Since I finished up my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (MSFN) powder last month, I finally got to open up my MAC Studio Sculpt Defining Powder (SSDP), which has been sitting in my stash since it launched in Sept 2014. I know… I have a tendency to buy stuff and then not open it for months.
The compact costs $37 for 10g and is made in Italy. I mainly bought this because the tester at the MAC store felt so smooth. I told the MA that I love the MSFN and she said this was comparable but even more smooth looking. I was intrigued! I was matched to the Light Plus shade.
MAC’s description of this powder:
This long-wearing gel-infused powder glides onto the skin and effortlessly blends for a flawless look. Created using slurry technology, in which this powder formula starts out as a liquid-gel and dries to its powder form to give it a unique creamy feel. Can be worn on its own, over moisturizer or used to set and stablize makeup. Features sheer buildable coverage.
Compared to MSFN, SSDP has a sheerer coverage. I would compare it to the MAC Blot powder in terms of coverage. However, the SSDP isn’t as shine controlling as the Blot powder (nor is it marketed to be). I really dig the design on the powder surface, for some reason it looks really futuristic to me:
I read online reviews that complained they could not pick up any product onto their brushes, and I can understand why – this powder is packed quite densely into the compact, I think mainly due to how fine the powder particles are. I made a point to use my natural hair bristled Clarins kabuki brush and it picked up the powder just fine. So keep that mind – in general a synthetic brush just can’t pick up powders as well.
I’ve been wearing this for a couple of weeks and I really like it! It provides a very flawless looking skin: blurs fine lines and pores, doesn’t look cakey, and gives a natural looking radiance. I can even use this powder to set my under eye concealer since it’s not a flat matte powder. I would say that based on how it performs, this is MAC’s response to Hourglass’ Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder.
The only weakness for me is that it doesn’t provide much oil control, but for the upcoming winter months, it’s not as much of a concern. This powder would be best suited for normal to dry skin or combination skin – but not for the oily skin types. I would definitely repurchase this!
Pros:
• blurs skin imperfections
• not drying
• natural looking
• good range of colours (8 in total)
Cons:
• not much oil control
• expensive
Stash worthiness: 8/10
Have you tried MAC Studio Sculpt Defining Powder? What’s your favourite face powder?
I don’t think I’ll ever be able to part from my MSF, but this does look tempting to try!
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Yes I still love my MSFN but the Sculpt powder is a nice alternative for the winter months if I want a lighter coverage.
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I’ll have to keep that in mind
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I loved this so much the first hour after I applied it, but had to bring it back because my skin is on the oilier side so it didn’t hold up all day. It was devastating! Back to MSF, I suppose.
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Yeah I imagine it’s not good for oilier skin types – MSFN is definitely a better option. Glad you were able to return it, that’s what’s great about MAC. No hassles with returns if the product doesn’t work out.
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That’s the biggest reason I don’t mind paying the prices at MAC. I know that if it doesn’t end up working out for me, I can bring it back.
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From MAC I love their blot powder! Still going to have to look for a replacement drugstore powder.
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Have you tried the Rimmel Stay Matte powder? I don’t like how it doesn’t come with a proper compact but it’s decent. The other one that I like is Essence All About Matte powder, it’s very good.
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Always thought about trying Rimmel because people raved about it. I hope I remember Essence since it sounds like a great drugstore powder!
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My all time favourite is the Laura Mercier translucent powder !!! Any MAC powder foundation to suggest ??? (To top my BB Cream)
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I haven’t tried much Laura Mercier. I should add that brand as one I’d like to try more of! A good MAC powder to top BB cream is definitely their Mineralize Skin Finish Natural – I love that on top of my BB cream! 😀
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I took your advise on the MUFE one !!! I’ll go tomorrow to buy MAC .
Laura Mercier makes one of the best eyeshadow formula & the translucent powder is a most (seriously it’s life changing)… In January this should be your first buy, second the Becca palette, third … I think I’ll make you a list 😀
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The MUFE loose powder?
Actually, I’m finishing up the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening powder now – I’ve been using it for YEARS to set my under eye concealer and I love it. But, I need a change and will be moving onto the Nars loose powder next (which is already in my stash!)
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The MUFE foundation powder that you didn’t like 🙂
You will love Nars !!! You & your stash are killing me … The no-buy should be for 2016 too;)
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Oh yeah, the MUFE powder is so cakey, yes pass on that one! Definitely MAC MSFN is waaaay better than that!
I know, I really need to formulate a plan for 2016. I really don’t NEED anything. I know I have a lot of wish list items but I don’t need any of it! Plus, I’m going to Japan next year so I am going to shop like crazy there, so I should pace myself with buying makeup here. I am still toying with the idea of doing a budget per month but I’m not sure how much is reasonable.
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I’m going with 200$/month !!! It may sounds like a lot but it will include haircare, body care,skincare & makeup … To me it will be a far cry from what I’m spending right now. I’m super excited about the low buy, that’s so strange. A no-buy on lip products still remains & on eyeshadow palettes (After the UD, TooFaced & Kevyn Aucoin that is 😜)
You are so lucky to go to Japan 🎉
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“Only $200!” is what I’m thinking lol! I’m not sure if I could stick to that…
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Totally achievable for me !!! (I think ) Like you said once about yours, my stash is so out of control 😦
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This sounds like a great powder!
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It give a beautiful glowy finish which I like for the cooler months. 🙂
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This is awesome! But make sure you check your expiration date my darling Xo
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It should be fine, the powder is only a year old but I appreciate the reminder! 😊
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That’s good then! And you are so welcome Xo
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YES! I loved that one word con! Expensive! 😆
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Haha, it’s true though. MAC prices are getting so high!
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My fave is still the Hourglass powder, but I’ve actually been using my Rimmel Stay Matte a lot more lately.
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Hourglass powder will be MINE in 2016! I had the Rimmel powder and didn’t find it to be all that good… also that packaging has GOT to go!
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OMG I already have a small crack in the cover of my Rimmel one! I REALLY hope you like the Hourglass powder, I know you weren’t into the primer so I hope it works for you.
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I haven’t used any Mac products for a long time! I used to use their foundation years ago but that’s about it. Need to add it to my list of Brands I Need to Try. Any other suggestions for good MAC products?
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So many MAC products! Have you tried MAC eye shadows? I still love their formula especially the Veluxe Pearls. Shades I’d recommend: Satin Taupe, Patina, All That Glitters. I also like their Mineralize Blushes – really lovely colours. I like Dainty and Gentle. Some of their brushes are my favourites including 217, 239, 317 – I tend to prefer the white hairs to the black hairs as they’re softer. Hope that helps!
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This is awesome – thank you! Never tried anything but their foundations so I’ll be taking this list with me when I hit the Mac counter! 🙂
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This sounds absolutely amazing! I love my MSN but might try this next time I run out. I love the idea of it being slightly less matte and more dimensional. Design also looks great!
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I hope you’ll like it. I love the effect it gives my skin – very glowy and healthy looking. Perfect for the cooler months when my skin tends to look dull.
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Exactly what I am looking for, will definitely swatch this next time I am at a counter 🙂
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