF Natural is a genius and I am quite frankly confused as to why I did not hear about this until recently. I've had this product since August and I can now declare that this is love.

The MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural is a multi-use product with an excellent silky finish that stays put and does not break you out. I am HUGE fan and I will go as far as saying that if you don't have this product go out and get it pronto.But, I digress shall we proceed?

photo credit

 

Packaging
This is a standard MAC product so it comes in standard packaging with a transparent cover, in a large black pot. It has a push lever rather than the snap closure which makes it easier to open than your standard compact. The product is molded into a dome shape which makes for easy swiping with a brush. The one drawback is that it does not come with a mirror so you can't just throw this in your bag and go. I have read a couple reviews and there is a call for an addition of a mirror so maybe MAC will heed the call and add this later on.

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My Fresh-Faced Routine

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I have a love/hate relationship with foundation. I love how it can look when it looks good but I hate how it feels. So when BB cream hit the shelves I knew that I would be in love with it. So said, so done - you can read my review here.

But BB cream is not foundation so it doesn't have its staying power or the ability to transform into a powder to give a matte appearance. To top it off, the tropical weather encourages makeup to melt off your face or get shinier than you'd like. The simple solution would be to apply face powder and then touch up at lunch time and the end of the day BUT I am way too low maintenance (ahem - lazy) for that. So I figured out a trick that I will share with you.

May I introduce to you my new dream team:

L- Crown Brush Kabuki Face Brush  Centre - Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream  R- MAC MSF Natural in Dark

Step One:
- Apply your normal day time moisturizer on clean dry skin and let it sink in properly. This is very important because if your face is slippery the bb cream will not stay put.

Step Two:
-Shake the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream well and pat on drops to your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. If you've got a larger face like mine you can apply a little more to the bare areas.

Step Three:
- Blend in the BB Cream lightly with the Crown Brush Kabuki Face Brush using circular motions until it is spread out all over your face and blended in. Repeat this using a firmer hand to make sure everything is blended in seamlessly especially along your hairline, ears, jawline and around your nose.

Step Four:
- Use a powder brush and swirl in the MAC MSF Natural and dust lightly over your face blending in. 


And you're done! This combination gives me a smooth, even skin tone without caking up literally all day. No joke, I have driven to the other side of the island, appeared in court and driven back and it stayed put. The products are sheer enough to let your skin breathe so your pores don't clog but still gives you the even skin tone you're looking for with the added spf protection. 

The MSF mimics the texture of real skin so well it's almost scary but I think it needs a review of its own so watch this space for one coming soon. The two put together is exactly what I've been looking for. I will be trying this with other BB creams once I've finished the Maybelline one but this combination so far is quick and easy and gives me great results.

Have you tried this combination? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think

Till later,
**Jane

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No-Melt Makeup

The holidays are coming up so that means outdoor fetes and beach parties. Now a full face of makeup during the day can be a bit jolting especially when it's melting off your face in the heat. Lately, I've been testing out some products that stay put but still get the job done.

Sunscreen
This is a must if you want good skin past your thirties. The only sunscreen I swear by is the Neutrogena Dry Touch sunscreen with a high enough spf that you don't have to be too concerned about re-applying and there is barely any smell. This will be in my good graces for a very long time.


Neutrogena Dry Touch Ultra Sheer Sunblock


Moisturizer
Gel moisturizer is the way to go. You don't have to wait eons for it to absorb into your skin and it leaves your face completely matte and dry for the face products you want to apply afterwards. A few I like are:

           
Garnier moisture rescue gel - cream                         Clinique Dramatically different moisturizing gel


Foundation
This is a bit of an iffy. Cream, liquid or powder foundation can cake up or melt off in the heat. The trick is to look for something that absorbs well into the skin. MAC's mineralized skin finish (MSF) natural powders seem to get this really really well. It is a finely milled powder that is super light-weight, layer-able and long-lasting. This plus a concealer that sticks well is really all you need. It also has spf which is always a good thing. You can apply with a brush or a clean wet sponge for heavier coverage.




Concealer
I've hyped the Mac Studio Cream Concealer over and over to everyone that will listen and I will continue to do so. This seriously does not melt off. But, if you don't want to spend on this then I would suggest trying the Black Opal Stick Concealer.

                                      
Black Opal                                                                        MAC Studio finish concealer


Blush
A powder blush will be your best friend. However if you want to amp up your cheeks layer a powder blush over your cream blush for a stay-put look all day. I particularly like the Arista blushes.

                                                        
                                                  Arista

Eyes
Anything that is waterproof will be a good idea. Waterproof eyeliner and mascara are a must. To be safe, avoid makeup on your bottom lash line as this can turn into raccoon eyes really quickly. Laying down an eyeshadow primer before you put on your shadows will make them last three times longer. Avoid cream eyeshadows if you want to avoid creasing or melting.
 Eyeshadow primers I recommend are:

  



Lips
If you read my blog you will know what I'm going to say. Lipstains are your best best. Full stop. lol. Here are my current faves.


Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm



And that's it! I'll be uploading a video very soon to show you how I put it all together. Till next time lovelies!

**Jane

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