MAC • Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone • Primer/ Corrector

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PaintInkChick on 4/13/2013 11:05:00 PM more reviews by PaintInkChick

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Medium Brown, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

So I received this about a month ago as a lovely extra from a sweet Mua'er:) I probably would have never thought to pick this up due to size & pricing unless someone had recommend it. First off I don't have oily skin per say,but I guess if I "accidently" grad a wrong product,it tends to increase the oil in my skin. Example, I stopped my Mac & since its right next to the Clinque counter I asked the mua if she'd mind grabbing my mositurizer for me so I can pay all @ once. But I didn't notice she got the #3 very dry,and I think this added more oil in my skin,which I didn't need making my nose very oily. So this product came just in time. A little goes a long way,a just apply a couple small dots to my nose & the sides and I can tell a big difference. I don't find it shrinks the pores,but it does minimalizes them and makes the oily parts matter. Since I don't really wear foundation too much,just Msfn normally I had to wait & see how it did with that. And it wore pretty well. Overall,I do like this product & if I fell a need for it I'll probably purchase it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* cyclops68 on 12/13/2012 3:38:00 PM more reviews by cyclops68

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I have combination skin and my T-zone gets shiny with a layer of MAC Blot after 4-5 hours, even in winter when there is almost no humidity. Now that I have tested the Prep and Prime Skin Refined Zone for more than a year and gone through 2 tubes of it, I am ready to give it a glowing review.

I was first recommended Prep and Prime Skin Refined Zone when it first came out back in summer 2008 by a MAC senior makeup artist during a makeover session, when I voiced my concerns that my foundation didn't seem to be going on evenly. It didn't appeal to me then because I hardly use foundation, and still rarely do. At that time I was using Prep and Prime Skin (without SPF) or Prep and Prime Face Protect (with SPF50). When I finally ran out, I decided to give Prep and Prime Skin Refined Zone a try. I use it two dots on my forehead, a dot on my nose and a dot on my chin, over which I might apply concealer (if there are blemishes to cover) and then a layer of MAC Blot (pressed) to set, following by a mist of Fix+. I am delighted to report that combining Prep and Prime Skin Refined Zone and MAC Blot manages to keep my face shine free for almost 12 hours! To be precise, it gets ever so slightly dewy on my nose about 7-8 hours in, but it can be ignored or taken care of by lightly blotting with a piece of tissue paper... or even the back of my hand. After 12 hours of wear though, it is advisable to touch up with a layer of MAC Blot. I have tried this combination in all weathers and seasons, and it works perfectly even in Mediterranean summer. However, I noticed when I was on holiday in a tropical climate that was extremely humid that due to increased perspiration, my skin got dewy within 5-6 hours and needed a touch up.

I have tried Prep and Prime Skin Refined Zone in combination with other powders for oil control, such as Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder, and MAC Studio Careblend. I found that Skin Refined Zone + Transparent Finishing Powder didn't work as well (5 hours without shine), and Skin Refined Zone + Careblend worked slightly better (about 6-7 hours without shine). Regardless of the powder used to set, it is evident that Prep and Prime Skin Refined Zone still contributes to some oil control properties on its own. I can confidently say that I have found my staple, holy grail makeup primer, and I highly recommend combining it with MAC Blot to anyone who might have combination skin.

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MelissaJuice on 9/30/2012 12:42:00 PM more reviews by MelissaJuice

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight   Eyes: Green    

I must admit that this is the first primer I've ever tried, I saw it and thought I'd just give it a try since I find the pressed Prep + Prime finishing powder quite amazing...
I'm not terribly impressed with this primer, but i do get some use out of it.
It mattifies quite well, makes the skin surface definitely smoother and the (Clarins Ever Matte) foundation easier to blend... however, the mattifying effect doesn't last more than a few hours before the oil wins again, but what I really like about this primer is that it makes my foundation last much longer.
For some reason it doesn't work with MAC's Pro Longwear foundation on me though... tried it only once, and the PL just became completely patchy and virtually unblendable... like if you'd use a very mattifying foundation on very dry skin :(
I think I would repurchase this product, but I'd also really like to test another one.

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neillxoxoxo on 9/24/2012 10:55:00 AM more reviews by neillxoxoxo

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

LOVE this primer. BEST I've used. I usually apply this onto my T zone after I've applied my dermablend primer all over. Literally no pores, no oiliness, nothing. Does exactly what you want.

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stella0r on 9/4/2012 2:39:00 AM more reviews by stella0r

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This broke me out! If I apply before makeup as base, it doesn't control oil, which is exactly what it's supposed to do. The SA from Mac taught me that this can be used for touch ups to mattify the shiny areas - it doesn't prolong the oilies either. Nothing a blotting paper can't do.

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ryannie0410 on 8/31/2012 12:11:00 PM more reviews by ryannie0410

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I am SOOO glad that I found this product.
My biggest skin concern is the pores on the nose (combination skin, fair, some blemishes). They're not horrible, but can be accentuated after the foundation on my face faded after several hours. The worst experience is with GA Luminous Silk Foundation - I bought it 3 years ago, and it never failed to show EVERY PORE ON MY NOSE even when initially applied. It gets worse as hours go by... So the expensive bottle remained mostly untouched during those years. Recently I start scouting out for a new foundation to replace the Lancome teint miracle that I regularly use, and I got a sample of this from MAC. I am very impressed with this product! Upon application (just a pea size amount), it doesn't seem to do much to refine the pores, only the nose appears matte. The magic shows after 7+ hours when the foundation on my nose still stays and I don't see the horrible pores! In order to test its potency, today I tried it with GA Luminous Silk Foundation (the most notorious product in my cosmetics world), and it works!!! You don't see the pores upon application of the foundation, or hours afterwards either. I cannot express how happy I am! This means I can really start using this expensive LSF without worrying about the pores, and finally get that glow that every other user of LSF seems to enjoy! Thank you MAC. I will definitely purchase once the sample runs out.

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Monseter on 8/29/2012 7:07:00 PM more reviews by Monseter

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brown, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I've been using this product for about five years and so far so good!! It's my HG primer. I've spent 100s of dollars trying to find the "perfect" primer and thus far this is the greatest thing I've ever bought.


Before I started wearing makeup I could wear this alone to even out my face tone without using very much product.

It's got a really nice texture and it leaves you matte for what seems like forever!

My oily ladies, this is the answer to your prayers.

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louisahm26 on 8/19/2012 6:26:00 PM more reviews by louisahm26

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

All I can say about this is that I really don't think it makes any difference to my pores. Whilst it doesn't break me out, it doesn't serve the purpose it's supposed to serve and so I rarely use it any more. Definitely won't be buying it again!

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beernice on 1/11/2012 11:32:00 AM more reviews by beernice

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Black    

Really works well on oil control. I can even use it as an eye lid primer and it works! However, its abit troublesome to apply so many products on my face.

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RyeSupporter on 1/3/2012 9:59:00 AM more reviews by RyeSupporter

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I love this primer! It's the only primer I found that actually works on my skin to mattify it. I've tried many others and this is the best for my super oily skin. My only complaint is that the tube is so small for what you pay for, but I guess it's what you get for a product that actually works. I'l try the regular Prep + Prime and see if it comes pretty close and I might use that instead if it is anywhere good like this one is just to save money. I definitely recommend it however :D

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zamaa on 12/22/2011 11:08:00 AM more reviews by zamaa

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Luckily I did not buy this but got it as a sample at the MAC counter. This product goes on totally smooth and really mattifies the shine, however, it did not have very much lasting power. I was a bit disappointed because I loved the way this primer went on and looked but just sad that it didn't keep me shine free for very long. I have an extremely oily t zone and this worked for a couple of hours but after that it was back to my greasy self :( Been having a makeup obsession these past few weeks and trying different things and what I have found to work really well is Mark Matte-Nificent Oil Absorbing powder. It's very light and keeps me shine free for a very long time. The MAC primer might be good for someone that is semi-oily but I would def suggest getting a sample before buying it, as it is very pricey for a small amount.

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KutieKMK on 9/22/2011 8:04:00 PM more reviews by KutieKMK

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I love this stuff! I get really oily in my t zone and cheeks, and this stuff helps that out for a while and I do notice that it slightly minimizes my pores. I'm surprised this didn't break me out... there was slight irritation at first but over time I am completely used to it and my skin looks great! Love the packaging too. Great mattifying gel, I suggest it to everyone with oily skin/large pores.

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rea1 on 6/12/2011 7:40:00 AM more reviews by rea1

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I think that this product is not supposed to be a pore minimizer. It is a primer for oily skin and it really works on my combination skin. It has a nice powdery texture when on my skin and it doesn't dryme out. Up to now it didn't break me out. I would definitely recommend it.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

NatBeans on 4/30/2011 2:45:00 AM more reviews by NatBeans

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this after seeing Elle Fowler review it as a good pore minimizer. I put it on and my pores did look minimized, however, when I put on makeup the effect was completely gone. I find the pore shrinking results are only visible if nothing is put on top of them. Even then the effects are only visible for an hour or so.

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bambigirl0512 on 4/20/2011 3:00:00 PM more reviews by bambigirl0512

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I am loving this primer. I only use it on my nose and chin, those are the areas I get oily. I am just so tired of having to apply more and more powder throughout the day! Well this did the trick for me. No more overly shiny slick nose! I have no problems applying my make up over this either.

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tiinnhh on 4/19/2011 6:56:00 PM more reviews by tiinnhh

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Olive, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I got a sample from the SA at the MAC store to try out since i'm pretty sketchy about trying new face products. Good thing I asked for a sample first too because this primer makes me break out! Within 3 days of usage, I started breakout around my cheeks nose and forehead. (where I applied the primer) It also did not cover my huge oil glands I call pores on my nose. I did like the packaging though, very easy to use. I will not be purchasing this.

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*TOP REVIEWER* chusuyuki on 3/9/2011 5:10:00 AM more reviews by chusuyuki

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Oily   Hair: Red   Eyes: Black    

I have very oily skin and bought this afte reading the reviews here. Yes, this product helps to control the oilies on my skin. Usually, I have to blot my face 2-3hrs after I've put on makeup. With this, 5hrs later.

BUT the bad thing about this is, it broke me out like crazy. My skin is pretty much clear with the occasion of one or two pimples, very very occasionally. But with this, the face is filled with bumps and cysts. I know it's gross but this is why the product did to me. My makeup routine is the same, with the exception of this. So I know this is the culprit.

I guess I'll only use this on T zone very sparingly and when the occasion calls, but not the whole face. Will not be purchasing this again.

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*TOP REVIEWER* mandiluk on 2/22/2011 9:39:00 PM more reviews by mandiluk

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this product because it was raved by a a youtube guru. So I gave it a try. I guess I would consider it my first primer and it's really a pain. You have to wait 5 minutes for the product to sink in and then apply makeup to your face. I have to say, using this primer does keep my makeup on a little longer, but to spend an extra 5 minutes waiting for it to sink in, just isn't worth it for me.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

ReineRedWillow on 12/29/2010 4:58:00 AM more reviews by ReineRedWillow

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Black, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I love this product because my skin gets really oily, and this really helps! I know this claims to be pore minimizer, but I don't really notice that effect. I love how it makes my makeup go on so smoothly and leaves such a soft finish. I have read comments about how it takes it a long time to dry, but I haven't had that problem. I put a tiny drop on my finger and then use the fingers of my other hand to just just put the smallest amount on my T-zone, and that is all I need. I have had the same tube for 6 months and I am just now starting to run out.

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Meliii on 12/21/2010 7:05:00 PM more reviews by Meliii

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone is AMAZING!

Honestly, I have the hugest pores on my nose and cheeks, and you can spot them from a mile away, not attractive. So I gave this a try and OMG, it works! I mean, my pores become invisible just by putting this stuff on, and guess what, I don't wear foundation on top, I no longer need it. This is something that I'm very self-consious about, and that I'm, quite frankly, embarressed over. Even though no one else might not even notice them, I do. If there is a will, then there is a way, and I found a way to be confident again, to be proud and free. I don't have to worry about my skin or if anyone is staring at my pores, I can simply chill and truly be myself, with no restrains.

So yes, it is expensive and yes you do only get 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) but it's so worth it!

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