MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder Controversy?

Well hello, long time no talk! Things have been a bit hectic for me over the holiday season, and I just started a new, very time consuming job- which is a great challenge for me, but super exciting! And, I hate to say it, but sometimes I just need a bit of a break from the internets!

Never fear though, because I'm back, and with a review of MAC's Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder. This powder is kinda MAC's version of MUFE's HD powder, but certainly with a twist. Is it better or worse? Keep reading to find out!

PS: There is quite a surprise to be had!


First, allow me to draw your attention to this vid by GossMakeupArtist, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM4foAf1tHc, who addresses the recent celebrities who have been photographed with white powder on their face. His verdict? Makeup Forever's HD powder is the culprit!

It was also in this video that I first was intrigued by MAC's Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder, because he said that he tested this powder as well, and found that it did not create the same white effect. So, on a recent trip to MAC, as I was purchasing the Pro-Longwear foundation, I decided to also pick up this sheer finishing powder.

I have been wearing it for a week, and have, quite simply, liked it. It keeps my makeup from wearing off, and goes well with the Pro Longwear foundation (which as the name suggests, is also longlasting). I also liked the feather-light feel and finish- it does not look cakey or make me feel overdone.

unblended 

So, all was well...until today! I obviously wanted to share this product with you lovely folks, and so as I was photographing the product, I noticed some very disconcerting things:

When I took photos without a flash, it looked great....

No Flash/ Flash

...However, when I used a flash, I got the white face/tan body look! This is a deal-breaker for any foundation or powder- doesn't matter how great it makes me look in person, if I can't be photographed and look human, then I don't want it! I don't want to have to hide any time someone pulls out the camera!!

I then took a photo of this powder blended into my skin, first with a flash, then without.

l: this blended in, invisible to the naked eye!!          r: no flash, you cannot see the white powder.

You will notice that with a flash, the white powder is visible, even though it is completely invisible without the flash. This is exactly what Goss showed with MUFE's powder, and here it is occurring with MAC's.

Needless to say, I am kinda VERY disappointed with this product. I got my hopes up that maybe I'd found the perfect skin routine, only to have those hopes squashed with my newest findings. Now, I am not saying that this is ALL the powder's fault- it seems to me a combination of the powder and foundation- but, due to the photos I took with the powder alone, it appears that it plays a significant role.

Verdict: Gorgeous application for day-to-day use, but you'll get caught looking like a ghost in flash photography!!