M.A.C. Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Essence/Serum

Since coming across M.A.C. skin care, I've always wondered why their range don't get enough attention. If you're looking for quality products within a reasonable price range, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend checking out their line. 

I have forgotten how useful an essence/serum is to maintaining healthy skin. There was a time when I applied moisturizer straight on after cleansing and wondered about the change. Sometimes I can skip moisturizer (actually, I do skip it in the morning) with only the Marine-Bright Formula Essence/Serum and my skin is satisfied. Essences/serums penetrate deeper into the epidermis and thus deliver their more potent ingredients within the layers of our skin. There is a considerable difference when I skip serum and only apply moisturizer. So between the two I'd go for the serum, but in the evening do top up with moisturizer. 

It comes in a 30ml white plastic container. Shiny, shiny. I like the lock mechanism on the cap. I think M.A.C.'s skin care products are very well-designed -- practical and visually appealing. 

It's made in Japan, which to me translates to higher quality. Not all of M.A.C.'s skincare are manufactured there though. 

It's a cloudy type of fluid that spreads easily and dries down to a very slight sticky finish. I'm currently using three pumps of this serum day and night right after cleansing. I've noticed a significant change in skin texture since using this -- way, way softer. I like it mainly because it performs well on the moisturizing aspect, and that it contains antioxidants. I also appreciate the fact that this didn't break my skin out at all. But if you are looking for more targeted results from this serum, such as reducing redness and pore size, it doesn't work that far. 

Product description above. 

Ingredients list. Overall, non-sensitive skin types wouldn't go wrong with this serum. It does what a proper serum is supposed to do. But sensitive skin types may find that this doesn't address redness/calming issues, and may want to look further if those are their primary concerns. 

M.A.C. Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Softening Lotion

M.A.C.'s Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Softening Lotion is meant to soften the skin as a pre-serum step, not as a usual toner for removing cleanser residue and/or tightening pores. 

 It comes in Lightful range's white box and silver holographic print. Rings of Austin Powers. 

Psychedelic flaps. 

Hello. 

Safety seal.

It is recommended for day or night use, either poured straight to the palms or soaked in cotton.

A little bit of the clear light yellow liquid is enough for the entire face. It sets into a slightly sticky texture. It preps/moisturizes the skin very well. I recommend it to those with normal to dry skin types with no hypersensitivity issues. It doesn't lessen the redness on my cheeks, but it didn't give any breakouts either. I believe this is the skin-friendliest softener I've tried. It also doesn't contain alcohol (hurrah!). Overall, this makes an excellent softener to those looking for an extra hydration boost prior to applying serum or moisturizer. 

M.A.C. Lip Conditioner

Below is MAC's Lip Conditioner in its white embossed box (Thank you 三姐 for helping me procure this {so much cheaper in Hongkong}.).  

Opening, opening . . . 

White-silvery tube. 

Slanted applicator. 

Back detail.

Texture: Gooey.
Color: Clear.
Scent: Vanilla.
Thoughts: Good hydration. Ok for night use, but Lucas' Papaw Ointment provides way more moisture. If for day use, use alone as it does not sink in lips to act as lip base. Overall, a basic lip balm that hydrates -- no more, no less. 

Ingredients above. 

M.A.C. Fluidline Eye-Liner Gel in Blacktrack and Dipdown

Oh, MAC, how must I think thee? You were my 19th birthday surprise -- an introduction to the world of makeup. You opened solace for dark times, a celebration for happier days, and a whole new perpective on beauty on the human face. Yet you disappoint me more often than not. But, how can I not turn back and revisit time and again?

I'm not new to Fluidline; it was the first gel liner I tried in shades Macroviolet and Rich Ground (Why [horror and amazement] do I still remember the shade names?). They were great, and I liked them better than Bobbi Brown's version. 

Top view.

Uncapped, here in their glass pots. 

Blacktrack top, Dipdown bottom: sooty dark black and deep brown. They are heavily, heavily pigmented and a brush's lightest stroke would deliver a clear line on the lids. Glides on easily with no tugging. Colors are subjective, but to me MAC's translation of black and brown here are just what I envisioned my black and brown liners to be. My only problem is, and this one's a dealbreaker, is they smudge onto my undereyes in no time, which didn't occur before with the other shades. They did seem to be harder though. Perhaps I should wait for these to harden more. In any case, if smudging is not a common problem for you and you take your liner seriously, I highly recommend these Fluidlines. 

Back of it. 

M.A.C. Prep+Prime Moisture Infusion

After an unsuccessful attempt with MAC's Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Moisturizer, I set my sights on MAC's latest birth of a serum, Prep+Prime Moisture Infusion. In Hong Kong's winter weather, this was recommended by MAC as the better serum to use as it keeps in moisture properly. 

Shiny black galactic cardboard box. 

I've never seen a 50ml serum before; usually they come in 30ml's. 

Application instructions.

One pump produces a whitish, transparent glob. 

Blended in. 

I would say this is an average serum. It's supposed to prep the skin for makeup functioning as a primer and serum in one, but again, the hybrid seems not to be working out. Somehow I need three to four pumps to moisturize my face, and even at that it doesn't leave my skin soft and supple. There is a slight rough texture still after this sinks in. Perhaps because it serves two opposite purposes that's why it functions oddly. Moisturizing and priming can be two totally separate steps. I top this off with Sunkiller's Kid's Milk, and as that sunscreen can be quite drying, the combination has not been the best for my skin. One plus is I didn't break out from this product. It is tolerable now, but not spectacular; I doubt I'd be purchasing again in the future. This serum/primer will probably work better for dry skin types.

Ingredients list. 

M.A.C. Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Moisturizer SPF 30 PA++

Off to more skincare from MAC, the Lightful range is catered for sensitive skin-types and the "white-conscious." This range speaks Asian release to me.

The Marine-Bright Formula Moisturizer SPF 30 PA++ comes in a white box with holographic print. It gives off a modern, futuristic look -- spacey and Jetsons kinda theme. 

I purchased this for use as a day moisturizer. I was trying my luck out with moisturizer and sunscreen in one. 

There's something cheap-looking yet very attractive to the packaging. It must be the quality of the bottle that saves it. Nonetheless, it is fine to look at on the vanity table. 

On-off. The lock mechanism is helpful and convenient for travel.

One pump produces a white pea-sized dollop. There is a fragrance to this concoction that is quite fresh and alluring. 

Blended out. 

Somehow, I think this is a good moisturizer for those with trouble-free skin. However, my current skin state seems to work better with serums. My attempted shortcut at hydration and sun protection with this product left my face a greasy mess. A couple of pumps wasn't enough to moisturize my face, while adding a few more left me oily throughout the day. But I must say this lasts a quite a while -- it's been five months and there is still a fourth of the product left by estimation. Now, I solely use this on the neck. 

Ingredients list. 

M.A.C. Cleanse Off Oil

It's easy to overlook MAC's skincare line, given that the brand is better known for makeup. While looking for a cleansing oil replacement, MAC uncharacteristically popped to mind -- and I went off to acquaint myself with its Cleanse Off Oil. 

It comes in a white box embossed with countless MAC on the outer packaging. 

Don't forget the "Back 2 MAC" program; exchange three empty MAC containers for a free lipstick.

The product is packaged snugly. 

The clear plastic bottle makes it easy to see how much product is left.

This pale yellow, lightly scented cleansing oil removes light to medium makeup well, but not as thoroughly as say, Ipsa or Shu Uemura. Although I haven't tried using it on its own, I think it is still necessary to follow up with a foaming/cream cleanser (double cleanse) to thoroughly remove all residue. It is very light in consistency, and should be a nice alternative to heavier oils for oily to combination skin types. However, I always have trouble with blurred vision after using this because the product somehow manages to enter my eyes no matter how tightly I shut them. This rarely occurred with other cleansing oils I've used before. Given its pricepoint, it also doesn't provide adequate skincare benefits. I would expect softer skin after washing with this, of which I have experienced with other brands. Otherwise, this makes a nice, basic cleansing oil -- but sadly, too basic for my tastes. 

Turn-lock. 

More.

Ingredients list.

MAC Prep+Prime Face Protect SPF 50 PA++

A never-ending quest for the right sunscreen that fits the bill led me to the rather unassuming Face Protect SPF 50 PA++ from MAC Prep+Prime.

It comes in a shiny black box with specks of glitter - dark, dreamy, and exciting. 

The tube is similarly sleek and I see can cater to both sexes. 

Sealed for your protection.

Squeezed out it is a white glob of a light cream consistency. The formula is superb -- not sticky and strangely calming to my intolerant skin. This product is also very good at oil control. Paired with a serum underneath, it kept my face matte and clean-looking the whole day, with only a few oils breaking through the nose area. It didn't break me out nor cause any clogged pore. As a bonus, it doesn't even need a separate makeup remover to take off. 

Spread out it dries to an invisible soft matte finish. Overall, an excellent sunscreen and primer that I would recommend to all, even to those with very sensitive skin. 

Application instructions. 

One bottle lasted me over three months. It can be quite tricky to squeeze out the last bits of product but it's nothing that a good pair of scissors can't handle.

Standing up.

Mindless me threw away the container after it was finished (arg!). Exchange three empty MAC containers for a lipstick. 

They print out the date of manufacture in clear numbers now. 

Ingredients list.