MAC Mineralize Foundation SPF15 Review

My obsession with cream foundation started almost one month ago, with this post... Obsession Over Cream Foundations. Back then, I mentioned that I had just purchased MAC's Mineralize Foundation SPF15, after reading several reviews on many cream foundations available in the market today. I've read a lot of rave reviews about this foundation, and since I was also eager to try out a cream foundation, I grabbed this before anyone can say "impulse buy". I bought it for PHP2000 at the MAC store in Power Plant Mall.

I've been using this foundation for around 3 weeks now (save for the couple of days when I got sick and kept away from all my makeup) and I think I've used the product enough to be able to write a review. You can see the dent I've already made on the surface of the product.

Here's the description of this foundation on the MAC website:

A rich, luxurious compact foundation offering a creamy application for a flawless, medium-buildable, naturally revitalized, fully dimensional finish. Lightweight and silky to apply. Good for all skin types; particularly benefits dull and/or dry complexions. Provides super-hydrated, high-comfort wear and everyday SPF 15 sun protection.

Funny Story:
I've always known I was an NC20 in one of MAC's other foundations, but since foundations shades can vary with the different foundation formulations, I decided it would be safer to see how the Mineralize Foundation would actually look on my face. The makeup artist matched me to NC25, because she said this matched my face the best. I was a bit skeptical, since my face was darker than my neck because of the week we spent under the sun in Orlando, but I decided to trust the makeup artist and get the NC25. I never paid attention when she showed me the foundation before handing me my purchases but when I got home I noticed that I didn't get NC25 like I asked, but instead I got NC20. Was it fate that I should be using NC20 after all? I tried it on and I'd say that it was a perfect match to my neck and jawline.

Anyway, on to the review...

Packaging:
This foundation comes in a compact packaging, with a mirror, similar to MAC's Studio Fix and Studio Tech foundations. However, I noticed that the MAC Mineralize Foundation compact is a little bit thicker than Studio Fix or Studio Tech.

Underneath the foundation is a small compartment for a foundation sponge. Although I don't use this sponge and many recommend to throw this away, I keep it in its compartment just in case I find myself needing to apply this foundation without a brush. It's always good to have backups.

Application:
This foundation applies like a dream! It's smooth, creamy, and easy to blend. A little also goes a long way. I have tried using two different foundation brushes as seen below, and I've had good results with both.

The stippling brush (I got mine from ELF) is great for those times when you only need light coverage, while the Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush is great for when you need medium coverage. This foundation gives a very natural, dewy finish regardless of the brush used.

Shade Selection:
Like any other MAC foundations, this comes in many many shades to choose from.

Coverage:
Depending on what brush you use and how much product you use, the coverage of this will range from light to medium to almost full coverage. As mentioned earlier, this foundation gives a very natural and dewy finish to the skin. The swatch below shows a light application on the right side of my hand. As seen below, the green veins on the right side are still quite visible.

I tried building up coverage by adding another layer of product and using my Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush to blend the product in. Although the photos may not show a huge difference, the swatch below definitely shows a more flawless skin without looking too heavy or cakey.

Staying Power:
When worn alone, longevity is not this foundation's strongest suit. When I don't set this foundation with powder, I would say that this stays pretty flawless until about lunch time. Then I can notice the foundation starting to fade in the afternoon. However, with a setting powder this can last well until the end of the day.

Conclusion:
This one's staying in my makeup bag for everyday use! I love that it's so easy to whip out and apply on the go, and it looks pretty darn great on my skin. I recommend it for those who haven't tried using cream foundations yet but is interested in venturing into this new territory. It would be great for those who are used to wearing liquid foundations and want to try a light to medium cream product that isn't dry and heavy on the skin.