MAC is undoubtedly one of the most well-loved and recognised makeup brands in the game with hundreds of iconic products. When I was 18 and at the height of my makeup obsession, I saved up my money to get the MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation. I then started building a MAC eyeshadow palette, eating up the recommendations of my favourite YouTubers. I lined my lips solely with MAC Chestnut Lip Liner and often dusted Fever blush on my cheeks to finish my look. I was a MAC girl through and through. But although Prep and Prime and Fix+ have been core collections for many years now, I never delved into the non-makeup side of MAC.
So, when the brand launched new additions to its Lightful C collection, I was intrigued and dived into a full MAC skincare regime to see what I was missing out on, and I was so impressed. Here are my top picks.
MAC Skincare Favourites
MAC Cosmetics Lightful C3 Radiant Hydration Skin Renewal Lotion
This honestly reminds me of baby lotion, but in a good way—it’s the light scent and texture and how gentle it feels on your skin. If you have oily skin, this lightweight formula will be perfect for you.
MAC Cleanse Off Oil 150ml
If anything is going to remove long-wear makeup and waterproof mascara, it’s going to be this oil. Formulated with olive fruit, evening primrose and jojoba-seed oil it makes for a gentle yet effective first cleanse.
MAC Strobe Cream 50ml
As an oily girl, I often have to opt for a matte foundation or else I will look unflatteringly shiny within hours. But this also means that I can at times look a bit one dimensional because of the flatness that some matte bases give. Strobe cream helps to create radiance beneath your base. I love the pink for pepped up iridescence on the skin.
MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Coconut 100ml
This is a cult pick for a reason. Not only does it prepare your skin for your base (helping makeup to last up to 12 hours), it can also be used to refresh your skin. As it’s completely alcohol-free, it hydrates well and I love the coconut scent for a tropical twist.
MAC Lip Scrubtious (Various Flavours)
Winter-ravaged lips can be stubborn and hard to keep smooth, but this lip scrub really buffs away dry, flaky skin to reveal super-soft lips.
MAC Lightful C3 Radiant Hydration Skin Renewal Emulsion
If you want something more substantial in the hydration department, this emulsion is similar to the lotion version but has a slightly thicker texture and a dewier finish without being oily.
Sometimes you do need to evacuate clogged pores, especially if you live somewhere environmentally polluted. Personally, I don’t recommend pore strips, as they can be harsh on the skin, so this is the next best thing to effectively remove blackheads and dirt. It also doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry like a lot of other charcoal-based masks do.
MAC Prep + Prime Essential Oils Grapefruit & Chamomile
Who doesn’t love a multiuse product? This oil is great for using all over the to seal in your skincare routine. Or, if you prefer, you can mix a small drop in with your foundation for a more dewy and radiant finish.
MAC Fast Response Eye Cream
I often steer clear of eye primers specifically as I’ve found they can feel quite drying on my eyelids. But this eye cream primes, brightens and smooths the area all in one thanks to the optical diffusers within the formula.
Next up, the affordable brands that makeup artists swear by.
