MAC - PREP & PRIME TRANSPARENT FINISHING POWDER

2016 has been the year for trying out new things, including baking. You haven't lived until you've learnt how to bake your make-up.

Baking was something that I had seen other people do on Youtube and Instagram, but I'd never had the confidence to do myself. When you're not linked in with people who can be there with you to show you and walk you through the process, it can be really daunting to try new things and walk out of the house feeling like you've successfully pulled it off #cutcrease.

I decided earlier in the year, while I was on holidays of course and didn't need to leave the house, that I would try and teach myself to bake. And it was a really quick learning curve. I started out using a super affordable Cover Girl powder for light-coloured skin. TIP: DON'T USE COLOURED POWDERS WHEN BAKING. Anyway, I quickly learnt that skin-coloured powders are no good for baking as they oxidise and change colour, usually orange, which is very noticeable if you do decide to leave the house.

Once I felt that I had the hang of baking, I went out and bought myself a translucent powder, which is what you should be using for baking. Having never bought a translucent powder before and unaware of where to go to purchase it, I went straight to Mac Cosmetics.

And I walked out with this; the Prep & Prime Translucent Finishing Powder by MAC.

'A silky finishing powder that provides an invisible way to set makeup' - MAC

Packaging

The Prep & Prime Translucent Finishing Powder comes in the shimmery Prep & Prime packaging, which I really have a soft spot for. 

The product itself is packaged within a clear container with a screw on lid. Unlike other powders, I've found this container easy to use as it allows great access to the product through the dispensary and that it is also a great travel companion because there are no spills or messes if the lid is screwed on correctly.

Texture & Finishes

Mac's Prep & Prime Translucent Finishing Powder does everything that it promises to do, and has allowed me to fulfil my baking dreams. Since swapping to this product I actually use less powder than what  I had used previously, as I use it solely to focus on baking under my eyes and oily zones.

The texture of the product can only be described as super-fine. It applies clear to the skin, and goes on very evenly and fine, making the skin look smooth. The Translucent Finishing Powder absorbs oil really well, and keeps combination skin in check all day which I absolutely love.

Best part? No flashback. You can thank me later.

Affordability & Retailers

You can purchase your own Transluscent Finishing Powder through MAC either online or in-store for $44.00 AUD.

Final Verdict

Would I buy this product again? No, purely because it's not great value for money. I love that the Translucent Finishing Powder was able to fulfil my baking dreams, but it won't be able to keep that dream alive with it's current price tag.

I'm currently on the look out for a new more-affordable translucent powder that I can use when my Prep & Prime powder has been finished off. If you have any recommendations let me know, otherwise I'll keep you updated.

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New product reviews are uploaded eevery Saturday, and for the last week leading up until Christmas there will be a new product review each day to help you out with your last minute wishlists.

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RCMA - NO COLOR POWDER

Have you ever invested in a product and then thought to yourself 'how did I live before I had this?'. Thats how RCMA's No Color Powder makes me feel on a daily basis. 

Earlier this year I taught myself how to bake and this product has become my holy baking grail after a few other products bombed out. This product lives in my beauty bag and is never substituted out. I guess you could call it true love.

'RCMA Powder will keep  your foundations set and dry without "caking"'.

Packaging

I was a little surprised when I received by RMCA No Color Powder in the mail because the product didn't come in its own box, which is something that I've never encountered before. I'd like to think that perhaps the company are eco-friendly, but who knows!

The No Color Powder comes in a plastic jar, with the brand and product name labelled clearly on the front. Ingredients are also listed on the back.

There's a small lip on the lid of the jar, which is where product is to be distributed from. However when I tried this it was a bit of a messy process. I was happy to store my powder in the jar that it came in, however I ended up filling an old MAC translucent powder container with the No Color Powder product for easier distribution to my brush, less mess, and so it would take up less room in my beauty bag for travelling purposes. 

'RCMA Makeup No Color Powder can be used for all powdering purposes. Because it has no filler or pigment, it will not alter the color of foundation bases'.

Shade & Finishes

Although the No Color Powder appears to be white in colour inside the jar, once applied and absorbed by the skin there is no colour to it and skin is left looking smooth and matte in appearance. This is the perfect product for baking or using to simply mattify your makeup where you need it most.

When baking, the RCMA No Color Powder looks exactly how it presents in the jar: white. I usually allow my powder to bake for anywhere between 5 and 10 minutes each morning before using a brush to lightly brush away excess product. Once excess product has been brushed away there should be no more of that stark white powder look, and your skin should be looking fabulously matte from the powder which was able to sink into your skin.

Affordability & Retailers

Prices range from $12 USD to $24 AUD, so it pays to shop around.  Thankfully, RCMA products can be brought from a variety of online stores, such as: RCMA, Beautylish,  and Adore Beauty.

'RCMA Loose Powder is a staple in the industry and should be apart of every pro makeup artists kit'.

Final Verdict

In  term of value for money this product is the bomb! Never again will I pay $40 AUD for a translucent powder. As long as RCMA are making this product, I'll be buying it. I highly recommend this product for any beauty enthusiasts who love to regularly bake. This is one product that never leaves my beauty bag.

Stay Updated

New product reviews are uploaded every Saturday in Australia, while Pro Tips are uploaded on the first Sunday of each month. 

- B xo