MAC • Pro Longwear Foundation • Liquid

Where To Buy?

krsn89 on 5/15/2013 9:04:00 AM more reviews by krsn89

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

* ABOUT MY SKIN *
- I have combination skin. My t-zone is an oil slick, and I have normal/dry skin everywhere else, with dark acne scars and hyperpigmentation on my chin. Any active acne tends to be very red as well, and my cheeks tend to get a bit red.
- I am Asian with yellow undertones. My colour in MAC (SFF) is NC35.


* PACKAGING & PRICE *
Pro Longwear comes in a lovely glass pump bottle that can be locked. It is $37 in Canada and comes in 16 different shades. Please note I did not purchase a full size of this foundation, the SA at MAC gave me a very generous sample.


* FORMULA, COLOUR & APPLICATION *
Pro Longwear has a slightly thicker consistency. There is a faint chemical smell that dissipates once you have applied the foundation. I have applied this with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush and ELF flat top powder brush. It takes a few minutes to completely sink in, and tends to stay a little tacky if you don't set it with a powder. I really like the finish of this foundation. It's matte without being flat, and it's almost a little satin. I am an NC35 in MAC's Studio Fix Fluid and C4 in Studio Fix Powder, so I was matched to NC35 in PLW, though I did try the NC30, which was way too light. This foundations blends beautifully and easily. It does set faster than other foundations I own, so I prefer to apply this in sections. I have VERY yellow/golden undertones, and this matched perfectly when first applied. It looks great indoors and even in flash photography, as there is no SPF. What I did NOT like about this foundation is that it eventually oxidized like crazy on me! I don't usually have foundations oxidize noticeably on me, but this certainly did. I went out to a late lunch with my SO in a dimly lit restaurant and it looked lovely and soft indoors, but as soon as we got outside in the sunlight, he commented that my face looked a little peachy, and he NEVER notices anything! This is after having it on for about 3 hours. I brushed it off and figured it was probably just my moisturizer underneath, and tried it 5 or 6 different times afterwards with different moisturizers, primer, no primer, different sunscreens and the same thing happened every single time.


* COVERAGE & STAYING POWER *
The coverage of this foundation is decent. I would say it is definitely medium but buildable. It is not as lightweight on the skin as some other foundations I own. I think because it is slightly tacky, I'm more aware of it being on my face. It also does transfer, but not a lot. This is the ONLY liquid foundation that I've tried so far that doesn't make me dewy/shiny (especially on my nose) within 2 hours of applying it, which I LOVE. I have a super oily t-zone and while I have other foundations I adore, none of them really keep my oil down as well as PLW. And I don't mean I'm oily like oh, I'm a little shiny, I mean I'm oily like I rubbed Crisco on my face. I have not tested this for more than 8 hours, but it has lasted 8 hours without me having to blot or powder, and I don't see why it wouldn't last longer than that. Another thing I noticed about this foundation is that it feels tight on my face. By that I mean when I smile or make facial expressions, it felt like there was something that had to stretch on my face. It's kind of odd, but I guess the mattifying/longwearing formula of this foundation binds really tightly to your skin. I remove this the same way I remove all my foundations, with Pond's Cold Cream and then with my SpectroJel cleanser on my Olay Pro X brush. I didn't have any breakouts in the short time I tried this foundation.


* FINAL THOUGHTS *
I love that this foundation is longwearing and it is awesome on my oily t-zone. It feels okay on your face and the finish is really nice. I think this is a great foundation if you can find a shade match, and if it does not oxidize on you. Prior to this, I've never had a liquid foundation oxidize noticeably on me, so I was surprised when I looked in the mirror the first day and I looked like I had a terrible fake tan on my face. MAC has some of the yellowest foundations, so I'm not sure why this colour ended up so peachy on me. It's worth a shot if you have oily skin like I do, but definitely make sure you try before you buy.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Wennifer1 on 5/14/2013 1:25:00 PM more reviews by Wennifer1

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

I love MAC and I typically buy the Studio Fix Fluid but I decided to try this for summer because it's supposed to have longer lasting coverage. I can't say that I'm in love with the amount of coverage but it does outlast any other foundation I've tried. It's light coverage and lasts about 8 hours with having to blot half way through the day. I found that if you blot and then add a little more powder, you're good to go for another 4-5 hours! ...This product is worth the money. Just don't expect as much coverage as other MAC products.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

EmRose6 on 5/14/2013 4:06:00 AM more reviews by EmRose6

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

The holy grail of foundations. (Background on me: naturally ghostly white - I refuse to tan because my face turns freckle-y and red, so I spray tan frequently. Moderately oily skin, lots of acne scars/light pigmentation and frequent breakouts around the chin and jaw area) I had been an avid Revlon Colorstay user, and received a bottle of Pro Longwear as a gift. Let's just say I've never looked back! I find that Pro Longwear has medium to full coverage, depending on the amount. I love that I can build this foundation up easily. I apply with my cheapie ELF Studio Powder brush and the result is flawless. My acne scars are covered, and my skin looks so even and smooth. Of course, the sanitary pump is always a plus in my book. It's been twelve hours since I applied this, and a teeny bit of shine has peeked through on my forehead and nose - but instead of looking greasy I look dewy. With Colorstay, I found that the color oxidized at the end of the day and I looked so shiny. With this stuff I don't look like I spent all day breaking a sweat. My oily forehead and nose are kept at bay! This may be a bit pricey for my budget, but the results are fabulous and one bottle seems to have lasted me a while!

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

SiSantita on 5/12/2013 11:31:00 PM more reviews by SiSantita

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

I have very oily skin. Nothing worked with hours I would look like I was soaking wet in the face. Walked by the Mac stand one day and I let the employee do my entire face with products she felt would be great for my skin type. She told me to walk around the mall go out in the sun and wear for a few hours... After 6 hours of wear no extra shine just the norm as she told me it would she told me to blot with the mineralized powder and it worked perfect. Needless to say I paid the 30 bucks for it.. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Yes for oily skin and long wear. The longest I wear foundation is about 4-6 hours and it works great for me. Blends well with my skin tone... I wear the NC45 and I too it off with the mineralized powder u can barely tell I have on anything...

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

nicpie on 5/9/2013 7:06:00 PM more reviews by nicpie

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Meh.

The lasting power is excellent. Color match is good. Its coverage is flexible: you can sheer it out or layer it.

But it settles in my pores, with or without primer. And because it is so long lasting, once it settles in my pores, it is impossible to blend away.

I wanted to like this foundation-- but I can't make it work.

If you don't have issues with enlarged pores like I do, this might be a good one to try. It just wasn't for me.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

queenbee on 5/6/2013 9:28:00 PM more reviews by queenbee

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan, Cool   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This is an excellent foundation specially for people with oily skin. I have oily/acne prone skin so I tend to get oily and this is really good for controlling oil and it stays put - does not slide off my face and does not require a lot of touch ups! Coverage is good, a little less than the Studio Fix Fluid as the consistency of this foundation is a bit runny however, it is buildable. It didn't cause me any breakouts I have used it for several months now so that's excellent! Its expensive but will last a few months. It can be drying at times, so I tend to use this during the summer.

It also comes in a pump which is a plus! Will repurchase.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

GeriTaitague on 5/4/2013 11:35:00 AM more reviews by GeriTaitague

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

The Sales Associate did a crappy job color matching me. When i asked for a sample just so i could see how it looked outside in the sun, she gave me this frustrated look. I purchased it even with the crappy service she provided due to the numerous raves on Youtube. This product oxidized on me about 3 hours later. This is the first product i had ever purchased from MAC and i am so disappointed. It made me breakout slightly, which is common when i try new products. I think i wouldve liked it better if i was colormatched correctly. Would have returned it but i accidently threw the box away.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* LizWords on 5/4/2013 10:58:00 AM more reviews by LizWords

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

I just switched to this about a week ago since the weather is really heating up and my studiofix was starting to slide off my face because of the humidity. I can't believe it took me this long to discover MAC foundations, I started using studiofix in the late fall and have been in love ever since. The NW20 matches my skin perfectly, the traditional studiofix is perfect in the winter when I'm dryer and this longwear formulation is perfect now that it's warm and humid. It provides very good medium coverage and it does what it says, it stays put all day. I also love the pump dispenser, it's so much easier to get the perfect amount than the studiofix bottle, why MAC doesn't switch to these pumps with all their foundations I don't know. I realize this foundation will probably not work for everyone, but for me, it is exactly what I want. Definitely worth a try IMO.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

msjohns888 on 4/28/2013 11:32:00 PM more reviews by msjohns888

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I have acne scarring, this does nothing for me except accentuate my uneven skin tone. Beautiful color, long wearing but looks awful in the light on my skin.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* JaneWhit99 on 4/26/2013 12:24:00 AM more reviews by JaneWhit99

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

I tried a bunch of samples one of my girlfriends gave me to see if it was worth taking the plunge for the high cost and it wasn't :(. The quality is pretty mediocre in my opinion. It really doesn't cover anything for me and makes my skin looked worse than without any foundation. I had to consistently wash it off after applying because it made me look terrible.

Will not be buying again :(

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

katrinaviolet on 4/22/2013 11:40:00 PM more reviews by katrinaviolet

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I really wanted to like this product... I really did! I am usually NC20, but got NC15 in this foundation. Was actually a really good color for me, and I really appreciated that aspect. However, it does not hide my red post-acne marks (not scars, just red marks) at all. I have small pores and wouldn't consider myself to really have wrinkles yet, but this seemed to settle into everything and I just looked OLD when I looked at myself in the mirror. Suddenly, wrinkles everywhere! Also, it just looked unnatural and cakey. Tried again with MAC primer, and also setting with MAC mineralize powder. Still terrible. And kept it kept wiping off on everything and smearing.

Sigh... search for a long-lasting foundation that will cover my skin imperfections continues.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

miladias on 4/22/2013 11:57:00 AM more reviews by miladias

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

Oily, acne-prone sesitive skin here. I've been using this for +2 years and really like this product.
Pros: a little goes a long way, buildable coverage (med/full), it covers my acne and rosacea, lasts all day altough I do have to touch up during summer, helps control the oil, nice finish - matte when you first apply it and semi-matte/natural during the day.
Cons: feels thick, drys quickly so you have to be careful when applying, don't know if I did something wrong or if I got really pale but it just turned a bit orange, I couldn't wear it for months, till summer came and it's a good fit again.
Pro Longwear is a bit darker then usual so I recommend getting a shade ligther. Don't think it broke me out.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

DeniseLove on 4/18/2013 4:50:00 AM more reviews by DeniseLove

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I have finally found my HG foundation! I used to use MUFE matte velvet and I loved the coverage but my face would get greasy in like an hour! This foundation last all day! I don't even have to set it! It's more like a stain. I'm nc 42 and at first I thought it was too yellow but I use mac's mineralized skin finish in gold deposit on my cheeks and then blend that out and the color is perfect!!! It looks very natural yet finished! not like a heavy mask like mufe! I have been searching for a foundation that didn't make me look greasy after an hour for so long! And I finally found it!!!! Trust me! This is the perfect foundation for summer or if you live in a hot climate.

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

kus on 4/18/2013 12:44:00 AM more reviews by kus

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Olive, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I wasn't impressed, am a huge MAC fan as they have the exact foundation color palette for my brown skin. But i have to say MAC pro was a bit of a disappointment, althought it does last a long time average (8-10 hours) it was too sheer to cover up some scars left over from acne. I had to layer it a few times, something that does not happen with studio fix ( powder foundation or liquid)

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

tinalrichard on 4/17/2013 2:31:00 PM more reviews by tinalrichard

Age: 36-43   Skin: Very Dry, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Out of all the foundations I have I have been using this one religiously. I don't have the orange problem that others talk about but I did go a shade lighter (in case it oxidized).. I'm usually an NC35 and I went down to an NC30 and it worked out beautifully. It last all day, I use the strobe cream underneath it and get nothing but compliments.. It's been the one I grab for mainly in the spring and summer months... I am very dry but have my skin (with my skincare routine) more at a normal state now so this works perfect for me!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

FromNJ23 on 4/15/2013 10:17:00 PM more reviews by FromNJ23

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

Ive never been a fan of MAC foundations, or MAC products in general. I think its because everyone who wears their foundation looks super caked and plain weird. I was very skeptical when I bought this foundation but it was really an impulse buy. I actually love the way it looks and it comes out great in pictures. Like perfect.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

lovelyKk on 4/15/2013 12:57:00 AM more reviews by lovelyKk

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

Now I have problems with most MAC products, I guess they just don't agree with my skin, I keep thinking maybe I can try other things, but each time I am disappointed. If you have perfect skin, that does not break out, are orange, and can apply makeup perfectly then I think they would be great for you. The one thing I did like about this foundation was that is does last all day. I found that it does oxidize a shade or two darker, and more orange. It is a little thick for my liking. Applied it with my sephora airbrush foundation brush. I am always so surprised at how many girls wear MAC... The ingredients are not good for your skin. Just don't get it. For the same price or only a few dollars more you can get a much better product.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

flylikeacg on 4/15/2013 12:43:00 AM more reviews by flylikeacg

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

i honestly want to love this product but i can't because it broke me out, not horrible breakouts but i have one or two small breakouts everytime i wear this, but i love this because of the lasting power and it doesn't make my skin feel oily AT ALL!!!!! I love that about this foundation, but is it just me or all mac foundations run super yellow/orange? but it still blends into my skin really good, i wear the shade NC35.

I've super sensitive acne prone skin
Combination Oily skin, mostly around the T zone area

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

msred2u42 on 4/13/2013 6:01:00 PM more reviews by msred2u42

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Red, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

After applying this with a foundation brush, I didn't like the final results and so I used my fingers, which is the next best thing as it warms up the product, but this bombed for me either way. I just did not get the perfect flawless finish that I was looking for. This also seemed to settle into my pores even with a primer. This also oxidized after a few hours, not a good look. Going to stick with Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra or EL Doublewear instead. I still LOVE Mac, just not this foundation.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

BeautyFanatic765 on 4/10/2013 2:13:00 AM more reviews by BeautyFanatic765

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Dry, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

First of all, this is a horrible foundation if your skin is dry or not very smooth, it will get pretty cakey. But if your skin is more on the oily side this works fairly well. It's more of a light coverage foundation because if you put to much on, it gets cakey. I have noticed that a lot of Mac foundations can be kind of orangish on fair/pale skin. I have NC15 and it's perfect for fair skin because it doesn't have an orange tint to it.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No