MAC • Prep + Prime Beauty Balm SPF 35 • Tinted Moisturizer

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hancam1030 on 2/25/2013 5:38:00 PM more reviews by hancam1030

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

This is my favorite BB cream. I only own 1 asain bb cream, and its from skin79 and it really does compare! Similar in consistancy, coverage, and staying power. Don't be scared of the color, if you are N10 to N25 it should blend with no problem! Don't forget to set this with a powder, espeically if you have an oily T-zone like me. With a powder it lasts ALL day. I use this as a foundation, and sometimes I use it as a primer. Works great for both! It is kinda pricy but I think it's worth it! It's cheaper than buying asain bb creams online and paying rediculous shipping! Plus I bought found my back-up tube at my local CCO for 21 dollars. I believe the original price is 35 to 38 dollars, so definately check your local CCO. I know this isn't limited edition, my cco just carries some permanant MAC items sometimes. I don't like the fact it only has 1 oz. of product, but a little goes a long way, and I don't use it every single day (just to preserve it, as I love it so) I definately recommend it, and its alot easier to get ahold of than asain brands,

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sherylash8 on 2/8/2013 7:11:00 AM more reviews by sherylash8

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

for me it's kinda heavy for my face. it's okay.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Menolikepolos on 11/21/2012 3:52:00 PM more reviews by Menolikepolos

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

About me: NW13 (neutral-cool toned, very fair), blue eyes, Color season is True Summer, Baumann Skin Type is OSPW.

This product works well as a primer, sunscreen, concealer, and foundation. It is a multi-tasker. I sometimes need a product to swipe on really fast when I am running late or need to get ready in a hurry, and this works very well for me, especially because it has a sunscreen in it!
It blends in well with my skin, takes about a minute or two to warm up from an ashy color though. This product is very light-toned, and probably wouldn't work for someone beyond NW/NC15-20. Which works great for me, because I can wear this even when I am at my palest in the winter at NW10! But alot of other skin tones won't be able to.
It lasts all day without a primer, Can be a little stiff and dry if your skin is already dry, as its not moisturizing. Overall, it works great for me, but I could see this not being a good product for some skin types and tones.
Also, I love how high the SPF is!
It also controls oil very well. and is very buildable for decent medium coverage. Pretty much in love with this product.

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reaperangelique on 5/25/2012 4:58:00 PM more reviews by reaperangelique

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I got it kind of on a whim, thinking that even if it wasn't useful as a foundation I could use it as a primer. When I tried it I was actually blown away by how much I liked it. I have trouble with both oil in my t-zone (and everywhere, really) after a few hours /and/ awful flaky skin around there that makes wearing foundation on my forehead really troublesome, but this manages to get around them both. It stood up to a day out in the heat yesterday- needed blotting, but didn't melt off my face or anything. And it has yet to give me any flaky grief. (For reference I use the 187 to apply and the finish is really good.) It's light coverage, which I prefer, and it's quick and easy to use. It's also comfortable to wear and it doesn't feel either drying or too 'wet', like some foundations that never seem to set. My one concern is the amount in the tube.The price isn't so steep compared to others, but I still don't want to be repurchasing too often, so I hope I'm wrong about how much I seem to be using- it's not actually a lot of product each time, but the tube seems small.
Colour wise, people have said it's greyish or ashy, but it's close to an exact match for me. I'm not really any shade of MAC's usual stuff but I'd estimate NW 5-10, so the pink/grey/beige is great for me.
Overall I really love it so far, it may become my go-to foundation.

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kmb584 on 2/27/2012 4:32:00 PM more reviews by kmb584

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Grey    

As someone with combination oily skin it's often hard for me to find face products that don't cause my t-zone the dreaded midday shine. I discovered BB Cream in 2010 and, after sampling different brands for well over 2 months, I began to faithfully use BRTC's Gold Caviar BB Cream -- until I came across MAC's P&P BB, that is!


Last year, US companies caught on to the BB Cream craze and I found myself purchasing them. None of them did for my skin what BRTC's did, but nevertheless when MAC's P&P BB caught my eye in-store I ran to the register with it. I'm a NC20 and this cream blends well with my coloring, provides decent coverage and an awesome make-up base while warding off midday shine.


If you, like me, began your BB Cream journey with Korean brands, give this one by MAC a try. It's the closest formulation I've found to them and worth every penny!

6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

beules on 2/17/2012 5:31:00 AM more reviews by beules

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I really like this product. I am an NW20 and this suits my skin tone really well. Blends really well and can be worn alone or under foundation. Recommended.

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

cahall2 on 1/15/2012 6:49:00 PM more reviews by cahall2

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I've never tried any other blemish balms, and I'm not sure that this even counts as one. But for what it is, I absolutely love it! I use it as a primer, over moisturizer and I don't know how it works but it makes my face look more even toned and luminous without looking at all shiny. When you first apply, it does seem to have an ashy, grey-ish cast to it but it blends right into your skin - you don't need very much AT ALL and I think using your fingers is your best bet. I've used it alone but more often with tinted moisturizer and it sets and lasts almost all day (I'm bad about touching up my makeup, so if something doesn't last all day it's useless to me)

I have also used it under a medium coverage foundation and it worked well, although I feel like you lose a little of the radiance if you cover it up too much. I highly recommend this, although I do think if you are very dark skinned this probably isn't for you, because I don't see how the shade could adapt to a dark skin.

This is one of the few MAC face products that hasn't made me break out (even though my skin tends to be dry, MAC face seems to do it to me every time!) Only bummer is from what I can tell you can only order online (at least in the US)

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* luisajames on 11/15/2011 8:53:00 PM more reviews by luisajames

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

i purchased this product duty free at the mac counter at london heathrow on my way back to san francisco. i had heard of the mac bb cream but couldn't recall it being available at the counters or at the stores in the states. i tried it at the counter and it was kind of a weird chalky color at first while it was being rubbed in but then just blended and matched my skintone. i'm about an nc 20 and my skin is pretty clear/normal. if anything a little on the dry side. i've been using this daily for the past few weeks and i like it. i usually use a moisturizer before i apply this stuff and can rub this stuff right on seamlessly. i like that i can use this in place of foundation and it still gives me light, even coverage. the finish is neither dewy nor truly matte. i alternate with setting this with jane iredale mineral pressed powder and mac prep and prime finishing powder. the mineral powder gives me a bit more coverage when i need it. though i find that you don't have to set this product if you don't want to, it doesn't remain tacky. this is a great product to have for when on the run and don't have time for much else. i do especially like that it has good sun protection and a higher spf than a lot of foundations and tinted moisturizers. 

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

kristense on 9/20/2011 4:09:00 PM more reviews by kristense

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I love this product. I have combo skin that is oily in the t-zone and dry everywhere else. Right now in summer this is how I am using this product - for days that I work from home I mix it with a bit of moisturizer (MAC's studio moisture cream) and then rub it in all over. My skin looks fantastic and natural. I glow. For days when I am out and about in public I will mix it with my laura mercier tinted moisturizer for more coverage. Again my skin looks fantastic and I glow. I do not have perfect skin - I have pigment loss, and this really helps even it out. I assume that in the winter I will need to moisturize first and then put this product on.


I love love love love this product. If you apply it on its own and hate it, try mixing it with moisturizer or tinted moisturizer and make sure to really rub it in.

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normaestrada19 on 7/22/2011 12:09:00 PM more reviews by normaestrada19

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

I am so, so, sooooo disappointed with this product because I had heard much hype. I am glad it works for most, but I am not in that group. First off this leaves my face with such an ashy, gray pink sickly look. Needless to say, not very attractive. I also do not notice any improvement in overall skin texture and actually feel like it clogs my pores. I have extremely oily skin, so I only use this (no moisturizer or primer underneath it) and powder. Whenever I wear this I have to put bronzer on my face so I cover up the horrid, sickly shade this leaves. I would return this in a heartbeat, BUT I ordered it online and rather not go through the hassle of the return process. I will just have to use it up and NEVER purchase again.

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*TOP REVIEWER* maliastyle on 6/17/2011 9:58:00 AM more reviews by maliastyle

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I felt fortunate to get my hands on this before it was available in Canada. There's been so much hype about BBs recently, so when MAC announced their own version, a 30ml tube that's to be a permanent addition to their Prep + Prep family, I was thrilled and excited to give it a shot.




I'm yellow toned, NC25, and when I first saw this, it struck me how pinkish gray it seemed. I kept in mind that it wouldn't be my foundation, however, and that it would be covered with some sort of powder or perhaps even liquid foundation, should I need more coverage, so it was with good faith in previous reviewers that I eagerly slapped this on.




It took me a few tries before I figured out how best to use this for me. This isn't the creamiest product out there, and certainly not the easiest to blend, at least in my experience. I know it's categorized here as a tinted moisturizer, but it really isn't, even on my combination to oily skin. I'd be more inclined to describe this as a primer. When applied immediately after moisturizer, it's a lot easier to blend out, and is an incredible base to any liquid or powder foundation; it keeps the oilies at bay far better than most primers I've tried, and an added plus is that it really does add a stunning glow to the skin, without any kind of shimmer or shine. It just brightens the face, perfectly.




When applying with my fingers, I'm unhappy - it seems like I'm not able to apply it evenly, no matter how much or how little I use (and while we're on that, less is more when it comes to this, I find - too much and it's just cakey). I put this on using my 187, and then dust powder (like Cargo Blu Ray or Mineralize Skinfinish Natural) to give me a good, summer-ready base. For the days I need even more coverage, I put this on, followed by a mixture of the following: a dot of Stila's Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer in 01, and another two dots of Lancome Teint Miracle, finishing it off with a little bit of Laura Mercier's Mineral Powder in Real Sand. It seems like a lot of product, but wow. My skin looks like my 4 year old's - clear, soft, smooth. Best of all, it looks like my own, not slathered in product. I attribute the lasting power of this combination to MAC's BB.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* definesinister on 6/2/2011 8:51:00 AM more reviews by definesinister

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Wow. I tried plenty of bb creams in the past. Most come off a bit grayish. I would say this is more a neutral. So it won't cover redness. But I use it with the 191 brush and I love how glowy it looks without the grease! I'm glad MAC claims it as a primer, unlike other bb creams where its multifunctional. I do like using this as a base for shiseido sun protection powder compact. I did not have to touch up. My skin looks glowy and does not slide by the ene of the day. Only wish it wasnt so difficult to purchase, not sure if counters are selling. But this was backordered online due to high demand.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

shadoweloc on 5/31/2011 10:44:00 AM more reviews by shadoweloc

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

Actually I really liked it. It helps that I'm NW15/20 which appears to be the color base that they're going for with it. It blends in pretty well for me and is not as creamy as the traditional Korean BB creams. It does pretty well with coverage to me, unlike the others. I only suffer from redness on my cheeks and uneven skin tone. It also hasn't broken me out. I'd definitely repurchase it, but I can see how it won't suit everyone (due to color issues). I think the coverage is great for me and I do, typically, wear traditional foundation. The only "meh" part is the price. You can get much cheaper Korean ones that do essentially the same thing with more "healing" ingredients in them. This had a pinkish tone rather than the yellow/gray ones that the Korean BB creams have, so this might be why I enjoyed it more. It also brightened my complexion without glitter.

6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

katieqr0918 on 5/25/2011 9:05:00 AM more reviews by katieqr0918

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

well, I agree with the previous poster... don't buy this expecting a true BB Cream like the ones from Asia.... Course MAC is calling it a Beauty Balm rather than Blemish Balm like the Asian brands do... and MAC is honestly calling it a primer too... and that is what it is... It's does not make me matte, I have a oily tzone and I do shine through the day wearing this... it is a moist finish, but my makeup does stay on with this and it is a high SPF....It is tinted but does not work as a foundation/concealer like most of the Asian BB Creams do.. I am not sure if I will buy it again as I have been trying the Asian BB Creams and they really blow this one out of the water. I am hoping that this is the first of many BB Creams to finally come to the US.

6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

piccolamandorla on 5/20/2011 1:11:00 PM more reviews by piccolamandorla

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I was so excited about this product, but I feel a bit let down. It is a LOVELY primer with very nice light diffusing qualities and high SPF. Plus, my makeup has not slid off my face yet, but that's just it...I need makeup with it. I don't need makeup with my regular BB, maybe just some MSF powder.

If I had purchased this expecting the usual BB cream 8 in 1 and had multiple imperfections to cover up, I would have been highly disappointed. Kudos to MAC for bringing it to North America, and at least they were honest by touting it as a primer.

So yes, I would purchase it again as a primer, but as a BB cream, I think I'll stick with my HG.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Tiggerbear on 5/3/2011 10:46:00 PM more reviews by Tiggerbear

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Wow, this is the first product that I came across that keeps my face almost oil free. By mid-morning, I normally have to blot and my foundation would appear kind of orangey. I was pleasantly surprise that my makeup stayed matte and didn't turn orange on me. The colour is light for olive/yellow toned skin, similar colour to my Mac Tinted Moisturizer in Light. I wear my Tinted Moistuizer and then the Beauty Balm and finish off with MSF powder. The balm has SPF 35.

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

TiffD on 5/2/2011 8:22:00 PM more reviews by TiffD

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

This product is great for oil control. I have pretty oily/acne prone skin and this kept my oil at bay for the whole day, even when it was warm, and did not break me out. However, it did not provide much coverage (my acne scars were still visible even after I layered on the moisturizer a couple times on scars).

I would still buy this product again because it's one of the very few products that controls oil and doesn't break me out or dry out my skin too much. It also has spf which is always a benefit!

It's pretty expensive though (about $35) so I got my tube off of ebay for about $25.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

ptanx on 10/27/2010 4:45:00 AM more reviews by ptanx

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Black    

Just bought this duty free from Japan - scared as the makeup artist couldn't speak english and I asked him for a primer for my new lightful powder foundation... nevertheless
Absolutely brilliant. Is thick and I was skeptical regards to keeping my makeup sliding but it looks great. Still need to blot, but not as much as my skin is super oily. Skin looks great - glowing, radiant and picture perfect. Definitely will buy again. Only cons - price but everything was expensive in Japan

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

*TOP REVIEWER* annabellegan on 7/9/2010 12:44:00 AM more reviews by annabellegan

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I chose near-perfect circumstances to give this beauty balm cream (one of the gazillions available in the Asian market!) a shot. Started my day at a God-forsaken 6 am by slapping on this thick, creamy balm. Blending wasn't exactly a cinch due to its gooey texture, but I was undaunted. With a BB Foundation Brush, I patiently buttered my entire face like it was freshly-popped toast. Persistence paid off. I was rewarded with luminous, Photoshopped skin that looked unbelievably even-colored and radiant. A light dusting of MUFE HD Microfinish Powder and voila! Instant gratification.

Unconvinced nevertheless at the oil-control property of the BB cream (hey, how could a product that looked/felt so impervious possibly keep the dreaded oilies at bay, right?). Hah! I was sure that my face would be an oozing, gleaming mass of oil field in a matter of half an hour, tops.

Went about my work day and forgot about my face. When I popped into the ladies after a late lunch, I was pleasantly taken aback that my complexion looked just as smooth, fresh and dewy (most amazing of all, I was still relatively shine-free!). No blotting or touch-ups required.

Back to my long day that had me running all corners of the island lugging dead weight. My day eventually wrapped at a hot, boisterous al fresco pub for the Germany vs. England match, where I jostled with a sweaty and rowdy crowd for a good three hours. Last time I checked, my makeup was intact and there was zero eyeliner runnage (my eyelids get so oily that lesser eyeliners frequently slide right off; even with the waterproofed ones, there is the occasional corner smudge). I usually apply Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone Treatment on my eyelids to combat this issue, but the BB cream alone works just as impressively.

Highly recommended even for the active, oily-combination-skinned.

42 out of 42 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No