Product Review: M.A.C.’s Sheer Pressed Powder!

As a self-confessed beauty fanatic, I’m sure you are not surprised to learn to that I love M.A.C. cosmetics. Well known for their colourful seasonal collections, vast kaleidoscope of shades and finishes and on-trend formulas, M.A.C. is one of the best, cutting-edge, beauty brands on the market. One product that I absolutely love, and has lived constantly in my makeup collection is their Select Sheer Pressed Powder in NC30. This is a light pressed powder that delivers a matte finish, light coverage as well as acting to set your foundation.

PACKAGING

No glitter, frills, or ornate details come with M.A.C.’s packaging. The round, sturdy plastic compact is matte – those who are OCD about fingerprints getting all over plastic can breathe easy! It flips open to reveal a large round mirror (perfect for repetitive self-admiration) and a suedette sponge.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

This product is the Rolls Royce of pressed powder. It’s so smooth, finely milled and applies wonderfully – leaving your skin shine-free and providing light coverage for redness, blemishes and pigmentation. As I am Asian, buying the right colour powder for my yellow skintone is notoriously difficult. Many of the drugstore ranges tend to carry limited shades with excessive pink undertones. I once purchased a pressed powder and successfully used it as blusher (!). M.A.C. ‘s foundation and powder range have three undertones for their skin products NC (yellow/warm), NW(cool/pink) and N (neutral), plus porcelain shades all the way to very dark/tanned skintones. The shade ‘NC30’ in the perfect colour match for my yellow-based skin, and blends in seamlessly for a no-makeup, natural finish. M.A.C.’s Select Sheer Pressed Powder lasts all day without oxidizing, looking ashy or cakey.

APPLICATION TIPS & TRICKS

Use a fluffy powder brush for sheer application all over the face. The product can also be used as an eyeshadow base to help neutralize redness and hide veins, so you can maximize the colour intensity of your eyeshadow. As the compact also comes with a suedette sponge applicator, this is perfect if you are after full coverage as the powder applies more densely if you decide to use it. It’s also handy for travelling and touch-ups on the go. And did I tell you that sponge is super-soft and a delight to use? It feels like brushing your kitten’s paws all over your face.

OVERALL VERDICT

This is a beautiful product from M.A.C. that I have and will reach for daily for years to come. It’s an exceptionally, high quality pressed powder that’s worth the investment to achieve a complexion perfection.

OVERALL RATING: 9/10 ( I took a score off as the price that I pay at Australian M.A.C. counters seems to increase every 2 months. I don’t know about you, but my money doesn’t grow on trees).

PRICE: $44 at maccosmetics.com.au

PURCHASE: Yes! I also purchase this whenever I am overseas – thank you to the currently strong Australian dollar!