MAC Mineralize Foundation; Review & Swatches Shades

Mac Mineralize Foundation (Cream Compact)

Price $34 for 9 grams

(Approx $3.60 per gram)

MAC's Mineralize line is extremely popular with the extensive array of Mineralize lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushes, skin finish powders, and ofcourse, Mac Mineralize Moisture Liquid Foundation & Concealer. What tends to be less publicized, is Mac's Mineralize Foundation which is housed in a compact and was one of the first products to launch Mac's Mineral trend!

Mac Mineralize foundation is NOT for oily skin, it has an intensely hydrating formula which Mac claims-

A rich, luxurious compact foundation offering a creamy application for a flawless, medium-buildable, naturally revitalized, fully dimensional finish. Lightweight and silky to apply. Good for all skin types; particularly benefits dull and/or dry complexions. Provides super-hydrated, high-comfort wear. 

Mac's description of Mineralize Foundation is actually fairly accurate. The formula is most certainly a rich cream and although I don't know that I would call it luxurious, it is smoother than many hard-cream foundations (like Mac Full Coverage), but Mineralize can drag a bit as you apply it, especially if you take too long doing so or use a silicone primer beneath the foundation.

The amazing thing about Mac Mineralize Foundation, is the absolutely flawless finish it does indeed provide. The finish is totally natural looking and not overly dewy and actually leans more towards the matte side of things despite the hydrating formula. The finish of Mac Mineralize is what makes it fabulous, but ofcourse, there's a catch. 

Mac Mineralize Foundation loses some of its fabulous looking finish if you set it with powder of any kind but leaving it un-set will cause Mineralize to retain the tacky, almost waxy feel it has initially upon application. Calvin Klein tried to copy Mineralize Foundation with his CK One Color Water Fresh Makeup and the formulas are very similar (Mac's is better and has better shades,) and I commented on that review about the finish but its incredibly difficult to describe if you haven't felt it first hand.

The tacky feeling of the finish can be greatly reduced if you have exceptionally dry skin which can absorb many of the emollients producing the sensation. It also helps to not build up Mac Mineralize Foundation too much and to think of it more as a light to medium coverage foundation if the way your skin feels with makeup on is important to you. (If the way your foundation looks is all that matters, then you can easily achieve full coverage.)

Using other complexion products over Mac Mineralize Foundation takes a bit of practice whether you use powder or creme blush/bronzers and blending can be very difficult over it; almost like trying to blend a powder over pine tree sap- you can imagine the results!

The shade range of Mac Mineralize Foundation stays true to Mac form with an initial line up of about 17 shades that will suit fair-deep skintones. There has been alot of debate with several Mac store managers about whether or not some shades (or the entire foundation) are being discontinued or if they are having a "long-term out of stock issue," and there doesn't seem to be a consensus between  Mac customer service reps either, so who knows.

Mac Mineralize Foundation
 Swatches of Shades;
NW15, NW20, NW25, NW30, NW40, NW45,
NC15, NC20, NC25, NC30, NC35, NC37, NC40, 
NC42, NC44, NC50

Mac Mineralize Foundation,
 Swatches of Shades;
NW15, NW20, NW25, NW30, NW40, NW45,
NC15, NC20, NC25, NC30, NC35, NC37, NC40,
NC42, NC44, NC50

If you want a more agreeable and easy to manage cream foundation, Mally Ultimate Performance Professional Cream Foundation is a thinner (but just as pigmented) option. NYX Mineral Foundation Stick is also a great choice as well and a huge bargain at it's $12 price point. Both are Cruelty Free.