MAC • Select Sheer Loose Powder • Loose Powders

rated 3.8(135 reviews)

Average Rating.3.8
Would buy this product again.65%
Package Quality3.6
Price3.4
Ingredients

rated 5 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* nicole1234 on 1/21/2005 2:53:00 PM more reviews by nicole1234

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I use this everyday, since I only wear concealer and powder to set. I find that the sheerness of it is nice since I hate looking 'cakey' and notice that other powders have made me look cakey. Overall a great everyday staple.

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rated 4 of 5 auroraleigh on 1/20/2005 12:58:00 PM more reviews by auroraleigh

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

This was my first MAC product. It provides nice light coverage (I bought NC20). I haven't noticed mine oxidizing on me. A little more expensive than I'd like, and I'll probably look for something cheaper per ounce, but I don't regret buying it.

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rated 5 of 5 maryme on 1/20/2005 10:52:00 AM more reviews by maryme

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I used Lancome powder until a few years ago when they changed their shades to a very yellow-y (IMO) palette. I liked MAC's old loose powder, but this formula ismuch better/sheerer I just dust it on with a powder brush after blush, concealer, etc...My only complaint is that the NW20 that I bought really does get darker after even just 10 minutes, so do buy a shade lighter like many other reviewers have already said. I just wish that I'd found MUA before buying this!
Update: I just started using this product in NW15--a shade lighter than usual and it is absolutely perfect--an HG--give it an extra lippie!

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

rated 3 of 5 tash22nz on 12/26/2004 12:17:00 AM more reviews by tash22nz

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This is the first loose powder i've ever tried. I've got it in NC 20. i find that if i put a little bit too much on that my face looks chalky. I dont use it very often now, coz i just use guerlain les meteorites over my foundation. But i still use it as part of the base for my eyes. Overall, I'd buy it again.

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rated 4 of 5 tortfeasor on 12/12/2004 4:36:00 PM more reviews by tortfeasor

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I'm an NC20 and it's a very nice, economical product. Not as finely milled as some of the other high end department store brands, but it does its job. I don't get any oilier or drier throughout the day. Color also stays true. However, I have to be careful to not apply to much, otherwise I look chalky and there would be slight caking.

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rated 5 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* beachkitty79 on 11/30/2004 10:23:00 AM more reviews by beachkitty79

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

This is a wonderful loose powder. I like it as much as my Prescriptives Magic Liquid Powder--maybe even better. The only thing I really like better about the Prescriptives powder is the cool, wet feeling you get on application. This gives a flawless finish. Excellent, high-quality product.

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rated 5 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* hiyashinsu on 11/26/2004 5:17:00 AM more reviews by hiyashinsu

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

The texture of this powder is awesome! So light, and it really does make your face look polished without adding any real pigment or texture. It's also got a tiny bit of shimmer, so you don't look too flat when you wear it. I love it.

All I could do last time was try it on, but I'm definitely buying one ASAP!

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rated 3 of 5 kalee7 on 8/31/2004 11:45:00 PM more reviews by kalee7

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This powder has an awesome texture and a very light feel, but just doesn't do anything for me. My skin looks so much better with Clinque's blended face powder. If I hadn't already tried the Clinique I'd probably keep the MAC but instead it's going back.

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rated 4 of 5 frgrl616 on 8/19/2004 5:44:00 PM more reviews by frgrl616

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I'm a NC45. I like how sheer this powder is and the color selection that is available. I bought the loose powder after having select sheer pressed powder. I read that if you have sensitive skin, it's better to wear loose powder because there are no bonding agents in it to keep it together. One less ingredient on my face the better. So far, I'm happy with the switch although, I can't say that I don't feel like I'm wasting product when I apply it with my powder brush. I'm curious to see how long this lasts.

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rated 3 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* rlop on 7/27/2004 6:23:00 PM more reviews by rlop

Age: Unknown   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I bought this in NC15 since I read in MUA reviews that this tends to oxidize into a darker shade. I wear NC25 in Studio Fix and C3 in Face and Body Foundation. This is a very lightweight silky powder. I used it for several days and it sets the makeup nicely. I noticed that it did a good job of keeping my mid afternoon oil at bay. However, it didn't give me the "glow" look which I like. It also gave me a very slight orange tint to my face. It probably wasn't noticeable to others but it bothered me because I'm used to getting a look that I was able to achieve with Physician Formula's glow loose powder. This powder gives a natural look. However, I favor a powder that gives more coverage I returned it a week later as it didn't fulfill all my expectations.

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

rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* snafuish on 5/14/2004 2:27:00 PM more reviews by snafuish

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

I've been using this loose powder for a long time to set my foundation and I like how they've got a spectrum of color that matches to skintones. (unlike most that only has 4 shades) It's very smooth and fine and I normally dust very lightly over foundation for a semi-matte finish. I'm not sure if it's the powder or the foundation that causes my make-up to disappear by mid-day though. I can't apply more powder cos it makes it too cakey.

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rated 4 of 5 Kahani on 5/7/2004 5:24:00 AM more reviews by Kahani

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I thought I was so bright when I bought this powder in NC15 because in Malaysia it's actually cheaper (RM80 ~ USD21) than Clinique's Face Blended Powder (RM88 ~ USD23). But the amount they give is miserable - 0.28 Oz, Clinique is RM8 more here, but it's a hefty 1.2 Oz. Still, I can't stomach the huge markup on Clinique here compared to the US. I think it's just plain evil. Bobbi Brown actually contrives to be slightly cheaper here than in the US - I love her for it, but I still can't afford her stuff. *sighs*

As a powder, it is very fine and I love that it doesn't cake up. But it does little for the oilies and it doesn't say it's non comedogenic so I'm not entirely sure if it's exacerbating by blemish prone skin. I HOPE not...

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rated 5 of 5 laa_cat on 4/29/2004 8:14:00 PM more reviews by laa_cat

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I am a NC 30 but I got this in NC15. This works extremely well. I know MAC loose powder will oxidize (so does the MA) so I chose a few shades lighter. If you live in Asia and prefer fair skin, you would probably have to do that. This powder is incredibly finely milled and soft. It's very sheer at the first brush, but you can build up the matte-ness after applying a few layers. It doesn't cause me any break outs.

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rated 5 of 5 Tiddlywinks on 4/28/2004 3:53:00 AM more reviews by Tiddlywinks

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Other    

Wow!! A loose powder that has a luminous glow when applied...your skin but better!! An amazing part of your makeup routine for all powder lovers and here's why:
What a concept...a loose powder that will actually match your skin. Not that "translucent" stuff. So many shades to choose from.
Extremely fluffy and sheer, can make even the most heavy foundation or base look luminous.
Feels great on...even after a couple of hours later. Doesn't break up or get chalky.
Has a balancing effect on the skin...control for oily teens and silky softening for the dryer ladies!

Hey, if this ain't enough for a loose powder, than what is? I find this product to be exceptional, in quality and price.

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

rated 3 of 5 Optikon on 4/26/2004 12:13:00 PM more reviews by Optikon

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

I think I will repurchase. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros:
(1)Invisible on the skin. (2)Keeps oily shine at bay very well.

Cons:
(1) Maybe too sheer. Not much coverage. (2) The colors are either too light or too dark for my medium skin (looking ashy or muddy). Frustrating and expensive (when you have to buy 2 to get your color)! With the old discontinued (loose) power, you used to get 40 mgs (grams, milligrams, I don't remember which, but you get the picture), and now you only get 8 mgs at the SAME price. 40 vs 8. No lie. I am not kidding. Talk about ripping your loyal customers off! WOW.

If I do not find anything better (product and value), I guess I am forced to repurchase. I'm not happy about that. And am quite disappointed in MAC.

EDIT: I will not repurchase. The colors are all way too pinky for my golden toned skin. I just can't stand it anymore. I look weird in the light. Ever since they got rid of their "C" loose powders, I haven't been satisfied.

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

rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* tiara98 on 3/16/2004 12:55:00 AM more reviews by tiara98

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I already have Blot Powder in Dark and Chanel's LE Golden Dream (which is the one I currently carry in my purse w/ the Chanel Touch-Up Brush), but I broke down and bought this because loose powder really seems to be so much better than compact powder.

In a pressed, I usually find that I need a shade somewhat lighter than my foundation because otherwise it 'grabs' and makes me look like an ashy, blotchy mess. I tried on NW20 on one side and NW25 (the shade of my StudioFix concealer and also my foundation shade if wore MAC foundation) on the other, and I chose NW25.

At first, I was kind of disappointed that there was no powder puff included, but I quickly remembered that powder puffs are relatively useless anyway. ;) My only real gripe is that I think they were kind of stingy with the amount of product you get for the price. CHANEL's loose powders are almost $50, but there is easily 3x as much in their containers.

I might purchase this again in the future, but only if I run out and can't pull together enough funds at one time for CHANEL Translucent 2 loose powder.

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rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* swt_mimi on 3/4/2004 4:53:00 PM more reviews by swt_mimi

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Full Update: I thought this was okay to use all over at first but then, it was just TOO dark for me as the day went on since it does oxidize(get darker as the day goes on). I am an NC30 but it seemed more like an NC35 after, so remember to buy one shade lighter for the most natural look. I'm still giving this a 4 because it looks BEAUTIFULL on the cheekbones as a "almost not there" bronzer. I love it!

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rated 5 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* bones_skin_n_harmony on 2/29/2004 10:26:00 PM more reviews by bones_skin_n_harmony

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

The only thing I did not like is that it didn't come with a powder puff to use. I don't know if I should use a powder brush like Bare Eccentuals, but whatever I dislike the idea. Now, I love that MAC has the right face colors for my complexion. I am NC30 in every concealer and powder, C3 in Studio Fix. I used to touch up and blot all the time when I wore Studio Fix, but now that I wear the loose powder it keeps my face 90% less oily after 9 hours!! It's so sheer and looks natural. I LOVE IT.

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rated 4 of 5 mommybuss on 2/1/2004 10:46:00 PM more reviews by mommybuss

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

I love this l/p/! I am able to wear this by itself, and it gives my skin a beautiful finish! I always get compliments that it must be nice to not wear make-up! ;P I would definitely recommend this l/p and I WILL buy it again!

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rated 5 of 5 goodbatteries on 1/29/2004 3:26:00 PM more reviews by goodbatteries

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

This is a great natural-looking loose powder that won't make your face look overly matte, but still manages to control shine and even-out skin tone. Best of all, this did not break me out. A bit pricey but worth it.

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